Speaker of the Legislature Parliament Onsari Gharti Magar, along with U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, Alaina B. Teplitz, launched Singha Durbar, a Nepali political television drama.

Speaking during the launch event, Ambassador Teplitz stated, "Singha Durbar is about more than the novelty of a female Prime Minister.  It’s about the day-to-day truths of a thriving democracy -- partnership and collaboration between citizens and their leaders."

According to a press release issued by USAID, Singha Durbar features celebrated Nepali actress Gauri Malla as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, and features supporting stars such as Bhintuna Joshi as the prime minister’s secretary and Alok Thapa as a blogger. The half-hour, 13-episode series, funded by USAID and produced by Search for Common Ground (SFCG), will air on Nepal Television every Sunday evening at 8:50 p.m. beginning November 15. 

Tsering Rhitar Sherpa, director of the series, shared, "Singha Durbar uses an entertaining, drama format to show politics from the vantage point of Nepal’s political leaders.  We want citizens to feel some empathy for politicians who are making difficult decisions, reveal the complexity of real-life issues, connect people to their political system and encourage a sense of responsibility so they engage with that system.”

"Each episode has been thoroughly researched, and covers issues that touch the lives of the Nepali people from climate change to healthcare,” said Abinash Bikram Shah, lead writer for the drama. “Our hope is not only to deepen understanding of Nepal’s evolving government, but demonstrate how citizens can get involved in the process.”