For over a decade, Durgesh Thapa has been a popular figure among youth, known for his work in singing and modeling. A widely recognized celebrity, he has established himself as a household name in the Nepali entertainment industry. But few know that before his rise to fame, Durgesh Thapa was once a soldier in the Indian Army.
Durgesh Thapa was born in Sikkim, India. At the age of 12, he returned to Baglung, Nepal, with his mother. As the eldest son in the family, there were high expectations placed upon him. From an early age, Durgesh displayed a keen interest in Lok Dohori music and would often hum tunes with great enthusiasm. However, his parents had different dreams for him — they wanted him to follow in the footsteps of his father and become an Indian soldier.
Durgesh spent his adolescence in Baglung, where he completed his School Leaving Certificate (SLC) from Shrijana Higher Secondary School. Later, he moved to India, staying there for three years before returning to Nepal. At the age of 18, following family pressure, he joined the Indian Army, just like his father. However, Durgesh was deeply dissatisfied with this decision. In the past, it was common for sons to be compelled to take up the same profession as their fathers — a superstition and societal norm that Durgesh was forced to accept.
Although Durgesh was officially recruited into the Indian Army, he found the atmosphere oppressive. The dominance of senior officers and the lack of respect towards lower-ranked soldiers demoralized him. Unable to cope, he decided to abandon the training. This unexpected move deeply hurt his parents, and from that moment on, he felt their affection and support begin to fade. The unsupportive environment at home left Durgesh feeling emotionally crushed and directionless.
In this difficult time, Basanta Thapa — the son of Durgesh’s uncle — stepped in as a mentor and guide. A professional singer and musician based in Kathmandu, Basanta showed him compassion and promised to help however he could. With renewed hope, Durgesh moved to Kathmandu and met Basanta. After learning the details of Durgesh’s struggles, Basanta advised him to join the Krishna Dance Club to pursue his passion for music and dance.
Durgesh trained at the club for seven months, but unfortunately, no significant opportunities came his way. He performed in more than 60 music videos as a background dancer, earning just Rs. 250 per chorus — barely enough to cover his basic needs. Often, he survived on instant noodles and even spent several nights sleeping alongside street children near the Kantipur Mall.
To support himself further, Durgesh began working at a dance bar in Teku, where he was also allowed to perform. However, one day he was expelled from the bar over a minor mistake — a moment he recalls as one of the most painful in his life.
In 2066 B.S. (2009 A.D.), Durgesh finally got his breakthrough with the song "Adharo Ma Jun Lagako". This opportunity marked a turning point in his life. Not only did he sing the track, but he also starred in the music video, which was presented by Basanta Thapa. From that moment on, his talent began to shine.
Gradually, Durgesh's creativity and hard work paid off. In a short span of time, he acted as a model in over 2,500 music videos and lent his voice to more than 25 songs. Today, he is one of the most sought-after and respected figures in the Nepali entertainment industry.
Durgesh Thapa enjoys popularity across all age groups. Though he is a talented singer, audiences often recognize and admire him more as a model. His journey — from a struggling youth in Baglung to a celebrated star — is an inspiring testament to perseverance, self-belief, and the pursuit of passion.
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