G. Shah

Manoj Khadka is a passionate Nepali lyricist whose words bridge music, emotion, and meaning across generations. While his professional journey spans over two decades, working with renowned agencies such as SAARC, the World Bank, USAID, DFID, American Red Cross, and several other international, inter-governmental, and nonprofit organizations across Nepal, the USA, Africa, and many countries in Asia, songwriting becomes his creative passion — a space where he channels personal expression, cultural reflection, and social insight. His debut song, “Timi Je Bana Udaharan Bana”, performed by Pramod Kharel and Trishala Gurung, is a motivational piece especially cherished by children and educators. Among his most celebrated works is the historic song “Ghazal Unkai Geet Unkai”, which became the first-ever recorded song by three generations of the legendary Ghulam Ali Khan family — a rare and historic milestone in South Asian music history. His lyrical works have been brought to life by Nepal’s most respected voices, including “Gaughar Le Sodhyo Pardeshi Lai” by Ram Krishna Dhakal, “Tejasvi Apsara” by Menuka Poudel, “New York Sahar Ghumna” by Rajesh Payal Rai, and the powerful duet “Sensation” by Ram Krishna Dhakal and Pratap Das. Known for his ability to capture the nuances of romance, social dynamics, and cultural identity, Manoj’s songs resonate deeply with diverse audiences. His commitment to lyrical storytelling — grounded in emotion and cultural context — has positioned him as one of Nepal’s most thoughtful and boundary-crossing contemporary lyricists.

Lochan Rijal is a multi-instrumentalist, a singer, songwriter and a scholar of ethnomusicology. Born in the Panchthar district of Nepal, he grew up around music performed at festivals by the local people of that region. The experience influenced him to explore the potential of sound and develop his passion into his profession. While in college, he began teaching music to school children in Kathmandu while also working in the pop and rock music scene, producing award-winning albums, before moving onto something that fed his scholarly ambitions. In 2014, he graduated with a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Massachusetts and Kathmandu University. He also works as the associate professor and Head of Kathmandu University’s Department of Music.

Janardan Sama (1903–1981) was a prominent Nepali poet, playwright, and literary figure who made a major contribution to the development of modern Nepali drama and theatre. Born in Kathmandu, he became one of the most influential writers in Nepali literature and is often called the “Shakespeare of Nepal.” His writings introduced psychological depth, social themes, and dramatic structure to Nepali plays.Sama wrote several important literary works, including the famous plays Prem Pinda, Mutuko Byatha, and Aago ra Pani, which became milestones in Nepali theatre history. His works often explored love, human emotions, morality, and social conflict.Apart from literature, Janardan Sama also had connections with early Nepali cinema. His historical drama Prem Pinda was later adapted into a successful Nepali film, helping introduce his literary works to a wider audience. Some of his poems and dramatic compositions were also used as lyrics or inspiration for stage songs and musical performances in Nepali theatre.Through his literary works, stage plays, and their later influence on films and songs, Janardan Sama left a lasting legacy in Nepal’s cultural and artistic history.

Bishwa Ballabh (born Ashoj 29, 2002 BS – died October 9, 2024) was a celebrated Nepali lyricist, poet, and Radio Nepal creator, known for writing more than 250 recorded songs that shaped modern Nepali music. Beginning his career as a teacher in Nuwakot, he later joined Radio Nepal, where he wrote and recorded iconic songs such as Bhagyale Khushi Khosera Lagyo, Shubhakamana, and Dherai Din Bho Timro Jhajhalko. He also hosted the popular program “Phulbari” and contributed to drama writing and direction. The younger brother of renowned writer Ishwar Ballabh, he remained an influential literary figure throughout his life. His passing at age 80 marked a significant loss to Nepali music and literature.