Santosh Shrestha

Suresh Raj Bajracharya is one of Nepal’s foremost sarod maestros, known for his deep devotion to classical music and his role in preserving the rich heritage of Hindustani instrumental traditions. With over three decades of experience, he has become a revered figure in Nepal’s music scene, performing at venues like Yala Mandala and collaborating with artists such as Laxmi Prasad Dangol and Mannu Shahi. His compositions—like “Intransient Nature”, “Childhoodness”, and “Jaya Namah Shree Buddha”—blend meditative ragas with spiritual depth. Bajracharya is also known for his unique offering to the Living Goddess Kumari, where he sought to teach her the sarod as a gesture of cultural devotion. His albums, including The Nature, are available on platforms like Deezer. Through teaching, composing, and performing, Suresh Raj Bajracharya continues to inspire a new generation of classical musicians in Nepal and beyond.

Jhalakman Gandharva (झलकमान गन्धर्व) was a pioneering Nepali folk singer who popularized Gaine Geet, giving voice to Nepal’s marginalized Gandharbha community. Born on July 29, 1935, in Batulochaur, Pokhara, Jhalakman began singing at age nine, traveling village to village with his sarangi. He became the first Gaine artist to record songs, transforming oral traditions into mass media. His haunting ballads, especially “Aamale Sodhlin Ni”, mourned the death of Nepali soldiers abroad and resonated deeply across generations. Active from 1965 until his death in 2003, he recorded over 100 songs, blending folk and classical styles. His music preserved indigenous narratives and challenged caste-based exclusion, earning him national reverence. Jhalakman’s legacy lives on as a cultural bridge—his voice remains a symbol of dignity, sorrow, and resilience.

Ustad Bhairav Bahadur Thapa (1925 June 30 AD / 1982 Ashar 16 BS, Kuleshwor, Kathmandu) was a pioneering Nepali composer, vocalist, and mentor whose influence shaped the foundation of modern Nepali music. He introduced and guided many of Nepal’s celebrated singers, lyricists, and composers including the legendary Tara Devi into their musical journeys.Thapa began his professional musical journey around 2005 BS (1948/49 AD), marking the start of a prolific career. Over the decades, he composed music for nearly 1,000 songs and recorded vocals for more than 500 songs, establishing the artistic and technical standards of Nepali modern music.Alongside music, he performed in numerous Radio Nepal dramas and acted in films such as Hijo Aaja Bholi, Aama, and Manko Baadh. His daughter Bhuvan Thapa, the lead actress of Nepal’s first feature film Aama, was also a singer with around fifty recorded songs.In 2022 BS (1965 AD), during the Grand Music Conference held in Kathmandu, King Mahendra honored him with the prestigious title “Ustad.” Ustad Bhairav Bahadur Thapa passed away on 2039 Poush 18 BS (1983 January 2 AD), leaving behind an enduring legacy in Nepali music and performing arts.

Sajjan Raj Vaidya is a Nepalese singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer, and producer based in New York City. He released his debut single, "Aaja Matra", in 2014 and rose to prominence after the release of his singles "Hawaijahaj" and "Chitthi Bhitra".