Seturam Pradhan

Shakti Ballav Shrestha is a distinguished Nepali music composer and singer, renowned for his significant contributions to the country's music industry. Early Life and Education: Born on February 5, 1959, in Charikot, Dolakha, Nepal, Shakti Ballav is the son of Laxmi Kumar Shrestha and Khadga Kumari Shrestha. He pursued a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Trichandra College, Kathmandu. His musical education was under the tutelage of the late Chetnath Sharma, specializing in Eastern Classical Music. Musical Career: Shakti Ballav commenced his journey in music composition in 1975 (2032 B.S.). His first recorded piece aired on Radio Nepal in 1978 (2035 B.S.), featuring lyrics by Dr. Dirgha Singh Bam and vocals by Pratap Adhikari. Over the years, he has been associated with numerous albums, including: Pidhi Maya Ko Yam Ajambari Anuvuti Lakh Badhai Halkaara Prastav Pratibadha Maya Ko Rang Parichaye His compositions have resonated deeply with audiences, leading to his designation as a Prestigious Musician by Radio Nepal. Notable Songs: Shakti Ballav has crafted numerous songs that have become staples in Nepali music. Some of his notable compositions include: "Aafailai Bhar Bhayo Jindagi" performed by Rabin Sharma "Chandrama Ra Chakewako Milan" by Pabitra Subba "Udhu ki Gudu ma" by Kabita Krishna Murti "Ukali Orali Gardai" by Sonu Nigam "Phool Ko Dali Dalima" by Sonu Nigam & Purnima "Lagchha Mana Herirahu" by Ananda Karki "Tyo Sano Gaunko" by Thupten Bhutia "Sarangi Ta Rete Pani" by Shishir Yogi Awards and Recognition: Throughout his illustrious career, Shakti Ballav has been honored with several awards, reflecting his impact on Nepali music: Narayan Gopal Yuwa Puraskar (2052 B.S.) Chhinnalata Sangeet Puraskar (2053 B.S.) Music Nepal Award (2053 B.S.) – Gold Medal Narayan Gopal National Pratibha Puraskar (2058 B.S.) Hits FM Music Award (2067 B.S.) Natikaji Bishesh Sangeet Honor (2070 B.S.) Film Contributions: Beyond albums and singles, Shakti Ballav has made notable contributions to Nepali cinema as a music director and playback singer. His collaborations with actor Dhiren Shakya in films such as Deurali (1998), Rajkumar (1998), Zameen (1998), and Simana (1996) highlight his versatility and influence in the film industry. Shakti Ballav Shrestha's dedication and artistry have left an indelible mark on Nepali music, inspiring generations and enriching the nation's cultural heritage.

Junu Rijal, a talented Nepali singer, has graced the music scene with her melodious voice. Let’s explore some of her notable songs: “K Nai Bhannu Cha Ra Aba”: A modern Nepali song from her album Aarambha. The lyrics are by Rajesh Kaidi, and the music is composed by Shishir Sadhak. The video features actors AB Bishwokarma and Pramita Thapa. You can listen to it on YouTube. “Driver Dai Ghumti Ghumti Ma”: Another Lok Pop song by Junu Rijal from the album Bacha. The lyrics and music are by Jhalak Sangitam. You can enjoy this track on YouTube. “Luki Luki”: Collaborating with husband Ram Chandra Kafle, Junu Rijal lent her voice to this beautiful song. You can find it on YouTube. Junu Rijal’s golden voice continues to captivate music lovers, and her contributions to Nepali music are truly remarkable. 🎶

Rimla Moktan is a beloved Nepali singer known for the sweetness and clarity of her voice, heard in memorable songs such as “Mirmire Bihan Surya Ko Darshan Tiger Hillai Ma,” “Phalelungma Hiu Paryo Danphe Jharyo Sirikhola,” and others. Born in Darjeeling, she studied at Nepali Kanya Higher Secondary School (Boarding School), where she later returned as a teacher. Her musical journey began remarkably early—at just five or six years old—when she started learning classical music under Guru Madhu Singh.Her formal artistic path took shape under the guidance of Chandan Lomjel, who provided her special training and introduced her to competitive performance. Under his mentorship, she participated in the Darjeeling Gorkha Dukha Nivarak Sammelan Music Competition around 1981, performing songs composed by Chandan Lomjel with lyrics by P. Arjun and Puran Giri. She also sang a duet with Lakpa Sherpa, winning awards in both duet and group categories, and securing first place in the Lok‑Adhunik category—a milestone that marked her full entry into the musical field.Rimla continued her classical training with Guru Chittaranjan Mishra, and after he returned to Odisha, she studied under renowned sitar maestro Tri Ratna Tuladhar, with whom she still consults whenever she seeks deeper musical refinement. Through Chandan Lomjel, she also met composer Manikamal Chhetri, who offered her the opportunity to sing in Pratap Subba’s musical drama “Mrigtishna,” where she performed classical raga‑based compositions.With her grounding in classical discipline, her Darjeeling musical heritage, and her naturally melodious voice, Rimla Moktan remains a respected and cherished figure in Nepali folk‑adhunik music.

Ananda Karki who started a trend with Ghazals in Nepal. Three words come in mind while listening to the extraordinary voice of Ananda Karki probably the most famous of his kind in Nepal. The words are range where he can do a variety of genres going from the classical to pop with everything in between. The second word is fusion where he brings all kinds of music into what he composes and when he sing you have snatches of western music, Hindi music and whole lot of his own Nepali music. The third word is recognition where you ask anyone who Ananda Karki is they will say “the most famous singer in Nepal." Born in Solukhumbu in 20th Jan and trained in the Gharanas or traditional song houses of Lucknow in India like Bhat Khande Maha Vidhalaya. He also received his education in the same country where his father was in the Army. His range extends from sentimental songs to romantic songs, to classical songs of the Mughal courts, sometimes combining’s all three. His irresistible heartwarming voice has lent itself to over a thousand songs including bhanjans or religious songs, songs of love but he is known for ghazals or the beautiful Indian almost Mughal tradition of rhyming songs of love and loss or the memories of love. It is appropriate that Ananda Karki who started a trend with Ghazals in Nepal and is the best love ghazal singer should sing of love that seems to come straight from the heart. like singer in the west before him he began singing in small venues then turned to 5 star hotels playing to packed audiences, inspired by the legendry Indian singer Kishore Kumar he has paid musical tribute to his inspiration and has been awarded medals for his act of acknowledging the source of his singing. He has sung Kishore Kumar's songs in popular programmes worldwide as well as his very typical Ananda Karki ghazals. Kishore Kumar's was known for his love songs, popular songs and sheer finger clicking dance songs. Ananda mastered them all with amazing ability. He has sung in over 600 Hindi and Nepali films as a playback singer and acted in Hindi and Nepali serials and was a playback singer in them. He has sing everywhere from the famed Albert Hall in London which every singer's dream to play in: Denmark, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Pakistan, Moscow and all over India. In fact his singing conquests worldwide make him a traveler as well as singer. In this Ananda Karki like his peers follows the old troubadour tradition that had singers going from place to place singing and that has become common today. Ananda Karki is the first Nepali to do so. His voice, his songs, his music has won him national and international honors from the late King Queen of Nepal to the prestigious Birendra Aishwarya Padak, Gorkha Dakshin, Zee TV Closeup Sa Re Ga Pa 1998 for best singer, Chhinnalata award for vocal, Kollywood award for best singer in the film Bharia'1997 and Parai ghar' 1999, KTV award for the best playback singer Ma Timi Bina and several other honors and decorations.