MEET BHUTAN’S TOP THREE LEADING MEN
It was only in the late 80s when the first feature film Gasa Lami Singye was released that the Bhutanese movie industry came to life. Ever since, over 350 films have been produced and screened in the country till date. With an increase in demand, the trend, it seems, will keep on soaring.
The lure of the silver screen is as strong in Bhutan as it is in Hollywood or Bollywood. And, so, we have our own list of stars and celebrities, too. While our silver screen stars might not be hounded by the paparazzi like their international counterparts, they are definitely loved and idolized by the Bhutanese public. Allow us to introduce you to three of our most popular reel heroes.
Chencho Dorji
Grounded and amiable, Chencho Dorji began his acting career in 2006. Although it was a negative role that he bagged for the film Tshering Meto, film critics and the public loved his performance. Soon, the producers offered him another role in the movie Golden Cup – this time as a leading man. And he didn’t disappoint.
Today, Chencho Dorji is a heartthrob in the Bhutanese film industry and regularly interacts with his fans and encourages them to follow their passions when it comes to arts, theater, and films. Having featured in countless number of movies and after romancing some of the prettiest ladies on screen, budding actors do take his words very seriously.
‘It is an interesting career path but it requires a good temperament, creativity, interest, responsibility, dedication and punctuality,’ he says to aspiring actors. ‘Simple things make a huge difference in the overall performance of an actor and to the movie itself.’
Tshering Phuntshok
His foray into the silver screen happened by chance. His good friend also the producer of his first film Singye Galeem persuaded him to try his hand at acting. Although reluctant, Tshering Phuntshok decided to give it a shot. The rest, as they say, is history.
Known to be a choosy actor when it comes to scripts, he believes acting has made him a better human being. Also, he derives great satisfaction from his line of work. ‘I get to live different lives because of the roles I portray, and this gives me a deeper understanding of people,’ he said to a local media outlet.
One of the most sought after actors in the country, Tshering Phuntshok is known to be very humble, hardworking, generous and a total charmer. Those who know him well, and those who’ve worked with him, describe him as a fun loving and humorous individual. As far as his Bhutanese fans are concerned, they just can’t get enough of him. And, we’re sure he’ll continue to entice and enthrall for a long time to come.
Sangay Tsheltrim
Before making his foray into films, Sangay Tsheltrim was a soldier, and had served in the Royal Body Guards. He took voluntary retirement in 2013 to pursue his passion for bodybuilding. He has represented Bhutan in various bodybuilding competitions abroad and has won the Mr. Bhutan title in 2017.
His first feature film was an action packed thriller called Singye. It received critical acclaim and won him multiple awards. With his tough looks, well built physique and his knack for action and stunts, he caught the attention of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan – who offered him the role of a villain in his film Radhe. Sangay portrayed the character named Lota in the 2021 Hindi-language action thriller.
His latest release is another Bhutanese action thriller called Lingopen.
Sangay believes his success is because of his passion and dedication towards his craft. A fitness freak and a boxing enthusiast, his intense performances coupled with his knack to get under the skin of the characters he portrays leave fans wanting for more. Loved across the country as an action figure, Sangay indeed has a massive following.