Akash Adhikari

Shiva Shankar Manandhar (1932–2004) was a legendary figure in Nepali music and cinema, celebrated for his versatility as a singer, composer, and actor. Born in Newroad, Kathmandu, to a musically inclined Newar family, his early exposure to classical Newari songs through his father, Man Bahadur, laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. He joined Radio Nepal in 1951, where he collaborated with Nati Kaji to shape the golden era of Nepali music. Over his prolific career, he composed around 1,200 songs and sang nearly 300, spanning genres like love ballads, bhajans, patriotic anthems, and tragic melodies. His compositions for artists such as Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama remain timeless. 🎬 In cinema, Shiva Shankar played the lead role of Lahure Dai in Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film. Though he didn’t pursue acting further, he composed music for several early Nepali films, contributing to the industry's formative sound. 🎶 Sadabahar (Evergreen) Songs: Aama ko sapana – a heartfelt tribute to motherhood Yo Nepali shir uchali – a patriotic anthem Timro lagi ma birsine – a romantic classic His music blended folk traditions with orchestral arrangements, pioneering modern Nepali pop while preserving cultural authenticity. Shiva Shankar received numerous national honors and served as Executive Director of Ratna Recording Corporation (1987–1991). Even post-retirement, he remained a guardian of Nepal’s musical soul.

Madhusudan Bhattarai (also credited as Madhu Sudan Bhattarai) is a Nepali film director, story writer, and chief assistant director active in the industry since the early 2000s. Known for his grounded storytelling and command over commercial drama, he has directed feature films such as Black Night (2013), Blackmail (2012), Nirbhay (2017), Destination Kathmandu (2018), and the upcoming Hami Teen Bhai (2026), where he also serves as the story writer.Beginning his career as a chief assistant director and assistant director, Bhattarai contributed to projects like Pahuna (2003), Daiko Sasurali (2010), Gorkha Rakshyak (2008), and Pratikaar (2013) before transitioning into full directorial leadership. His early technical roles—including work as chief assistant editor on Kathmandu (2010)—helped shape his precise visual and narrative style.

Starting from his early years in Nepali commercial cinema, Ravi Shah established himself as a dependable character actor known for his calm screen presence, expressive delivery, and versatility across drama, family, and social‑themed films. Active since 1985, he has contributed to more than 50 Nepali feature films, often portraying father figures, community elders, and emotionally grounded supporting roles.Shah’s career spans the golden era of 1990s Nepali cinema through the transitional 2000s, with memorable performances in films such as Kanyadaan (1991), Maya Preeti (1989), Pachhis Basanta (1989), Badal Paree (2001), Manmandir (2002), Pahuna (2003), Aankha Lobhi Man Papi (2003), and Godhuli (2003). His long filmography reflects steady, respected participation in mainstream Nepali filmmaking, and he is also credited as a legal advisor in the industry.

Bhim Bahadur Thapa was a celebrated Nepali film actor known for his versatility, physical agility, and long-standing contribution to Nepali cinema. Active across several decades, he appeared in nearly 100 films and popular television serials, including Tito Satya. Thapa acted in notable films such as Basai (2005), Aama (1996), Tuhuro (1994), Arpan (1993), and Goreto (2002), earning recognition for his expressive performances and strong screen presence. Before entering cinema, he served in the British Army and even participated in World War II. Fondly known as “Nepali Tarzan,” “Nepali Babu,” and “Dancer,” he remained admired for his unique persona and dance skills. Thapa passed away on 13 June 2018 at the age of 92, leaving behind a memorable legacy in Nepali entertainment.