The 47-year-old artiste’s funeral cortege had started late in the evening after his body was brought in at the Tribhuvan International Airport. From the airport, the body was taken through Sinamangal, Tinkune, Naya Baneshwor, Maitighar and all the way to the Nepal Academy, Kamaladi, where people paid their last respects to the star. The procession came to an end at Aryaghat, where the final rites were performed.

Shrestha, who had been bed ridden with pneumonia, was undergoing treatement at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, where he was declared dead at around 5 am on August 10. He had long been suffering from diabetes and an intestine-related disorder, for which he had also undergone surgery.

Born in Sindupalchok district, the actor is best remembered for his dancing skills. He had married his long-time girlfriend, actress Sweta Khadka, on July 7 this year. The duo had met during the shooting of the film Kaha Bhetiyela, which Shrestha himself had produced.

Shrestha made his debut in the film industry with the film Bhumari some 25 years ago and has around a hundred titles to his name, along with more than two dozen hits, including some memorable flicks like Ye Mero Hajur, Afno Manche, Aafanta, Hami Tin Bhai, Sukha Dukha, Kahan Bheteyela and Rajamati. The last film that Shrestha acted in was Kohinoor. The film co-stars his wife Khadka, and is currently being screened countrywide. The film was released last Friday. In a voice memo from last week, Shrestha had spoken of his wish to be back in Kathmandu, attending the screening with his fans.