Bhairav Bahadur Thapa, born on 17 February 1933 in Kamal Pokhari, Kathmandu, is celebrated as Nepal’s first dance director and a transformative figure in the country’s cultural history. Raised in a musical household, his passion for dance blossomed early and shaped a remarkable career.
In the early 1950s, Thapa joined the British Army in Gorakhpur at the age of 17. His exceptional dance abilities earned him nicknames such as Nepali Tarzan, Nepali Babu, and Dancer. During the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, his performance was so captivating that it earned him a six-month leave from senior British officers.
Upon his return to Nepal on 19 June 1953, he was discovered by renowned playwrights Bhim Nidhi Tiwari and Balkrishna Sama. With their support, he founded the Bhairav Nritya Dal on 21 February 1954, officially transitioning from military life to a lifelong dedication to dance.
Thapa’s influence on Nepali dance is profound. He created new dance styles and revitalized traditional forms such as Machua, Raila, Tappa, Jhayure, and Sorathi. Many artists trained under him have gone on to make significant contributions to the Nepali arts.
- Nepali Nritya Ra Saririk Prabeshika (2022 BS) – a school curriculum book,
- Dhoka (2030 BS) – a poetry collection,
- Two autobiographies: Hindhda Hindhdai Baneka Tasbir Haru and Bhairav Lai Herne Akhaharu (2009),
For his invaluable contributions, Thapa was awarded the prestigious Jagadamba Shree Puraskar in 2077 BS (2020). At 89, his legacy continues to inspire generations and define the identity of Nepali dance.
