Dayahang Rai Biography – Nepal’s Versatile Actor and Cultural Icon
Dayahang Rai Biography – Nepal’s Versatile Actor and Cultural Icon
Full Name: Dayahang Rai
Date of Birth: April 13, 1980
Birthplace: Khawa, Bhojpur District, Nepal
Nationality: Nepalese
Profession: Actor, Director, Playwright
Years Active: 2002–present
Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Known For: Kabaddi series, Loot, White Sun, Jaari
Organization: Co-founder of Mandala Theatre, Nepal
Early Life and Education
Dayahang Rai was born on April 13, 1980, in Khawa, a remote village in the Bhojpur District of Eastern Nepal. He is the middle child in a family of seven, with two younger sisters and an older brother. His parents, Tilak Ram Rai and Chandra Devi Rai, belong to the Bantawa Rai community of the Kirat ethnic group.
From a young age, Dayahang was captivated by the stories his mother told him, which sparked his interest in acting. He completed his lower secondary education at Pashupati Lower Secondary School and high school at Annapurna Secondary School in Dilpa, Bhojpur, in 1998. He then pursued intermediate studies in Geography at Bhojpur Multiple College. In 2001, he moved to Kathmandu and enrolled in the Ratna Rajya Campus (now Manawiki Campus) as a Journalism major but soon shifted his focus entirely to theater.
Acting Career
Dayahang Rai began his acting journey in theater and gained recognition through television series such as Yuva, Dalan, and Hamro Team. He made his film debut with Anagarik in 2006. His breakthrough came with the 2012 film Loot, where his portrayal of Gopal garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
He is best known for his role as Kaji in the Kabaddi film series, which includes:
- Kabaddi (2014)
- Kabaddi Kabaddi (2015)
- Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi (2019)
- Kabaddi 4: The Final Match (2022)
Other notable films include:
- Dasdhunga (2009)
- Talakjung vs Tulke (2014)
- White Sun (2016), Nepal’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards
- Jaari (2023), a film based on the Limbu community’s traditions, which became one of the highest-grossing Nepali films of all time
As of 2025, Dayahang has starred in over 50 films, showcasing his versatility across various genres.
Theater Contributions
Beyond cinema, Dayahang is a prominent figure in Nepali theater. He co-founded the Mandala Theatre in Kathmandu, providing a platform for emerging artists and contributing significantly to the development of contemporary Nepali theater.
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Personal Life
Dayahang Rai married Nepali singer Benuka Rai in 2006. The couple has two sons, Samduhang Rai and Sinchunghang Rai. Despite his fame, Dayahang maintains a grounded lifestyle, often emphasizing the importance of family and cultural roots.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Dayahang Rai’s estimated net worth is approximately $4.58 million, making him one of the wealthiest actors in Nepal.
Awards and Recognitions
Dayahang Rai’s talent has been recognized with several awards:
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National Film Awards (Nepal):
- Best Supporting Actor for Dasdhunga (2009)
- Best Actor for Sambodhan (2015)
- Best Actor for Kabaddi Kabaddi (2016)
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LG Award:
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Best Actor for Kabaddi Kabaddi (2014)
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Social Media Presence
Stay connected with Dayahang Rai through his official social media accounts:
- Instagram: @dayahangrai – 466K followers
- Facebook: @dayahangrai – 1.5M followers
- Twitter: @dayahangrai – 31.8K followers
Note: All information is accurate as of May 2025. For the latest updates, follow Dayahang Rai on his official social media channels