Deepak Kharel

Navras Shrestha is the founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and composer of The Lakhey, Nepal’s pioneering Newa (Newari) metal band based in Kathmandu. Known for blending traditional Newar musical elements with the power and edge of metal, Navras has carved out a space for a truly indigenous and modern sound that speaks both to cultural identity and musical evolution. His first Newa metal song, Dhampa Tacha, was recorded in 2005—a bold and groundbreaking transformation of a Newa rap piece into a heavy, guitar-driven anthem that laid the foundation for what would become the Newa Metal genre. Over the years, Navras has created and performed a variety of original songs and covers that showcase his wide-ranging musicality. Tracks like Jeevan, Miss Julie (a fully home-recorded, arranged, mixed, and mastered song), and Ae Kancha (a duet cover with a female vocalist) reflect both his technical abilities and his emotional range as a musician. His reimagining of Malshree Dhun—a revered Newari and Nepali traditional piece—is particularly notable for incorporating Spanish and Indian Rajasthani techniques and a touch of Hindustani classical flavor with heavy drumming, giving the folk tune a new life in a contemporary soundscape. Navras’s musical curiosity extends beyond local traditions—he has embraced songs in foreign languages, including a Georgian piece (Erti Nakhavit by Chveneburebi), while also composing original works like Swagta Mu Hai Nheeaye in Nepal’s Thakali language. In 2022, Navras completed his Master of Fine Arts in Music with a focus on Hindustani Classical music. During this time, he developed a deep interest in songs from various ethnic and regional backgrounds of Nepal. Rather than simply studying them academically, Navras has immersed himself in the melodies, rhythms, and stories found in songs of Nepal Bhasa (Newar), Charya (ritual Buddhist music), Tharu, and Limbu and other indigenous languages. He is currently preparing to record and preserve these culturally significant pieces with modern arrangements—ensuring their continuity and relevance for future generations. His academic contribution is also noteworthy. For his master’s thesis, Navras conducted in-depth research on Dapha music (Asan Bajan Guthi). His thesis has since become a valuable resource for members of the Guthi and other musicians who are interested in traditional music. The work not only documented the artform but also shed light on the present condition and challenges faced by the community in keeping their musical heritage alive. While music is his core identity, Navras Shrestha is also a skilled Full Stack Web Developer by profession and currently works at GTA Nepal. His ability to balance a demanding tech career with an expansive artistic practice speaks to his discipline and creativity. In addition, he is deeply passionate about photography and videography. From capturing evocative model portraits to creative visual storytelling, his visual work complements his music, allowing him to express his artistry across multiple forms. Whether through metal riffs rooted in Newa culture, folk songs from across Nepal’s diverse communities, world music explorations, or visual compositions, Navras Shrestha stands out as a multi-talented, cross-disciplinary artist. He continues to inspire others not just with what he creates, but with how he connects deeply to culture, community, and creativity.

Babita Manandhar is a well-known Nepali artist/band.

Shankar Shrestha Shankar Shrestha is a Nepali actor, singer, model, and businessman based in the United Arab Emirates. He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Expertise Group in Abu Dhabi, which operates businesses in hospitality, recruitment, beauty, and fashion across the UAE and Nepal. In addition to his entrepreneurial career, Shrestha is known for his performances in Nepali films and music videos. Early life and education Shankar Shrestha was born on April 25 in Budhabare, Jhapa District, Nepal. He completed a bachelor’s degree in English. From an early age, Shrestha was interested in arts and performance, which later led him to pursue a career in the Nepali entertainment industry alongside his business ventures. Career Business Shrestha is the founder and CEO of Expertise Group, a business conglomerate based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The group operates several companies, including: Restaurants Document clearing services Ladies’ salons Recruitment agencies in both UAE and Nepal A fashion retail chain in Nepal Film and acting Shrestha began his acting career in the Nepali film industry, gaining recognition for his roles in movies such as: Man Bina Ko Dhan Pariwartan He became popular for portraying negative roles in these films and has several upcoming movie projects in development. Music and modeling In addition to acting, Shrestha is a singer and music video model. He performed and appeared in several popular Nepali songs, including: Timro Man Ma Lukeko Kura (Remake Version – Part 1)- Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsrnPFflZDk Timro Man Ma Lukeko Kura (Remake Version – Part 2)- Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y892UFpkGzo Runchha Yo Man – Dashain Tihar Song-Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPsNE1_qrmA Rato Vale – Short Movie-Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l82ijAteP34 Prem Ta – Horror Story Love Song- Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0-tbp4d1qc Mayako Rajya by Prabisha Adhikari-Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsrnPFflZDk Timi Meri Maya by Ananda Karki- Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsKATrvEUpg Aadat by Shankar Shrestha ft. Gita Dhungana- Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyNB5DKd1Ro Timrai Huna by Shankar Shrestha & Melina Rai ft. Najir Husen & Kusum Sharma- Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi3f9zbwviA He also appeared as a model in Gajalu Ti Thula Thula Ankha - Example:https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=WTNS8sNgWZocHe3J&v=FvGqeHYN3HA&feature=youtu.be by the renowned Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali. Personal life Outside his entertainment and business ventures, Shrestha continues to contribute to the promotion of Nepali culture through film and music, while managing his diverse business portfolio across Nepal and the UAE. External links Man Bina Ko Dhan – Official YouTube - Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=KN8yVKme3pxxBfZi&v=2HNarocAWwQ&feature=youtu.be Pariwartan – Official YouTube Example: -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OofvTt0Ocvs Timro Man Ma Lukeko Kura – Remake Version -Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsrnPFflZDk Gajalu Ti Thula Thula Ankha – by Ghulam Ali- Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvGqeHYN3HA&list=RDFvGqeHYN3HA&start_radio=1NS8sNgWZocHe3J See also Nepali cinema Nepali music industry

Deep Tuladhar is a legendary Nepali sound engineer, music producer, and playback singer whose career spans nearly four decades. He has worked behind the scenes on over 15,000 songs, shaping the sonic identity of modern Nepali music across genres—from folk and pop to film soundtracks. He is best known for his contributions to iconic films like Balidaan (1997), where he served as a playback singer, and Thuldai (1999), where he worked as a sound recordist and music technician. His technical expertise and artistic sensibility have made him a go-to figure for generations of Nepali musicians and filmmakers. In addition to his studio work, Tuladhar has also released devotional and cover songs, such as Dakshinkali Bhajan and a tribute to Mohammad Rafi titled Ek Haseen Sham Ko. His recent appearance on the Mhendolafole Podcast offered a rare glimpse into his journey, challenges, and the evolution of sound design in Nepal.