1984–1990: Modelling, Film Debut and Breakthrough

Before entering the film industry, Hamal modeled for a magazine in India named Fashion Net while studying at the University of Delhi.^[9] He appeared in a fashion show organized by the Indian Embassy Women's Association in the late 1980s.^[9]

Hamal's first starring role was in Bhagya Rekha (1988), opposite Karishma Manandhar. However, Manandhar left the project and was replaced by Kristi Mainali. Filming began, but director Deepak Rayamajhi suspected an affair between Hamal and Mainali, which led to both actors leaving the project.^[10][11] Rayamajhi's film was successful, and he then signed Mainali and Hamal for his next film, which was Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1991).^[12] The plot of this movie follows two young couples who are impacted by the pressure of family rivalries. Besides Hamal and Mainali, the film was the debut of producer Chhabiraj Ojha and action director Rajendra Khadgi. Hamal later told Teenz: "Actually, somewhere inside, I always wanted to act. More than acting, I was fascinated by films. I wanted something in this field, but I did not know how to begin. Luckily, my cousin was in the film industry, and he offered me a role. That was in 1990, and at that time, I did not know I would be doing films for the next 20 years".^[13]

1992–2004: Superstardom and Journey to the Mahanayak of Nepali Cinema

In 1992, Hamal joined up with Tulsi Ghimire for the first time in his directorial film project called Deuta.^[14] The film starred Hamal, Shrawan Ghimire, Srijana Basnet, with Tulsi Ghimire in support. On the film's release, it became a box office hit in Nepal and is now regarded as the breakthrough for Hamal in Nepali cinema.^[15] The Kathmandu Post wrote: "Incidentally, this was also the film that catapulted Hamal into stardom and the movie itself has a place in Nepali Cinema Hall of Fame Award but actually the movie deserve much more than that".^[16]

In 2000, Hamal was cast in actor Neer Shah's directorial film titled Basanti. Set during the King Rajendra's rule in Nepal, it was a historical period drama. Hamal portrayed Gagan Singh Khawas. His co-stars were Karishma Manandhar, Gauri Malla, and Divya Dutta. The film is based on the novel of the same title written by Diamond Shumsher Rana. Hamal often cited Basanti as one of his favorite films.

In 2004, Hamal appeared in a Shiva Regmi directorial film named Hami Tin Bhai, which had an ensemble cast including Shree Krishna Shrestha, Nikhil Upreti, Jharana Thapa, Nandita K.C., and Rekha Thapa.^[17] In 2018, it was announced that a sequel would be produced. Other films featuring Hamal include Kasam (1992), Sadak and Prithvi (1994), Simana (1996), Shankar (1997), Chadhni (1999), Ek Number Ko Pakhe (1999), Dhukdhuki (2000), and Ajambari Nata (2005).

2005–2024: Continuation of Success, Television Debut and Acting Break

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Hamal expanded his career beyond just film, appearing on television shows and commercials in 2004. A popular Nepalese show called Wai Wai Quiz Whiz was his television debut, and he made a guest appearance on the Miss Angel Program the same year. Hamal was also endorsed by various companies to star in commercials for products such as steel, soap, and cement. He also endorsed the first bike made in Nepal, which is called "Cosmic Ying Yang". In addition, he has been the face of NMB Bank Nepal, Indica Easy, and Global College of Management.

2018–2023: Music videos and television appearances

Beginning in 2018, Hamal opted to act in fewer movies, taking a pause in his film career. During this time, he dedicated himself to charities, social work, and youth empowerment. Meanwhile, he was modestly involved in several music videos, including Malingo,^[a] Hajur Mussukai, and Shailung^[b] by Bikas Rana, directed by Nitin Chand.

He also appeared on Mundre Ko Comedy Club and other shows as guest appearances.^{[citation needed]}

2024–present: Acting comeback

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In 2025, Rajesh Hamal made come back with titled Narasimha Avtar. This marked his first comeback in the film industry after a seven-year hiatus.

Television hosting

Hamal has twice been a judge for Miss Nepal. In 1997, he judged alongside Kamal Rupakheti, Laxmi Keshari Manandhar, and Sanjaya Agarwal; the event was won by Jharana Bajracharya.^[18] Ten years later, he was the chief judge of Miss Nepal 2007,^[19] alongside Malvika Subba, and Bhusan Dahal; the winner was Sitashma Chand.^[20] In 2019, he hosted the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Ko Bancha Crorepati.^[21]