Actor Capt. Purna Limbu Wins Best Actor Award at Nepal Indigenous Film Festival 2025

London, July 22, 2025 — Retired British Army Captain and actor Purna Limbu has won the Best Actor Award for his performance in the film “Namlo” at the Nepal Indigenous Film Festival 2025, organized by the Nepal Scotland Association in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Capt. Limbu, who also presented the film Namlo, received high praise from the jury panel for his compelling performance. The movie, rooted in social responsibility, narrates the real-life story of a porter, highlighting their struggles and resilience.

Speaking after receiving the award, Capt. Limbu said the recognition has inspired him to pursue further excellence in filmmaking. He added that Namlo was created with the hope of contributing to clean water and infrastructure development in Khamling village of Sankhuwasabha, Nepal—where the story is based. Capt. Limbu is a retired officer of the British Gurkha Army.

Directed by Hemanta Tamang, Namlo has already been screened in several Nepali cities including Dharan, Itahari, Nunthaki, Pokhari, Chainpur, and Khamling. The first international special screening is scheduled to take place in Ashford, London, on July 27, 2025.

The festival also honoured several other indigenous-themed Nepali films and artists across multiple categories:

Indigenous Film Awards
Best Screenplay: Hemanta Krishna Pandhak (Hangnanda)

Best Actor: Purna Limbu (Namlo)

Best Actress: Ashisma Nakarmi (Lakhe Aju)

Best Director Jury Award: Sagar Kerung (Chhe)

Best Director: Pritam Gurung (Mukhia)

Best Film: Sugup

Special Mention Award: Nachong

Mainstream Films with Indigenous Themes
Best Screenplay: Mahesh Rai (Gaun Aayeko Bato)

Best Supporting Actress: Srijana Subba (Anjila)

Best Supporting Actor: Mao Tse Gurung (Anjila)

Best Debut Actor: Ritesh Chams (Gurkha Warrior)

Best Debut Actress: Srijana Ninglekhu (Karsang)

Best Actor: Dayahang Rai (Gaun Aayeko Bato)

Best Actress: Miruna Magar (Ghar Jamai)

Best Director: Milan Chams (Anjila)

Best Film: Gaun Aayeko Bato

Short Film & Documentary Awards
Best Short Film: Khil

Short Film Jury Award: Lailasa Paraheke

Best Documentary: Everest Mom

Documentary Jury Award: Divine Dilemma

In addition to film recognitions, the festival also honored contributors to cinema and media based in the UK. Arun Kumar Pradhan, President of the Nepal Filmmakers Association, Province No. 1, confirmed the awards.

The jury panel included director Dipendra Lama, Sangeeta Shrestha, Bollywood executive producer Rajendra Ghimire, producer Jyoti Raj Rai, director Pritam Gurung, and Canadian-based actor Rajkumar Rai.

The festival was graced by Nepal’s Ambassador to the UK, Chandra Kumar Ghimire, as the chief guest, with Edinburgh MP Fezal Choudhury as a special guest. Among the notable attendees were UK-based film personalities Manish Shrestha, Binod Chipalu, Sanam Kumar Bairag, Shashi Thapa Subba, Srijana Subba, and marathon runner Santosh Rai, alongside a large representation of the Nepali community.

Source: Divya Rosani Online