Puja Lama Kanda: In the world of Nepali cinema, few names spark as much curiosity, debate, and online buzz as Puja Lama, also known as Pooja Chand, and later as Amna Faruki after her conversion to Islam. Once celebrated as a rising actress, model, and singer in Nepal, her career took unexpected turns due to high-profile controversies, personal decisions, and a spiritual transformation that changed her life completely.
In 2026, her name continues trending online—especially with the keyword “Puja Lama Kanda”, where “kanda” in Nepali refers to a scandal or controversy. From her 2009 viral incident to her religious conversion in 2014 and her quiet life in the United States, her journey is one of fame, fall, faith, and reinvention.
This comprehensive article explores Puja Lama’s biography, career, filmography, music journey, personal life, controversies, and where she stands in 2026.
Who Is Puja Lama? Early Life and Entry Into Entertainment
Born in a Buddhist Family – A Modest Beginning
Puja Lama was born into a Buddhist family in Nepal. Raised in a culturally rich environment, she grew up surrounded by traditional values and religious teachings. From a young age, she displayed interest in music, modeling, and performance, which later shaped her career path.
Unlike many actresses who enter the industry after formal training, Puja stepped into the spotlight through passion and opportunity. Her early life was not surrounded by glamour. She married at the young age of 18 and soon became a mother. Balancing family life with career ambitions is never easy, and for Puja, this dual responsibility shaped much of her early adulthood.
Her first exposure to fame came through modeling and music, not films. She formed a band and released music albums that blended folk and pop influences, attracting a youth audience. Her confidence, expressive personality, and modern appearance quickly made her noticeable in the Nepali entertainment scene.
By the mid-2000s, she was a familiar face in music videos and live performances. Her transition to films would soon follow—but not without challenges.
Puja Lama’s Film Career: From Rising Star to Controversial Figure
Acting Debut and Breakthrough Roles
Puja Lama officially entered Nepali cinema around 2011. Although her film career was relatively short, she appeared in several notable projects between 2011 and 2016.
Her filmography includes:
- Ek Din Ek Raat (2011) – Horror
- Half Boil (2015) – Comedy
- Papi (2015) – Drama
- Ekata (2016) – Social drama
- Chakrabyuha (2016) – Action-drama
Let’s break down some of her most recognized films.
Ek Din Ek Raat (2011) – Entering with Horror
Directed by Dev Kumar Shrestha, this horror film featured actors like Vinay Shrestha, Diya Maskey, and Gauri Malla. Puja Lama played a significant role in this supernatural-themed movie.
The film gained attention for its eerie storyline and suspense elements. While it wasn’t a massive commercial blockbuster, it helped Puja establish herself as a serious actress rather than just a model or singer.
Her expressive performance was appreciated by audiences who felt she had screen presence despite limited experience.
Half Boil (2015) – Comedy with Musical Contribution
Directed by Ravi Dangol, Half Boil was a comedy film featuring Suvash Gajurel and Ravi Dangol.
What made this film unique for Puja was that she contributed a song to the soundtrack, alongside artists like James Pradhan and Mohit Munal. It showcased her dual talent as both actress and singer.
The film added variety to her portfolio and showed her versatility in comedy roles.
Papi (2015), Ekata (2016) & Chakrabyuha (2016)
In Papi, directed by Narayan Puri, she acted alongside legendary Nepali actors like Rajesh Hamal and Bipana Thapa. This was a significant milestone, as sharing screen space with established stars boosted her credibility.
Later films such as Ekata and Chakrabyuha further expanded her experience in drama and action genres.
However, despite steady roles, her film career never fully flourished due to growing controversies.
Music Career and Artistic Ambitions
Band Formation and Album Releases
Before acting, Puja Lama was deeply involved in music. She:
- Formed her own band
- Released multiple music albums
- Performed live across Nepal
- Blended romantic, emotional, and folk-pop styles
Her songs often revolved around love, heartbreak, and personal emotions—ironically reflecting what her own life would later experience.
She once expressed interest in auditioning for Indian Idol, showing ambition beyond Nepal’s borders. However, she never pursued it seriously.
Decline in Music After 2009
Following the 2009 controversy, her public appearances decreased dramatically. Her music career slowed down, and live performances became rare.
Public perception shifted from artist to controversial figure, and this significantly impacted her professional growth.
Puja Lama Kanda: The 2009 Scandal That Changed Everything
The Leaked Video Incident
In October 2009, Puja Lama became the center of a massive scandal when an intimate video involving her and DJ Shishir was leaked online.
The incident spread rapidly across Nepali media and online platforms.
Puja claimed:
- She lost her mobile phone containing private content.
- The videos were uploaded without her consent.
DJ Shishir later admitted to releasing the content following relationship conflicts.
This event became one of Nepal’s most talked-about celebrity scandals, often referred to online as “Puja Lama Kanda.”
Impact on Her Career and Mental Health
The consequences were severe:
- Public criticism
- Media scrutiny
- Temporary withdrawal from the industry
- Damage to her professional reputation
Nepali society at the time was less open to discussions about privacy and digital consent. The scandal sparked debates about:
- Celebrity privacy rights
- Revenge content
- Media responsibility
- Gender double standards
For Puja, it was a turning point. She later described it as a “dark day” in emotional interviews.
2025–2026 Resurgence of the Kanda Online
In recent years, especially 2025 and 2026, old videos and clips have resurfaced on platforms like:
- TikTok
- Fan pages
- YouTube discussions
The term “Puja Lama Kanda” continues trending periodically. While she maintains silence publicly, online communities continue debating her past.
This digital revival shows how internet memory never truly fades.
Conversion to Islam: From Puja Lama to Amna Faruki
Spiritual Transformation in 2014
Around 2014, after spending six months in Doha, Qatar, Puja Lama announced her conversion to Islam.
She adopted the name Amna Faruki.
She stated that Islam:
- Emphasized oneness of God (Tawhid)
- Provided spiritual clarity
- Helped her overcome darkness
- Gave her inner peace
This announcement shocked fans in Nepal and India.
Lifestyle Changes After Conversion
Post-conversion, she:
- Wore modest clothing, including burka
- Withdrew from acting and music
- Focused on faith and family
- Avoided media appearances
She made it clear she had no intention of returning to the entertainment industry.
This marked a complete shift from her earlier bold and glamorous persona.
Personal Life: Relationships, Marriage & Current Status
Early Marriage and Divorce
At 18, Puja married Biraj Lepchan. She gave birth to a son but separated within a year due to compatibility issues.
Later relationships included:
- A Newar man in Belgium (relationship ended due to family pressure)
- Actor/director Dinesh DC
- A brief marriage after the 2009 scandal (lasted two weeks)
She described love as a “game of give and take”, emphasizing that it cannot be forced.
Life in the United States (2024–2026)
As of recent updates, Puja (Amna Faruki) resides in the United States.
She maintains:
- A low public profile
- Limited social media presence
- A Facebook page (Pooja R Lama)
- No confirmed active Instagram or X accounts
Rumors about her husband and engagement circulate online, but no official confirmation exists.
Legacy, Public Perception & Online Relevance in 2026
Despite her short career, Puja Lama remains one of Nepal’s most discussed former actresses.
Why?
Because her story represents:
- Fame and fall
- Public judgment
- Spiritual rebirth
- Reinvention
She is often listed alongside controversial figures like Rekha Thapa and Namrata Shrestha in discussions about Nepali celebrity scandals.
However, her journey also reflects resilience. She transformed personal crisis into spiritual growth.
In 2026, even without active participation in entertainment, her name continues trending due to:
- TikTok edits
- Throwback clips
- Fan discussions
- Religious conversion debates
Conclusion
The story of Puja Lama Kanda is more than a scandal headline. It’s the story of a young woman who entered fame early, faced public humiliation, and later chose a completely different path.
From being a promising Nepali actress and singer to becoming Amna Faruki, focused on faith and privacy, her life reflects transformation at its deepest level.
In 2026, while the internet revisits her past, she appears to have moved forward—away from cameras, away from controversy, and toward a quieter life.
Her journey reminds us that fame is temporary, but personal growth can be permanent.
FAQs About Puja Lama (Amna Faruki)
1. Who is Puja Lama?
Puja Lama, also known as Pooja Chand, is a former Nepali actress, model, and singer who later converted to Islam and adopted the name Amna Faruki.
2. What is Puja Lama Kanda?
It refers to the 2009 leaked intimate video scandal involving Puja Lama and DJ Shishir.
3. Did Puja Lama convert to Islam?
Yes. In 2014, she converted to Islam after staying in Qatar and adopted the name Amna Faruki.
4. Is Puja Lama still acting?
No. She has stepped away from acting and music and lives a private life.
5. Where is Puja Lama now?
As of 2026, she is believed to be living in the United States, maintaining a low profile.
