Banika Pradhan

Kunti Moktan is a talented Nepali singer known for her classical training and her ability to seamlessly blend folk and modern music. Born on July 11, 1962, in Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate, Darjeeling, India, she later moved to Kathmandu, Nepal, in 1983 to pursue her musical career. Kunti is best known for her folk-pop songs, including hits like “Choli Ramro,” “Nishthuri Mayalu,” and “Mathi Mathi Sailungey Ma.” She often collaborates with her husband, Shila Bahadur Moktan, who is also a musician and singer. Besides her singing career, Kunti teaches music at various schools. 🎤

Sanup Paudel is a professional singer of Nepal. He was born in Shillong, India. He is the youngest among four siblings. Sanup rose to fame after a singing contest had come up, called Geet Bahar, run by Gulshan Kumar in Mumbai. Sanup was at the age of nineteen when he applied for this contest and was finally selected. Early life and Education He learned the classical music, under the singer Shukla Dham, after completion of his bachelor education in Ethnomusicology at the Kathmandu University. A few after completion of this education, he got a chance to enroll in School of Oriental and African Studies in the UK for about half a year. Born and raised in India he came to Nepal in the year 1997 as a young musician. He registered for vocal lessons from Prabhu Raj Dhaka as some school lessons and also private classes outside of school.  

Sitaram Pokharel is a distinguished Nepali musician known for his contributions to modern and pop music. Born on October 4 in Simpani, Khotang, Nepal, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with a focus on Economics. Despite his academic background, his passion for music led him to become one of Nepal’s most recognized artists. His musical journey began with The Tinos Group, a band formed in 1980. He released his first song, Sajaidiyeu, on Radio Nepal in 1985, marking the start of a prolific career. Over the years, he has composed and performed more than 40 songs and released 14 music videos, making a lasting impact on the Nepali music scene. Throughout his career, Sitaram Pokharel has released several acclaimed albums, including Prayas (1998), Khoji Herinau (2001), Binakaran (2005), Spark (2008), October 4 (2009), and Samman (2011). His songs and music videos have featured some of Nepal’s top models and actresses, such as Ruby Rana, Sumi Khadka, Nisha Adhikari, and Arunima Lamsal. His dedication to music has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nepal Freedom Press Union Award and the Annapurna Music Award (2066 B.S.). He has also held significant roles in musical organizations, serving as Vice President of Purwanchal Sangitik Kalakar Manch, Vice President of Simple Art, Baneshwor, and a Member of the Nepal Musical Association. Beyond music, Sitaram Pokharel is known for his love of traveling to collect songs, as well as his passion for football and table tennis. His favorite song is Ma Maunta Ma by Om Bikram Bista, and he greatly admires singers like Udit Narayan Jha and Sonu Nigam. Despite his love for music, he dislikes excessive talkativeness and smoking, especially in enclosed spaces. One of his most memorable experiences in his career was an all-night video shoot for Aankhako Nanima, reflecting his dedication to his craft. He expresses deep gratitude to his fans and the models who contributed to his music videos’ success. Sitaram Pokharel remains a respected and influential figure in the Nepali music industry, continuing to inspire new generations of artists and music enthusiasts alike.

Jonisha Poudel is a talented Nepali classical vocalist known for her mastery of the khayal genre and her graceful presence on both traditional and contemporary stages. Originally from Pokhara, she has trained extensively in Hindustani classical music and has performed at esteemed venues such as Kalanidhi Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Kirateshwar Sangeetashram, and Rastriya Sanskritik Sansthan. Jonisha is a regular performer at Surya Nepal Jazzmandu, where she blends ancient raaga-based singing with global musical dialogues. Her collaborations include devotional works like Saraswati Bandana with Kundan Pathak and light music hits such as Figure Coca-Cola. She is also the lead vocalist of the band Vastu, showcasing her versatility across genres. Deeply rooted in the spiritual essence of classical music, Jonisha views her art as a path to inner peace and cultural expression. She continues to inspire audiences with her voice, discipline, and devotion to tradition.