Rishi Dhamala | |
|---|---|
| Born | Durga Raj Dhamala November 12, 1970 Dhading District, Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepalese |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, media personality |
| Organization | Reporter's Club Nepal |
| Known for | Founder of Reporter's Club Nepal |
| Spouse | Alpha Dhamala |
| Children | 2 |
Rishi Dhamala (born Durga Raj Dhamala; November 12, 1970) is a Nepalese journalist and media personality. He is the founder and chairman of the Reporter's Club Nepal, an organization that provides a platform for journalists and political leaders to interact on current affairs in Nepal. Dhamala is known for his outspoken style and his involvement in Nepalese television talk shows.
Dhamala was born in Dhading District, Nepal, and later moved to Kathmandu to pursue education and a career in journalism. Details regarding his formal education are not widely documented, but he became active in the media sector during the early years of Nepal's multiparty democracy in the 1990s.
Dhamala began his career as a reporter and soon became one of the prominent figures in Kathmandu’s media circles. He founded the Reporter's Club Nepal, an independent platform that organizes public interactions among journalists, policymakers, and political leaders. The club has hosted numerous press meets, debates, and civic events on political, social, and media issues.
Alongside his organizational role, Dhamala hosts several talk shows such as Bani Bahas on Nepal Bani Network and Janata Janna Chahanchhan on Prime Times Television. His interviewing style is recognized for being direct and sometimes controversial. He has also written opinion articles and columns in national newspapers.
Dhamala is one of the most recognized figures in Nepali broadcast journalism. His interviewing style and outspoken approach have received both public attention and criticism. He is sometimes regarded as a symbol of Nepal’s aggressive talk-show culture, while others have questioned his methods of journalism.
In February 2009, Dhamala was arrested by Nepalese authorities on allegations of association with the underground armed group Ranvir Sena. After spending several weeks in custody, he was released by the Patan Appellate Court in April 2009 for lack of evidence. [1] [2]
Dhamala appeared in the 2018 Nepali film Viral Gorkhe, in which he portrayed himself as a journalist. [3]
Dhamala is married to Alpha Dhamala, who is also a media professional. They have two children. Outside journalism, he is involved in social and community activities through his organization.