Asmita Dallakoti

Dhruba KC (2003–2077 BS) was a pioneering Nepali modern singer, composer, and radio personality whose soulful voice left an indelible mark on the golden era of Nepali music. Born in Kathmandu to Yagya Bahadur KC and Padam Kumari KC, he began singing at Radio Nepal as a child in 2010 BS and quickly rose to fame with evergreen hits like “Mayalu Hazur Hunchan,” “Narou Narou Saili,” “Timro Maya Kagajko,” and “Aru Kalo Rail Ko Dhuwale.” He was also a music composer, lyricist, and one of Nepal’s first jingle creators, and even performed for King Mahendra, who awarded him a gold medal. Dhruba KC was the uncle of actor Bhuwan KC and remained a respected figure in the industry until his passing in 2021 due to Parkinson’s disease. His legacy lives on through his timeless melodies and his pioneering role in shaping modern Nepali music.

Bhagawan Bhandari is a Nepali lok‑dohori singer, lyricist, and composer known for his strong vocal tone, emotional delivery, and consistent presence in modern folk music. Active since the early 2008s, he has written and performed notable songs such as “Jhyalaima Aina,” “Aafnai Parama,” “Saili,” “Galbandi Khasyo,” “Jau Babu Nabhannu Aama,” and “Sakchhyau Ra Man Dina.” His works span lok‑dohori, teej songs, panchebaja, and modern folk collaborations with leading artists including Laxmi Khadka, Shanti Bhandari, Sita Lamichhane BK, and Krishna KC. Bhandari is also active as a lyricist, arranger, and producer, shaping contemporary Nepali folk sound.

​Baba Rana (बाबा राणा) is a distinguished Nepali singer renowned for her melodious voice and significant contributions to Nepali music. Born in Palpa, Nepal, she moved to Pokhara at the age of one and was raised in a musically inclined family. Her father, Colonel Dhan Bikram Rana, and her uncles were instrumental in nurturing her musical talents. She began singing at the age of nine and recorded her first song, "Dam Dam Damphu Bajeko Talai Ma," in 1971 (BS 2028) for Radio Nepal. Throughout her career, Baba Rana has recorded over 2,000 songs across various genres, including folk, modern, devotional, opera, film, and ghazals. Her notable songs include:​ "Karodau Mutuharuko Eutai Dhukdhuki Nepal" "Saaiko Ghar Kaha Ho Kaha" "Birsijane Nisturi" "He Aama Janmayau Kina" "Chautarima Ma Base Holaki"​ In recognition of her contributions, she received the "Famous Class Singer" title from Radio Nepal in 2055 BS and has been honored with awards such as the Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu IV and the Indra Rajya Laxmi Puraskar. Baba Rana's dedication to music continues as she resides in Pokhara with her family, engaging in musical pursuits and honoring the legacy of her late husband, singer Saroj Gopal Bajracharya. ​

Hira Devi Waiba (1940–2011) was a pioneering Nepali folk singer whose voice became the soul of traditional Nepali music. Born in Ambootia, Darjeeling, she was the first artist to professionally record Nepali folk songs, including the first-ever Tamang Selo track “Chura ta Hoina Astura.” Her career spanned over four decades, during which she recorded more than 300 songs and worked with prestigious platforms like All India Radio, BBC, and His Master’s Voice. She was the first Nepali folk artist to be signed by Music Nepal and remains the only Grade A folk singer with All India Radio. Her timeless songs like “Phariya Lyaaidiyechan” and “Ramri Ta Ramri” continue to resonate across generations. After her passing in 2011, her children Navneet and Satya Aditya Waiba revived her legacy through the tribute project Ama Lai Shraddhanjali. Hira Devi Waiba remains a cultural icon and guardian of Nepali folk heritage.