KATHMANDU: A noted choreographer of Nepali film industry, Basanta Jung Rayamajhi breathed his last at Norvic International Hospital, Thapathali on February 3. He was 81.

Rayamajhi was rushed to the hospital after he became unconscious at 5:00 am on February 1, as per Liza Rayamajhi, his daughter. “On reaching the hospital, the doctors examined him and pronounced him dead,” she informed.

Basanta Jung, who debuted as a choreographer in Nepali film industry with Maitighar, had undergone the surgery of gallstone and neuron in 2015 as per Liza. However he had already recovered and was living a healthy life, she added.

The dead body was kept at Nepal Academy, Kamaladi for a final condolence. People from film fraternity along with others were present at the venue to pay tribute to the famed choreographer of films including Rakshak, Kanchhi, Yug Dekhi Yug Samma.

His last rites were performed at Pashupati Aaryaghat — his sons Shree Jung and Sunil along with Liza lit the funeral pyre.

“We have lost a veteran dance director and this sadness can’t be expressed in words. Many people have learnt dancing steps from him and we have lost our dance guru,” shared Dinesh Pakhrin, choreographer and First Vice Chairman of Nepal Chalachitra Nritya Sangh.

Basant Shrestha, another noted choreographer expressed, “This is an irreparable loss to film industry. We won’t be able to forget the veteran choreographer who has enriched the film industry with his works.” Basanta Jung is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.