What happens when a small-town boy picks up a phone camera and dares to dream big in a country where filmmaking wasn’t even considered a “real job”? Welcome back to our “100 Stories in 100 Weeks” series, where we bring you real stories of Nepali dreamers, doers, and digital trailblazers. This week’s story is about Sisan Baniya, one of Nepal’s most creative and influential content creators. He’s a filmmaker, photographer, storyteller, and the founder of Paradygm TV, a platform that’s changing the way we look at digital media in Nepal.
Born in Jhapa and raised in a middle-class Christian family, Sisan didn’t have the fanciest gear or big-city exposure. What he had was a curious mind, a basic Sony Ericsson phone, and a deep passion for storytelling. While others played it safe, he took the road less traveled, and it made all the difference.
Today, Sisan is not just a successful vlogger. He’s a mentor, an entrepreneur, and a voice for the youth. His story is a reminder that with passion and persistence, you don’t just chase your dreams, you can create a movement.
Ready to find out how one camera and a lot of courage turned into a national impact? Let’s dive into the story of Sisan Baniy, the man behind the lens, who is reshaping Nepal’s digital landscape.
Sisan Baniya Early Childhood
Born on June 10, 1991, in Jhapa, Nepal, Sisan Baniya grew up in a middle-class Christian family with big dreams and a curious heart. As a child, he was fascinated by cameras, storytelling, and the world beyond his small town. While his peers followed conventional paths, Sisan’s passion for photography and filmmaking set him apart. In an era when these fields were rarely seen as viable careers in Nepal, his determination to chase his vision was nothing short of revolutionary.
Sisan’s early years were marked by resourcefulness. Armed with a basic Sony Ericsson flip phone, he began experimenting with photography, capturing moments that told stories. His schooling at Gyanodaya Bal Batika Higher Secondary School and later a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Apex College in Kathmandu gave him a foundation, but it was his relentless pursuit of creativity that shaped his future.
Sisan’s journey took a pivotal turn when he met Sushant Pradhan, a fitness trainer and influencer who inspired him to explore vlogging. In 2008, Sisan Baniya launched his YouTube channel, and by 2015, he was fully immersed in creating cinematic vlogs. His second video, The Little Things, a heartfelt story of delivering a photo to a child, went viral, earning him overnight fame. This moment cemented his belief that storytelling could connect people and inspire change.
What set Sisan Baniya apart was his ability to weave Nepal’s culture and everyday life into visually stunning narratives. His vlog on honey hunting in Lamjung, for instance, showcased a traditional Nepali practice with breathtaking drone shots and cinematic editing, earning widespread acclaim. Through his lens, Sisan brought Nepal’s heritage to a global audience, proving that local stories could resonate universally.
Sisan’s ambition didn’t stop at vlogging. As the founder and Managing Director of Paradygm TV, he created a creative hub that mentors emerging Nepali content creators. With over 607,000 subscribers as of 2025, Paradygm TV focuses on entertainment, education, and social issues, offering a platform for youth to share their voices. Sisan’s leadership has transformed it into a beacon for Nepal’s digital ecosystem, fostering talent and innovation.
Sisan Baniya has served as Director of Photography for Nepali films like Aadha Love and directed short films such as Bhai Tika. His collaboration with Miss Nepal 2018, Shrinkhala Khatiwada, on her multimedia introduction video earned her an award and further elevated his reputation. More recently, Sisan launched the Paradygm Sports Network, which now has more than 50,000 subscribers, aiming to revolutionize sports broadcasting in Nepal by spotlighting athletes’ struggles and stories.
Sisan Baniya’s influence goes beyond content creation. Through the Paradygm Podcast, he interviews entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals, sharing their journeys and inspiring Nepal’s youth to dream big. His vlogs, which have over 805,000 subscribers, blend humor, philosophy, and social commentary, resonating with Gen Y and Z audiences. In 2022, he received the Public’s Choice Award for Best Vlog at the Annapurna National Media Awards and was named among YouTube Nepal’s “Top 10 Nepali YouTubers to Watch.”
Sisan’s entrepreneurial ventures, like investing in The Gardens restaurant in Kathmandu, and his collaborations with figures like Nirmal Purja on Project Possible, showcase his versatility. His work ethic and vision have earned him the Global Youth Leader Award 2022, recognizing his contributions to art, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Sisan’s path hasn’t been without hurdles. As a public figure, he’s faced online criticism and trolling, particularly around his rumored relationship with Shrinkhala Khatiwada. Yet, he’s developed resilience, focusing on his craft and mental well-being. His ability to rise above negativity while staying true to his roots makes him a role model for aspiring creators.
At 33, Sisan Baniya is more than a vlogger, he’s a cultural ambassador, entrepreneur, and mentor. With 600 episodes of travel, entertainment, and informational vlogs, he’s inspired countless Nepalis to pursue careers in cinematography, editing, and YouTube. His videos, like the stunning honey hunting vlog, not only showcase Nepal’s beauty but also preserve its traditions for future generations.
Sisan Baniya’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From a curious boy in Jhapa to a digital trailblazer, he’s redefined what it means to be a Nepali artist in the 21st century. For those dreaming of turning their passions into reality, Sisan’s journey reminds us to start small, dream big, and let your story inspire the world.
Follow Sisan Baniya’s adventures on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories on Explore All About Nepal!
