Tulsi Ghimire

Tulsi Ghimire Biography

Tulsi Ghimire is a Nepali filmmaker of Indian origin. He is originally from Kalimpong, West Bengal. He is best known for directing Nepali all-time blockbuster, Darpan Chayya in 2001, starring Niruta Singh in the lead role. She played the woman-centric and memorable role of a dying college girl with only 6 months to live, and this single role took her career to new heights. The movie grossed to 70 million Nepali rupee in 2001, the highest collection ever for a Nepali film. In fact the director gave first break to Niruta Singh through Nepali movie Rahar released in 1993. Niruta’s father was a friend of Tulsi, and convinced him to allow Niruta to act in his film. He is also a screenwriter, film editor, cameraman, actor and lyricist in Nepali cinema.

Tulsi Ghimire was born on July 15, 1951 in Kalimpong, West Bengal. He was born to Nepali parents, Dhojman Ghimire and Narbada Ghimire. His brother Shrawan Ghimire is a film producer, who has produced many of Tulsi’s directorial ventures including the all-time blockbuster Darpan Chayya in 2001. Tulsi’s school education was done at Mani Memorial Primary School in Sindeybong and Scottish University Mission Institute (SUMI), Kalimpong. He later graduated from Kalimpong College. His wife Bharati Ghimire is a less-known playback singer. Tulsi's children, Bhawana Ghimire and Panchami Ghimire have also appeared in films as child artists.

To pursue a film career, Tulsi moved to Mumbai in 1974. He spent some time in Mumbai. His mentor and Bollywood editor Kamlakar Karkhanis advised him to make Nepali movies, which he agreed. He made his first Nepali film, Bansuri in 1981 followed by Kusume Rumal in 1985, which was a commercial hit. In fact the movie was based on his own struggles in the professional field. He later made commercial hits such as Lahure, Deuta, Chino, Balidaan, Dakshina and Darpan Chhaya.

Published: January 05, 2020

Updated: January 05, 2020