Afrita Khadki

Om Bahadur Sunar, popularly known as Om Sunar, is a distinguished Nepali playback singer, composer, and music producer renowned for his contributions to Nepali folk and classical music. Born on March 16, 1987, in Surkhet, Nepal, he has been a prominent figure in the Nepali music industry since 2009. Early Life and Education Om Sunar hails from a middle-class family in Surkhet, Nepal. He pursued his passion for music academically, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Tribhuvan University. He is currently advancing his studies with a master's degree in music at the same institution. Musical Career Om Sunar's musical journey commenced with his debut song "Maga Maga Timi K Magchhau Dinchhu Timi Lai Je Magchhau," featured in his first album "Sugandha." Over the years, he has recorded more than 250 songs in both Nepali and Hindi languages. His notable tracks include "Sapne Jo Maine," "Supari Kancho," "Aamaile Bhanthe," "Chandrama Jhai Ramri," "Bariko Patama," "Lahure Sipahi Dai," "Darling," "Adhuro Chhu Ma Timi Bina," and "Buddha Born In Nepal. "Beyond singing, Om Sunar has showcased his versatility by composing and arranging music for over three dozen Nepali films and albums. His expertise spans various genres, with a particular emphasis on folk and classical music. Awards and Honors Om Sunar's exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including: Best Singer Male at the 3rd Pim Nepal Film Festival (2020) for "Darling" Best Singer of the Year Male (Folk Pop) at the 4th Sagarmatha Music Award (2022) for "Lahure Sipahi Dai" Best Folk Pop Singer (Jury) at the Natyashwor Music Award (2023) for "Columbus Ki Kanchhi" Best Playback Singer at the 4th Nepal Music & Fashion Award (2023) for "Adhuro Chhu Ma Timi Bina" Best Duet Singer at the National Box Office Teej Music Award (2022) for "Bariko Patama" Best Pop Singer at the 3rd Himalayan International Award (2023) for "Yo Man" In addition to these accolades, he has received several honors, such as the National Singer Honor (2020, 2024), Artist & Creator Honor (2022), National Bilakshan Talent Honor (2023), National Film Culture Ratna Honor (2023), National Personality & Talent Honor (2023), Youth Singer Honor (2023), and Spiny Babbler Musicworker Honor (2023). Leadership and Contributions Om Sunar is actively involved in the development of the Nepali music industry. He serves as the President of the Music Research and Development Forum Nepal (MRDF Nepal) and holds honorary memberships in the Film Artists’ worker's Organization Nepal (FAWON) and the Music Video Directors’ Guild Nepal. His commitment to nurturing talent is evident through his role as a judge in various national and international music competitions.

Santosh Bhakta Shrestha is a renowned Nepali esraj player, freelance musician, and respected music teacher celebrated for his mastery of this rare bowed string instrument. With decades of dedication to classical and devotional music, he has become a leading figure in preserving and promoting the esraj tradition in Nepal. His performances—such as the soulful rendition of “Jaha Chhan Buddhaka Aankha”—are marked by emotional depth and technical brilliance. Santosh Bhakta has collaborated with prominent artists and institutions, including SAC Music International and Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, where he has performed ragas like JogKauns in intimate classical gatherings. His style is known for its fluid bowing, vocal-like phrasing, and meditative resonance, making him a sought-after performer and mentor. As a freelance teacher, he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians, ensuring that the esraj remains a living, breathing part of Nepal’s musical heritage.

Melwa Devi Gurung, also known as Melawa Devi, holds the distinction of being Nepal's first female recording artist. Born in 1954 B.S. (circa 1897) in Rumjatar, Okhaldhunga District, Nepal, she emerged as a pioneering figure in the nation's musical landscape. In 1928, Melwa Devi traveled to Calcutta (now Kolkata), British India, to record her songs, marking a significant milestone in Nepali music history. Among her notable recordings are "Na Gharlai Ghar Kahincha Nari Nai Durbar Ho" and "Sawari Mero Relaima," which resonated with many listeners and showcased her exceptional talent. Her musical prowess garnered the attention of Chandra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana, the Prime Minister of Nepal at the time, under whose patronage she performed. Melwa Devi's contributions not only paved the way for future generations of female artists but also enriched Nepal's cultural heritage.​ In recognition of her impact, Nepal issued a commemorative postage stamp in her honor in 2013, celebrating her legacy as an eminent singer.

Mallika Karki is one of the famous singers of the country. Originally from a remote village in Morang, she made this far despite a limited opportunity. She has done duet with several national and international artist including Udit Narayan Jha, Kumar Sanu, Ramkrishna Dhakal and Kumar Kancha. She started her singing career in 2064 BS with the duo song with Udit Narayan Jha titled ‘Laaj ko Lali’. She is known for her hits like ‘Yeti Dherai Manche Haru Ko Bhid Maa’, ‘Timile Nasamjhida Maya’, Aakhai Ma Rakhu Ki’ and ‘Kasari Kasari Aayou’. Her melodious voice entitled her to prestigious awards like Kalika Music Award, Sagarmatha Music Award, Music Khabar Music Award and Bindabasini Music Award.