Laxman Poudyal

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.

B.S. Rana is a veteran Nepali actor celebrated for his commanding presence and memorable character roles across several decades of Nepali cinema. Known for his natural performance style and disciplined craft, he has appeared in many acclaimed films, contributing depth to social dramas, family stories, and commercial hits alike. Rana’s work in classics such as Basudev, Prem Pinda, Chino, Dakshina, Kanyadan, Muna Madan, and Dharma Sankat helped establish him as one of the industry’s most reliable senior actors. His enduring career reflects a rare combination of versatility, professionalism, and a deep commitment to Nepali storytelling.

Arun Regmi is a Nepali actor and film professional active since 1996, known for his long-standing contribution to Nepali cinema through both acting and production work. As an actor, he has appeared in notable films such as Darpan Chhaya (2000), Bato Muniko Phul (2010), Rhythm (2013), Zhigrana (2015), Resham Filili (2015), Bhairav (2015), and Rajja Rani (2018), establishing himself as a familiar on‑screen presence across commercial and dramatic genres. Alongside acting, he has built a respected parallel career as a production manager, contributing to major films including Kagbeni, Rato Tika Nidharma, Hajar Juni Samma, Yatra, Rudrapriya, How Funny, and Sungava, earning industry recognition including the Gopikrishna National Film Award for Best Production Manager. Known for his reliability, discipline, and deep understanding of filmmaking logistics, Arun Regmi remains an important figure in Nepali cinema, balancing performance and production with equal professionalism.

Bipana Thapa is a talented Nepalese actress, fashion designer, and model. She gained prominence in the Nepali film industry during the '90s. Here are some key points about her: Career: Bipana Thapa was active in the Nepali film industry until she got married in 2008 to Ashutosh Bhardwoj. She appeared in numerous films and left a lasting impact on Nepali cinema. Fashion Designer: In addition to acting, Bipana was also involved in fashion designing. She designed her own costumes for the roles she portrayed in her movies. Her design business, Bipanaz Boutique, was located in Bhatbhateni, Kathmandu. Filmography: Some of Bipana Thapa’s notable films include: “Janma Bhoomi” (1995) “Apsara” (2000) “Aago” (2000) “Tan Ta Sarai Bigris Ni Badri” (2000) “Ke Bho Lau Na Ni” (2001) “Mitini” (2002) “Sahid Gate” (2002) “Bakshis” (as Bipna Thapa, 2002) “Gaazal” (as Gaazal, 2003) “Nagad Narayan” (as Shova Bhauju, 2005)