Deshbhakta Khanal started his career as an actor and used to perform on stage. His first drama as an actor was 'Gorakha Bhartikendra' followed by 'Merchant of Venice'. Then he moved to Television as an assistant director. 'Guruaama Nepalki' was his first TV series. He then moved to feature film with the movie 'Bijaya Parajaya' in which he was involved as an actor cum assistant director. Since then he has acted over 20 feature films, 45 TV serials, 35 audio and stage dramas. Khanal is also credited for his writing as he has work as a script writer for about 20 projects. Since 1999, he started to work as a full director of Nepali movies. The movies that are directed by Mr. Khanal are- Pinjada, Man Mero Mandaina, Santan Thari Tharika, Baazee and Achanak. Khanal has also gained experience on working with international projects. Miteri Gaun (Tomodachi No Mura), a Japanese movie, was his first international project where he worked in three roles- script writer, assistant director and actor. He has also acted in the upcoming American movie 'Highway to Dhampus'.