Veteran Makeup Artist Ashok Roka Passes Away

Senior makeup artist Ashok Roka has passed away, leaving the Nepali film industry in deep mourning. The Film Technicians Association and the Film Development Board issued separate condolence statements expressing their grief over his death.

According to Association President Prem Bomjan and Pushkar Lama, Roka died on Thursday evening at a house in Ghattakulo. His passing has left the entire Nepali film community shocked, heartbroken, and in sorrow.

Roka had been actively involved in the Nepali film industry since 1983/84, contributing for more than four decades. Working behind the scenes, he played a vital role in shaping actors’ appearances by giving them lifelike looks, expressions, and character-appropriate styling.

He worked on more than 100 films, including Jwala, Uttal, Allare, Aafno Manche, Chandani, Arjun, Devta, Adikavi Bhanubhakta, Naso, Nai Nabhannu La, Chino, Dharmasankat, and Mayajbar, making a significant contribution to the development of the Nepali film industry.

Roka also worked as a makeup artist in the Nepal Television serial Chakrabyuh. He viewed makeup not just as a profession, but as an art, a discipline, and a form of devotion. His dedication, discipline, and commitment to cinema have continuously inspired the younger generation.

His death is being described as an irreparable loss to the Nepali film sector, which has lost an experienced, humble, and devoted creative professional. Tributes have been paid to him, along with heartfelt condolences extended to his family, relatives, and the entire film community.

According to NEFTA President Pushkar Lama, Roka’s body will be kept at Pashupati Aryaghat on Friday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM for final tributes. He has urged all members of the film industry to attend and pay their last respects.