Prakash Kovid

Surendra Shrestha discovered his passion for tabla at eight, imitating rhythms he heard at local ceremonies. He began formal training at nine under renowned Nepali tabla player Raju Agrawal, mastering accompaniment for folk and modern music. At fourteen, he deepened his classical foundation through eight years of study with Hom Nath Upadhaya. Beginning in 1987, he traveled regularly to Benaras to train with Pandit Chhote Lal Mishra of Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya, earning advanced mastery and later achieving First Division Distinction in Sangeet Praveen (India). Shrestha debuted publicly in 1985 at Nepal’s National Theater and later co‑founded Sur‑Sudha in 1987. He has received honors from Kala Nidhi Mahavidyalaya and other cultural institutions. In recent years, he has represented Nepali classical music internationally, contributed to cultural diplomacy concerts, and mentored a new generation of percussion artists.

Sharan Pradhan (born May 3, 1943, Darjeeling) was one of the most influential lyricists and music composers in the history of Nepali modern music, emerging as a defining creative force from 2020 BS onward. By the age of 21, he was already an established name, shaping the rise of adhunik geet alongside contemporaries like Aruna Lama and Ranjeet Gajmer. A gifted multi‑instrumentalist, Pradhan mastered banjo, mandolin, and several traditional instruments from a young age — the banjo being his earliest and most beloved. His compositions are known for their emotional depth, poetic clarity, and melodic sophistication, many of which became timeless classics recorded by Nepal’s greatest voices. His lyrical works such as “Ma Aankhama Rakhine” and “Ma Aankhaima” remain widely referenced and studied today. Sharan Pradhan’s legacy endures as a cornerstone of Nepali musical identity — a creator whose artistry elevated the emotional and musical vocabulary of an entire generation.

Nabin Chauhan is a Nepali film director, storyteller, and founder of Artmandu, best known for his critically acclaimed feature film Unko Sweater (The Woolen Sweater). His filmmaking journey is rooted in theatre, years of creative exploration, and a transition from directing popular music videos to crafting emotionally rich, socially grounded cinema.Before entering feature films, Chauhan directed several hit music videos such as “Tinpate,” “Sunakhari,” “Baaf,” and “Batauli,” building a strong visual identity and narrative style. His shift to cinema culminated in Unko Sweater, a film celebrated for its warmth, cultural depth, and portrayal of rural Nepali life.Chauhan’s storytelling is shaped by his early years in Panchthar, his formative experiences in Shilpee Theatre, and his commitment to authentic, character‑driven narratives. His work reflects a blend of realism, emotional honesty, and cultural sensitivity, positioning him among the new generation of Nepali filmmakers redefining contemporary cinema.