Indira Joshi

Dij Raj Poudel is a Nepali singer, composer, and lyricist known for his soulful voice and contributions to modern Nepali music since the early 2000s. Born in Sindhuli, he studied music under Dhan Bahadur Gopali and N.B. Chamling. His discography includes solo albums like Sambodhan, Sunaiko Durbar, Ghaderi, and Goreto, and he has contributed to numerous collection albums. Dij Raj’s popular songs include Timi Aaune Batoma, Sunaiko Durbar, Timi Kadarma, Nisthurile, Mauka Pare Pachi, Sunko Paincho, and Mutu Ma Bas Magi. He has performed internationally in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, and China, promoting Nepali music across borders.

Manoj Raj Siwakoti is a Nepali modern and sentimental singer whose recordings have made him a familiar voice among adhunik, pop‑modern, and gazal listeners. Active across multiple decades, he is known for his soft, emotional delivery and his ability to blend modern melodies with classic Nepali sentiment.Siwakoti has performed and recorded numerous popular tracks such as “Aashu Bagayera,” “Dilma Basi,” “Najureko Lagan Hamroo,” “Aakha Nalagauna Kasto Kasto Hunchha,” and “Aakha Bhari Timrai Tasbir.” His voice features across albums like Bibash (2014), Chinari (2018), Bhogai Bhinna Bhinna (2018), and several singles released between 2019–2025, including Aakha Nalagauna Kasto Kasto Hunchha and Milanma Hudo Raichha.

Jhuma Niraula is a Nepali singer whose musical journey began in Nepali Tara Season 1 (2005), where she first stepped into the national spotlight as part of Nepal’s earliest reality‑show generation of emerging vocalists. Known for her expressive, folk‑infused modern singing style, she has since built a steady presence in Nepali music through emotional, festival, and contemporary folk songs.Her popular works include Aama Timi Mero Bhagawan, Dancema Ma Ek Number, Tihar Aayo Jhilimili, A Dada (Mushahar Jaati), and heartfelt modern tracks like Mero Sirr Ko Sindur, Timinai Po Hau Ki, and Bachna Deu, which continue to circulate widely across Nepali music platforms.

Brata Gandarva, a renowned folk singer and Sarangi player, was born on 25th Poush, 2043 BS, in Jarayotar, Palpale, Bhojpur. She is the fourth daughter of Dambar Gandharba and Chija Maya Gandharba. Growing up in a large family with two brothers and six sisters, Brata's childhood was marked by a deep connection to music, especially Sarangi. Her father, a professional Sarangi player, and her mother, who also played the instrument, were her primary sources of inspiration. Though Brata was initially shy and quiet as a child, her love for Sarangi and singing gradually grew as she accompanied her mother around the village, performing and learning the traditional craft. The family's financial struggles further motivated Brata to continue the musical tradition, as it was both a means of sustenance and a way of life. Education and Musical Journey: Unlike many musicians, Brata didn’t receive formal schooling during her early years in the village. However, her connection with music was solidified when she met Gopal Siwakoti Chintan, a renowned figure who inspired her to pursue formal education and music training. Upon moving to Kathmandu, Brata joined Tri-Ratna Cooperative School, where she completed her S.L.C. and later went on to study at Lalit Kala Campus, earning her I.A. degree. She is currently in her B.A. 2nd year at the same institution. Her musical journey began under the mentorship of her parents, with her father being a significant influence on her playing technique. After moving to Kathmandu, she continued her training at Nepal Sangh Vidhalaya, under the guidance of Shyam Nepali, and started recording her songs in Music Nepal around 2053 BS. Brata’s contributions to folk music extend beyond her own performances; she is also a dedicated teacher, sharing her knowledge of Sarangi with students six days a week at various institutions.