Prem Rana Autai

Saran Kumar Pradhan (1943–1974) was one of Darjeeling’s most gifted lyricists, composers, and mandolin virtuosos, shaping the golden era of modern Nepali music. Born on 4 May 1943, he grew up in a culturally vibrant Darjeeling and taught himself banjo, harmonium, and mandolin with remarkable mastery. A science graduate from St. Joseph’s College, he later taught at St. Robert’s School, where he also composed the school anthem. A student of maestro Amber Gurung, Saran emerged as a leading figure of Adhunik music alongside Aruna Lama, whom he married in 1963. Their partnership produced timeless classics such as “Yaha Ful Nakhili Cha,” “Sabaile Bhanthe,” “Hera Na Hera Kancha,” and many others. His music club Sangeet Sangam became a creative hub that nurtured Darjeeling’s finest talents. Saran passed away in 1974 at just 31, leaving behind a luminous body of work that continues to define Nepali musical heritage.

Jay Prakas Joshi (JP) is a Nepali tabla player and performing musician known for his rhythmic precision, classical grounding, and versatile accompaniment style across live stages and studio sessions. Active in Nepal’s contemporary music circuit, he represents a generation of musicians who blend traditional tabla techniques with modern performance settings, supporting singers, folk ensembles, and fusion acts.JP is recognized for his steady presence in live concerts, cultural programs, and collaborative musical projects, where his playing adds depth, timing, and emotional texture. His work reflects a commitment to preserving classical rhythmic traditions while adapting them for today’s diverse Nepali musical landscape.

Ganesh Pariyar (1945 – 18 January 2021) was Nepal’s first music arranger, a pioneering composer, singer, and multi‑instrumentalist whose work laid the foundation of modern Nepali studio music. Beginning as a contractual instrumentalist at Radio Nepal in 2019 BS, he became a permanent musician in 2024 BS, introducing structured music arrangement to Nepali broadcasting for the first time.Before entering full‑time music, Pariyar served in the Nepal Army, rising to the rank of Havildar before resigning to pursue music professionally. A skilled violinist, saxophonist, guitarist, and folk instrumentalist, he played a central role in shaping the orchestral sound of early Nepali recordings.Across more than two decades at Radio Nepal, he contributed as an arranger, composer, vocalist, instrumentalist, and collector of lyrics and melodies. His disciplined musicianship and technical mastery helped elevate the quality of Nepali studio productions during a formative era.In 2050 BS, he joined Music Nepal as a Music Director and Arranger, influencing commercial music production and supporting countless singers and composers. His legacy remains foundational in the evolution of Nepali music arrangement.

Navaraj Gurung is a highly acclaimed Tabla player based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Let me share some interesting details about him: YouTube Channel: Navaraj Gurung has a YouTube channel where he showcases his tabla performances. One of his notable covers is “Ham Tan” by Ali Ghamsari, where he adds his unique aspect of tabla accompaniment to the melodic structure. Rhythm and Joy: Navaraj Gurung’s extempore tabla performance was shot at the magical Kirateshwor Sangeet Temple in Pashupati. The video captures the spontaneous nature of tabla playing. Albums and Compositions: Over the past three decades, Navaraj Gurung has been actively involved in playing tabla and composing music. He has released 25 albums, spanning genres from Eastern classical music to fusion tracks and tabla solos. His debut album, “Moment,” was launched in 2000. Navaraj Gurung’s contribution to Nepali music is significant, and his mastery of the tabla continues to inspire music enthusiasts worldwide! 🎶🥁