Aarati Acharya

Shiva Shankar Manandhar (1932–2004) was a legendary figure in Nepali music and cinema, celebrated for his versatility as a singer, composer, and actor. Born in Newroad, Kathmandu, to a musically inclined Newar family, his early exposure to classical Newari songs through his father, Man Bahadur, laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. He joined Radio Nepal in 1951, where he collaborated with Nati Kaji to shape the golden era of Nepali music. Over his prolific career, he composed around 1,200 songs and sang nearly 300, spanning genres like love ballads, bhajans, patriotic anthems, and tragic melodies. His compositions for artists such as Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama remain timeless. 🎬 In cinema, Shiva Shankar played the lead role of Lahure Dai in Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film. Though he didn’t pursue acting further, he composed music for several early Nepali films, contributing to the industry's formative sound. 🎶 Sadabahar (Evergreen) Songs: Aama ko sapana – a heartfelt tribute to motherhood Yo Nepali shir uchali – a patriotic anthem Timro lagi ma birsine – a romantic classic His music blended folk traditions with orchestral arrangements, pioneering modern Nepali pop while preserving cultural authenticity. Shiva Shankar received numerous national honors and served as Executive Director of Ratna Recording Corporation (1987–1991). Even post-retirement, he remained a guardian of Nepal’s musical soul.

Divya Dev Pant is a distinguished Nepali actor, theatre artist, and voice performer originally from Baitadi, Nepal. He began his acting career in 2010 with One World Theatre, debuting in Angels in America, and has since performed in over 25 plays in both English and Nepali. His stage credits include Hamlet, Golden Boy, True West, and Sandaju Ko Mahabharat, often under the direction of Dr. Deborah Merola. In film, Divya Dev has played lead roles in Chiso Ashtray, Rudane, and Hijo Aaja Kaa Kura, and appeared in supporting roles in The Secret of Radha, Kiya, and Looking for a Lady with Fangs and a Moustache. He has also acted in dozens of short films and music videos. He is widely recognized as the host of The Poet Idol, Nepal’s first poetry reality show, and the narrator of The Voice of Nepal, where his commanding voice and theatrical delivery have become iconic. Divya Dev’s work bridges classical theatre, contemporary cinema, and poetic storytelling, making him one of Nepal’s most versatile and respected performers.

Anurag Kunwar is a versatile Nepali actor, producer, and executive producer known for his compelling portrayals—especially in antagonist roles—in popular films like K Yo Maya Ho, Chhakka Panja, and Woda Number 6. Born on January 1, 1983, he initially pursued a career in hotel management, studying in Singapore and even founding a horse-riding company in Kathmandu before transitioning into acting. His film debut came in 2011 with K Yo Maya Ho, and since then, he has appeared in over 15 films, including Facebook (2012), Raato Ghar (2017), A Mero Hajur 2 (2017), Shatru Gate (2018), Chhakka Panja 3 (2018), and Chhakka Panja 4 (2023). His upcoming film Hridaya Bhari is currently in post-production. Kunwar is admired for his thoughtful approach to character development and his commitment to elevating the quality of Nepali cinema.

Anil Kurmi is a Nepali film and theatre actor, story–script writer, and director known for his work in short films, independent cinema, and his appearance in the feature film The Shameless (2024). His creative portfolio spans acting, writing, and directing across Nepali, Tharu, Bhojpuri, and Hindi language projects, making him a versatile emerging voice in Nepal’s contemporary film landscape.