Sagar Lamsal ousted from ‘Paanch Pandav’
The production team has decided not to include any of his footage in the final cut.
KATHMANDU: Actor Sagar Lamsal, popularly known as ‘Bale’, has been removed from the upcoming Nepali film Paanch Pandav after a rape allegation surfaced against him on social media by a young woman studying in the United States.
Production company Kalirani Films Pvt. Ltd. announced the decision through an official press statement on April 3, citing ethical grounds.
The company confirmed that Lamsal will no longer be part of the film and that all his scenes will be re-shot with a replacement actor.
According to the statement, filming had been underway in Jhapa and nearby areas since March 16, with nearly 90 percent of Lamsal’s scenes already completed when the controversy emerged.
The production team has decided not to include any of his footage in the final cut.
Presenter Naveen Shrestha acknowledged that removing an actor after completing most of the shoot would result in significant financial loss.
However, he emphasized that such losses are minor compared to the pain of the alleged victim.
“The film cannot include anyone accused of such a serious crime,” the statement read, adding that continuing to work with the actor could undermine the justice process. The company has officially terminated its contract with Lamsal effective immediately.
The producers have also called for a thorough investigation into the case and stressed that the victim should receive justice as soon as possible.
While Lamsal is expected to pursue legal avenues, the production team stated that retaining him would be inappropriate given the ethical concerns.
Directed by Basanta Niraula, Paanch Pandav features a star-studded cast including Hari Bansha Acharya, Jeetu Nepal, Aryan Sigdel, Deepa Shree Niraula, and Mahesh Tripathi.
The production has not yet disclosed who will replace Lamsal in the film.
