Hailing from the rugged embrace of Gorkha District’s Dharam Pani VDC, 1963 Dhruba Onta marked his inception into the world. A small business and agricultural lineage lay the foundation of his family background, where the earth’s toil and trade’s savvy found harmonious coexistence.
His childhood sparkled with brilliance, a young mind teeming with curiosity and artistic flair. Beyond the confines of textbooks, his passion for dancing and acting illuminated his path. A student of Shakti Higher Secondary School, he claimed the district’s crest in the Dance competition, heralding his journey as a luminary in the world of movement.
Selected to receive the mantle of dance at the National Dance Academy in Kathmandu in the same year, Onta swiftly unfurled his prowess. A prodigious dancer emerged, capturing industry acclaim in remarkably short order.
Collaborating with kindred spirits Sudes Sharma, Achyutram Bhandari, and Raj Kapoor, he wove the Children Culture Society into existence in 2033. This training sanctuary for dance, music, and acting stood as a testament to Onta’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Professional dance beckoned as he graced the stage of the National Dance Academy. His artistic resonance further found expression at the Everest Culture Society, adding to his legacy of cultural enrichment. Simultaneously, he offered his knowledge as a dance instructor to schools and colleges, leaving his imprint on eager minds.
A zenith of his dance artistry arrived as his prowess earned him the esteemed first prize at the Kathmandu Valley Dance competition.
Beyond his homeland’s borders, in the realm of foreign employment, Onta’s steps found new rhythms. Oman’s shores embraced him for 22 months as he worked with Pepsi Cola, marking a unique chapter in his voyage.
Returning to Nepal, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, nurturing the Star Guest House in Nagarkot. Yet, in 1990, the clarion call of the United States beckoned. Stepping into the bustling metropolis of New York City, he navigated the labyrinthine path that immigrants before him had trod. The unfamiliar milieu tested his mettle, but the tapestry of Nepali friends offered threads of support, allowing him to ascend through trials.
His entrepreneurial voyage mirrored his life’s journey, marked by resilience and ascent. A regular job in a restaurant evolved into a managerial role within nine months. The seeds sown by his experience with the Star Guest House bore fruit, nurturing his proficiency in the realm of hospitality.
But his calling extended beyond the realm of business; Onta emerged as a steadfast pillar of support for newcomers, embodying the spirit of community. The entrepreneurial flame continued to blaze, culminating in 1997 with the establishment of “Durbar East Nepali and Indian Cuisine,” the first Nepali restaurant in New York City.
Yet, the maestro’s orchestration wasn’t confined to entrepreneurship alone. He adorned the cultural landscape by imparting his dance knowledge to the younger generation, ensuring that the heartbeat of Nepali heritage thrived.
Business triumphs in Manhattan stood juxtaposed with the realities of adversity. Forced to shutter his restaurant in 2006 due to unfavorable leasing terms, Onta pivoted once again, this time towards Baltimore. In the charm of this new city, he set up “Bristol Wine and Sprite,” etching his legacy as the first Nepali liquor store owner and becoming an inspiration for many.
Through every triumph and challenge, the refrain of social dedication rang clear. In the endeavors of his spouse, Anu Onta, as the President of the Baltimore America Nepali Association, and his unceasing charitable contributions, the spirit of giving found resonance.
Onta cemented his legacy as the first Nepali artist to grace American shores. His passion for dance translated into cinema, with the production of “Lakka Jawan” in March 2020. A lifelong dream fulfilled, his spouse, Anu Onta, stood as a lead actor, making their artistic bond a testament to love’s fusion with passion.
With a gaze turned towards the horizon, Onta envisions a continued journey in filmmaking and the establishment of a charity, embodying his dedication to humanity.
In the bosom of the family, Dhurba Onta finds fulfillment. His wife and two children, Aleesha, a banker, and Abish carve their paths, a testament to the strength of his legacy.
In Dhurba Onta’s tale, Baltimore finds a luminous figure, a confluence of entrepreneurship, artistry, and dedication, etching a chapter of impact on the grand stage of life.