Rishi Dhamala
Rishi Dhamala | |
|---|---|
| ऋषि धमला | |
| Born | Durga Raj Dhamala November 12, 1966 Dhading District, Nepal |
| Occupations | Journalist, media personality |
| Organization(s) | Reporter's Club Nepal, Prime Times Television |
| Known for | Journalism |
| Political party | Janadesh Party |
| Spouse | Aliza Gautam |
| Children | 2 |
Rishi Dhamala (Nepali: ऋषि धमला) is a Nepalese ex-politician and former renowned journalist hosting talk various shows.[1] He is the founder and chairman of the Reporter's Club Nepal, Prime Time Television and is known widely for his outspoken style and his involvement in Nepalese television talk shows.[2] Dhamala is also the patron of Janadesh Party led by Raman Kumar Karna.[3]
Early life and education
Dhamala was born in Dhading District, Nepal, and later moved to Kathmandu to pursue education and a career in journalism. Details regarding his formal education are not widely documented, but he became active in the media sector during the early years of Nepal's multiparty democracy in the 1990s.[4]
Career
Dhamala began his career as a reporter and soon became one of the prominent figures in Kathmandu’s media circles. He founded the Reporter's Club Nepal, an independent platform that organizes public interactions among journalists, policymakers, and political leaders. The club has hosted numerous press meets, debates, and civic events on political, social, and media issues.
Alongside his organizational role, Dhamala hosts several talk shows such as Bani Bahas on Nepal Bani Network and Janata Janna Chahanchhan on Prime Times Television. His interviewing style is recognized for being direct and sometimes controversial. He has also written opinion articles and columns in national newspapers.
Media perception
Dhamala is one of the most recognized figures in Nepali broadcast journalism. His interviewing style and outspoken approach have received both public attention and criticism. He is sometimes regarded as a symbol of Nepal’s aggressive talk-show culture, while others have questioned his methods of journalism.
Legal issues
In February 2009, Dhamala was arrested by Nepalese authorities on allegations of association with the underground armed group Ranvir Sena. After spending several weeks in custody, he was released by the Patan Appellate Court in April 2009 for lack of evidence.[4][5]
Film appearance
Dhamala appeared in the 2018 Nepali film Viral Gorkhe, in which he portrayed himself as a journalist.[6]
Personal life
Dhamala is married to Aliza Gautam, who is also a media professional. They have two children. Outside journalism, he is involved in social and community activities through his organization.
See also
References
- ^ "Journalist Rishi Dhamala files candidacy from Rautahat-4". myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com. 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ^ "Nobody does Rishi Dhamala better than Rishi Dhamala". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ^ "Rishi Dhamala becomes patron of newly formed Janadesh Party". Khabarhub. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ^ a b "Nobody does Rishi Dhamala better than Rishi Dhamala". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
- ^ "CIB arrests Navaraj Aryal, who claims to be an eyewitness to Nirmala murder case; Rishi Dhamala interrogated". Khabarhub. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
- ^ "Journalist Rishi Dhamala debuts in Bollywood-style Nepali film". Online Khabar. 2018-06-11.