Arun Chhetri Will Play Haribansha Acharya in Two Biographical Films
Actor Arun Chhetri has been cast as legendary comedian and actor Haribansha Acharya in ‘Ma Madan Krishna’, the upcoming biographical film based on the life of veteran Nepali artist Madan Krishna Shrestha.
The announcement answers one of the biggest questions surrounding the ambitious biopic: who would portray Haribansha, Madan Krishna’s longtime artistic partner and the other half of Nepal’s iconic comedy duo, Maha Jodi?
In real life, Haribansha has remained closely connected to Madan Krishna’s artistic journey for decades. On screen, Arun will now portray that extraordinary professional partnership alongside actor Mahesh Tripathi, who has been selected to play Madan Krishna.
The production team has also revealed that Arun has signed another film based on Haribansha Acharya’s life. He will therefore portray Haribansha in both ‘Ma Madan Krishna’ and a separate biopic planned as part of the same series of films.
Director Milan Chams confirmed that Arun was selected after the team searched for an actor capable of delivering a strong and convincing performance.
“We have cast Arun as Haribansha in ‘Ma Madan Krishna’. At the same time, we have also signed him to play Haribansha Dai in the biopic that will be made about his life,” Chams said.
The director added that the filmmakers reached Arun while looking for a performer with the required acting ability and screen presence. “We believe audiences will appreciate him in the role of Haribansha,” he said.
Arun Chhetri Takes On a Major Career Challenge
Playing Haribansha Acharya is expected to be one of the most demanding roles of Arun Chhetri’s career.
Haribansha is not only one of Nepal’s most recognisable entertainers but also a comedian, actor, writer and singer whose performances have remained part of the country’s popular culture for generations.
Rather than merely imitating Haribansha’s appearance or mannerisms, Arun will face the challenge of capturing his personality, humour, emotional range and artistic chemistry with Madan Krishna.
His pairing with Mahesh Tripathi is therefore likely to become one of the most closely watched elements of ‘Ma Madan Krishna’.
Arun is currently drawing attention for his role in ‘Gaunthali’, described by the production announcement as a box-office success. His selection for two connected biographical projects marks another significant step in his film career.
Mahesh Tripathi and Arun Chhetri to Recreate Maha Jodi
Madan Krishna Shrestha and Haribansha Acharya are collectively known as Maha Jodi, one of the most celebrated artistic partnerships in Nepali entertainment.
Through comedy programmes, stage performances, television productions, films, songs and socially conscious satire, the duo has entertained audiences while commenting on society and everyday life.
Their friendship and creative collaboration are expected to form an important part of ‘Ma Madan Krishna’.
Mahesh Tripathi will play Madan Krishna, while Arun Chhetri will appear as Haribansha. Their ability to recreate the warmth, humour and creative understanding associated with Maha Jodi could play a major role in how audiences respond to the biopic.
Keki Adhikari to Play Madan Krishna’s Wife Yashoda
Actress Keki Adhikari has been cast as Yashoda, Madan Krishna Shrestha’s late wife. Yashoda was an important part of Madan Krishna’s personal journey, and their relationship is expected to give the film much of its emotional depth.
According to the details announced by the production team, the biopic will explore Madan Krishna’s childhood, his years as a government employee, his entry into the entertainment industry and his long collaboration with Haribansha.
The film will also address his inter-caste marriage, family life, personal struggles and the major highs and lows that shaped his journey.
Rather than focusing only on his fame, ‘Ma Madan Krishna’ is expected to present the experiences, sacrifices and relationships behind one of Nepal’s most respected artistic personalities.
Supporting Cast Includes Rajaram Paudel and Kiran KC
The film has assembled a supporting cast featuring several familiar names from Nepali cinema and comedy.
Rajaram Paudel, Kiran KC, Rusha Neupane, Yaman Shrestha and Deshbhakta Khanal are among the actors confirmed for the project.
The presence of performers who have shared professional and personal connections with Nepal’s comedy industry could help the film recreate different stages of Madan Krishna’s life and career.
Further details about their individual characters have not yet been officially disclosed.
Milan Chams Returns to the Biopic Genre
‘Ma Madan Krishna’ will be directed by Milan Chams, who previously directed the sports biopic ‘Anjila’.
‘Anjila’ was inspired by the life of Nepal women’s national football team goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba. Chams has also worked on ‘Blind Rocks’, a film inspired by the life of visually impaired motivational speaker Shristi KC.
With ‘Ma Madan Krishna’, the director is turning his attention to a personality whose life is closely connected to the history and development of Nepal’s modern entertainment industry.
The film will be presented by Vintage Motion Pictures and produced by Rajkumar Shrestha.
Digital Rights Acquired by OSR Digital
OSR Digital has acquired the digital rights to ‘Ma Madan Krishna’. The production side has described the agreement as a record-value deal, citing the film’s brand value and public interest. However, the exact financial amount has not been publicly revealed.
The film is scheduled to begin shooting in the second week of Bhadra, according to the announced production plan. Rich Entertainment, Apple Entertainment and FD Company are set to handle its distribution.
A theatrical release date has not yet been officially announced.
Growing Curiosity Around ‘Ma Madan Krishna’
The announcement of Arun Chhetri as Haribansha Acharya adds another layer of anticipation to the project.
Biographical films based on living cultural icons often face high expectations, particularly when audiences are deeply familiar with the personalities being portrayed.
For ‘Ma Madan Krishna’, the performances of Mahesh Tripathi, Arun Chhetri and Keki Adhikari will be central to recreating the private and public life of Madan Krishna Shrestha.
The decision to cast Arun in both ‘Ma Madan Krishna’ and a separate Haribansha Acharya biopic also indicates that the filmmakers are planning a connected series exploring the lives behind Maha Jodi.
How Arun recreates Haribansha’s distinct personality and how he builds the legendary Maha Jodi chemistry with Mahesh Tripathi will now remain one of the film’s biggest attractions.
