Dr. Kapil Rijal: Dentist Turned Film Director

Dr. Kapil Rijal is a Nepalese film director, screenwriter, producer, and dental surgeon who has successfully combined a distinguished career in healthcare with a lifelong passion for cinema. Based in the United Kingdom for many years as a practicing dentist and implantologist, he later entered the Nepali film industry with the aim of creating meaningful, socially relevant films.

From an early age, Dr. Rijal developed a deep interest in storytelling, theatre, and filmmaking. Growing up in a family connected to both medicine and the arts, he was inspired by his father, Dr. Bhola Rijal, a renowned physician, lyricist, and film producer in Nepal. While pursuing his medical career, he continued to study cinema, direct short films, and produce music videos, gradually building the experience that would lead him to feature filmmaking.

Before making his feature-film debut, Dr. Rijal directed several short films, including Karma (2021) and Guilt COVID-19, both of which explored contemporary social themes. These projects reflected his growing interest in using cinema as a medium for awareness and social change.

In 2023, Dr. Rijal made his feature directorial debut with Harry Ki Pyari, a romantic drama starring Jitu Nepal, Samragyee R. L. Shah, Bijay Baral, and Laxmi Giri. He also contributed to the film as a writer. The story follows two individuals from different backgrounds whose lives intersect through love, responsibility, and personal sacrifice. The film demonstrated Dr. Rijal's preference for emotionally driven narratives that combine entertainment with social messages.

Following his debut, Dr. Rijal continued his cinematic journey with Gauthali, a film centered on social issues such as gender inequality, education, and child marriage. Through this project, he emphasized authentic Nepali storytelling and sought to present stories rooted in the country's culture and everyday realities.

As a filmmaker, Dr. Rijal believes that cinema should inspire positive social change while remaining accessible to audiences. He has often expressed his preference for portraying ordinary people as heroes, highlighting compassion, resilience, and humanity rather than conventional cinematic stereotypes. His films frequently incorporate themes of healthcare, social responsibility, and family values, reflecting both his medical background and his commitment to public service.

Today, Dr. Kapil Rijal is recognized as one of the few professionals to have successfully balanced careers in medicine and filmmaking. Through his work as a director, writer, and producer, he continues to contribute to the growth of Nepali cinema while encouraging stories that entertain, educate, and inspire.

Dr. Kapil Rijal: A Nepalese-British Dental Surgeon, Entrepreneur, and Community Leader

Dr. Kapil Rijal is a Nepalese-British dental surgeon, entrepreneur, and community leader known for his contributions to dentistry, healthcare, business, and Nepal–United Kingdom relations. Over a professional career spanning several decades, he has established multiple dental practices in England while remaining actively involved in charitable healthcare initiatives, business organizations, and creative media.

Early Life and Education

Originally from Nepal, Dr. Rijal pursued his dental education before continuing advanced professional and academic training in the United Kingdom. He earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) qualification, later completing a Master of Science (MSc) in Implantology at the University of Warwick and an MPhil from the University of Liverpool. His postgraduate education strengthened his expertise in restorative and implant dentistry.

Career in Dentistry

Dr. Rijal has built a successful career as a principal dentist and dental entrepreneur in the United Kingdom. He has been associated with several dental practices, where he focuses on comprehensive patient care, restorative dentistry, and dental implant treatment.

In addition to clinical practice, he has emphasized community outreach by organizing medical and dental camps in rural areas of Nepal. His humanitarian work has provided dental treatment and oral health education to underserved communities.

Entrepreneurship

Alongside his clinical career, Dr. Rijal has developed interests in business and entrepreneurship. His experience extends to managing healthcare enterprises and supporting investment opportunities between Nepal and the United Kingdom. His entrepreneurial work reflects an effort to combine professional healthcare services with sustainable business development.

Leadership and Community Service

Dr. Rijal has played an active role in organizations representing the Nepalese diaspora in the United Kingdom. He served as Chair (formerly President) of the Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce (BNCC), an organization dedicated to strengthening trade, investment, and commercial cooperation between Nepal and the UK.

During his leadership, the chamber promoted business networking, trade missions, investment seminars, and dialogue between entrepreneurs from both countries. He has also participated in forums addressing innovation, technology, and economic cooperation involving Nepal and the United Kingdom.

Research and Academic Interests

Dr. Rijal has contributed to dental research and public health initiatives. His academic interests include oral health promotion and community dentistry, particularly among children and underserved populations. His research has supported efforts to improve oral healthcare awareness and preventive dentistry.

Creative Pursuits

Beyond dentistry and business, Dr. Rijal has maintained an interest in the creative arts. He has directed music videos and has been involved in writing stories and screenplays, demonstrating an engagement with media production alongside his professional career.

Philanthropy

Community service has remained an important aspect of Dr. Rijal's work. Through charitable organizations and volunteer initiatives, he has supported healthcare access, educational activities, and humanitarian programs in both Nepal and the United Kingdom.

Legacy

Dr. Kapil Rijal is recognized as a professional who has combined clinical excellence, entrepreneurship, community leadership, and philanthropy. His work has contributed to the advancement of dental healthcare while also promoting stronger economic and cultural ties between Nepal and the United Kingdom.

Work	Role	Release Date
Hyariki Pyari	Director/Story	3rd FEB 2023
Gaunthali	Director/Producer	July 17, 2026

Ceremony	Category	Result

Dr. Kapil Rijal

Dr. Kapil Rijal

Experience

Awards

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