Basudev-Bidhyadevi Luintel Guthi will award this year’s Basudev Luintel Award to the veteran comedian and actor Santosh Panta, the Guthi have announced. With the award, Panta will receive a cash purse of Rs 111,111.

The Basudev Luintel Award is presented to an artist every year who has helped further the Nepali comedy genre.

Panta has been actively involved in the field of Nepali cinema and TV series for more than two decades. Panta first came to limelight for his lead role in the popular cult classic Hijo Aaja ka Kura. The serial was immensely popular when Nepali television was at its infancy and was acclaimed for its sharp socio-political satire. The show established Panta as a household name.

According to the Guthi, the Award will be presented to Panta at a function to be organised on September 8, on the occasion of author Luintel’s birthday.

The Guthi was established, in 1994, by the author and publisher Luintel, and has been annually honouring artists for their contribution to Nepali comedy ever since.