Nineteen years ago, a small-budget Nepali film was shot entirely in Sikkim. Celebrated local artist Danny Denzongpa played the lead role. The film also featured popular Nepali artists Bhuwan KC and Tripti, Muralidhar from Nepal, and Rakshya, the child artiste. The film ‘Saino’ was a huge success, and the music set by Ranjit Gazmer is part of a fairy tale. Each of its seven songs holds a legendary status sung by singers like Asha Bhonsle, Udit Narayan, Deepa Narayan, Kumar Kancha, Muralidhar, and Danny himself. The film was shot in a short span and directed by Ugen Chopel, who became a famed director of Nepali cinema. Saino was more than a cinematic brilliance with dialogues of character actors getting mass appreciation. Who can forget the lines like “ daiba ko daya lay ….and the Pukar Gurung’s act with his signature line…” koi cha mah sangha khelnay ”. Saino was later made into Bengali and Hindi films but with little success. But its Hindi serial version...
Proud to be a Sikkimese is the definitive digital encyclopedia of Sikkim State. Since 2007, we have archived the rich heritage of the Himalayas, from the history of the Namgyal dynasty to the vibrant cultures of the Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali communities. Explore expert insights on Sikkim travel, Buddhist monasteries, folklore, and biodiversity.