Prem Rana Autai

Buddha Lama is a musically talented young personality. He used to keep peoples spellbound by playing popular folk tunes in flute from his childhood. He came to Kathmandu for his further theoretical & practical courses in flute after finishing his schooling. In Kathmandu , he met flute instructor Jeevan Ale. Then he started both theoretical & practical classes in classical music. During his learning period he came to know from his instructor that no one can make flutes professionally in Nepal and it was hard to get even a perfect scaled flute in Nepal . People had to go to India to get a perfect flute. One day he determined to make flute himself in Nepal and after few years of his study he succeeded. Now world renowned flute-maestro from Nepal like Prem Ran Autari from ‘Sur Sudha' band, Himalayan Flutist Manose Sing, Pancha Lama from Chautari band and other well-known flutists are using flutes made by him. He also supplies his flutes in USA, Japan, Switzerland and other countries. All the effort he puts in result in quality flutes that have a massive and ever increasing demand abroad. He is pleased with this and plans to further improve the quality and as well address a wider market thus helping spread the melodious tune of flutes all around the world.

Durga Prasad Khatiwada is a renowned Nepali bansuri (flute) maestro, educator, and cultural ambassador, originally from Ilam. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University with a Master’s in Flute (2003), he has performed in over 20 countries, representing Nepal at prestigious events—including during state visits by leaders like Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi. Khatiwada is a music officer at Rastriya Nachghar and has taught classical music at institutions like Lalit Kala Campus and Sirjana College of Fine Arts. He pioneered flute education in Nepal’s higher education system by developing formal curricula. His international teaching includes sessions in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and France. Inspired early on by Gopal Yonjan, Khatiwada has dedicated his life to promoting classical music as the foundation of all musical forms. His performances and teachings emphasize peace, discipline, and cultural identity, making him a vital figure in Nepal’s musical heritage.

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.

Ratna BK (also known as Ratna BK Utsuk) is a Nepali flutist, instrumental composer, and live performer from Surkhet, known for his soulful flute melodies, folk‑inspired phrasing, and modern instrumental arrangements. Active on digital platforms and stage performances, he has become one of the most recognized flute artists from Mid‑Western Nepal, with a strong following on YouTube, TikTok, and streaming platforms. His flute covers—especially Keshari (Kabaddi 4), Marne Kasailai Rahar Hudaina, and various Nepali lok‑dhun mashups—have gained high engagement, showcasing his ability to blend traditional Nepali melodies with contemporary sound design.