Who is Bidhya Chapagain?
Bidhya Chapagain is a well-known Nepali journalist, storyteller, and media personality. She is best known as the co-founder of the popular web documentary series “Herne Katha.” In addition, she was the first woman to host the BBC Media Action debate show, Sajha Sawal. Now, she is a well-known figure in independent journalism. Throughout her career, she has brought untold stories to light, providing a platform to marginalized voices and redefining the way Nepali stories are narrated in the digital age.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Bidhya Chapagain
- Date of Birth: May 24, 1983
- Birthplace: Gothatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Nationality: Nepali
- Education: Journalism degree, Tribhuvan University (Ratna Rajya Campus)
- Profession: Journalist, Storyteller, Media Entrepreneur
- Known For: Sajha Sawal (BBC Media Action), Herne Katha
- Awards: Best Documentary – KIMFF 2018 (The Man Who Died Once), Audience Award – KIMFF 2022 (Bagh Ko Bangara)
- YouTube Milestone: 2M+ subscribers (Herne Katha, 2025), @hernekatha
- Social Media Reach: 1.2M+ followers on Facebook ( @chapagainbidhya) (2025), 116K+ followers on Instagram (@cbidhya) (2025)
Early Life and Education
Bidhya Chapagain was born on May 24, 1983, in Gothatar, Kathmandu. She was raised in a simple family, and most of her childhood was spent working on the farm, assisting her parents. Nevertheless, she developed a love for storytelling by listening to the radio and reading newspapers with her brother. Her mother, who was married off at an early age, strongly supported Bidhya’s education. As a result, Bidhya continued to study higher, and eventually received a degree in Journalism from Tribhuvan University, Ratna Rajya Campus.
Career in Journalism: Bidhya Chapagain’s Journey
Early Career
Bidhya started her career working in radio, print, and television. Thanks to her brave reporting and natural storytelling skills made her stand out in the Nepali media industry.
Sajha Sawal (2014 – 2018)
Bidhya Chapagain was the first woman to host the popular debate show Sajha Sawal. The show started in July 2014 on Kantipur Television. Through this platform, she connected with local communities in Nepal, discussing the major issues of the time. Consequently, the program was a great success. However, Bidhya felt limited by its format. This pushed her to explore new paths in journalism.
Herne Katha (2018 – present)
In 2018, Bidhya Chapagain and Kamal Kumar released Herne Katha, a web documentary series mainly found on YouTube. It targets the real lives of common Nepali people, their plights, determination, and ambitions.
Since then, Herne Katha has become one of Nepal’s most influential storytelling platforms, having:
- 1,630,000+ YouTube subscribers (as of September 2025),
- 217 million+ total views,
- YouTube Gold Play Button recognition,
- Strong emotional attachments to audiences both in Nepal and beyond.
Awards and Recognition
Bidhya Chapagain’s work with Herne Katha has gained both national and international notice. She has received:
- Best Documentary Award at KIMFF 2018 for The Man Who Died Once.
- Audience Award KIMFF 2022 for Bagh Ko Bangara.
- Regular commendations for propagating independent journalism and empowerment of the marginalized communities through narrative.
Legacy and Impact of Bidhya Chapagain
Bidhya Chapagain has redefined what it means to be a Nepali journalist in the digital era. Her brave reporting and caring storytelling have made her a hero to future journalists. Furthermore, her journey from listening to stories to co-founding one of the most popular documentary sites in Nepal is a motivating tale of belief and ideas.
Nowadays, as Herne Katha is gaining more popularity, the legacy of Chapagain is in her capacity to transform ordinary lives into extraordinary tales. Ultimately, this shows that good journalism is not just about headlines; it is also about humanity.
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