Shailendra Babu Pradhan

Shila Bahadur Moktan is a veteran Nepali music director, arranger, composer, and multi‑instrumentalist, celebrated for more than five decades of contribution to Nepali music. He is regarded as one of the most respected figures in modern and folk‑influenced Nepali music, known for his refined arrangements, melodic sensibility, and mastery of multiple instruments.Born and raised in Darjeeling, he received formal classical training under J.C. Rai, which shaped his foundation as a composer and instrumentalist. His first recorded song, “Aakha Kahile Najudos,” was broadcast on All India Radio, Kurseong, in the 1980s .Shila Bahadur Moktan has contributed to over 1,200 songs, working as a composer, arranger, and instrumentalist across genres ranging from folk to adhunik Nepali music. His notable early works include folk songs such as “Hoina Maile Dhakeko Badulki Lageko” and “Topi Hataile Bunera,” and the modern classic “Kahile Kahi Malai Pani Herideuna Pharkera,” a song that introduced both Kunti Moktan (vocals) and Shila Bahadur (music) to the Nepali music scene .He is married to legendary singer Kunti Moktan, and together they are considered pillars of Nepali music. Their daughters Subani Moktan and Shital Moktan are also successful musicians, continuing the family’s artistic legacy .After retiring from Music Nepal, Shila Bahadur initially planned to step back from active work, but his passion for music kept him fully engaged in composing, arranging, and performing. He continues to appear in concerts, including the Paleti Series, where he performs his own compositions and vocals .With nearly 50 years in music, he remains an influential figure whose arrangements, compositions, and instrumental work have shaped generations of Nepali music lovers.

Avash Joshi is a Kathmandu‑based Nepali musician, arranger, composer, vocalist, and guitarist active in Nepal’s independent rock and metal scene. His work is characterized by self‑produced compositions, where he frequently handles lyrics, music, vocals, arrangement, recording, mixing, and mastering himself — a rare full‑stack production approach in Nepali music.His early work includes the track “Pretatma”, where he is credited for lyrics, music, vocals, arrangement, recording, mixing, and mastering . He maintains a presence on ReverbNation as a metal artist from Kathmandu, Nepal, showcasing his identity within the heavier genres of Nepali music .Joshi continues to release original music through A&J Studio, where he performs as vocalist, guitarist, and arranger. His 2026 release “Baal Metal Geet” features him on vocals, guitar, and arrangements, supported by a full band and produced at A&J Studio in Tahachal .

Abhisek Bhadra is a Nepali composer, arranger, pianist, and music educator known for his influential role in shaping contemporary jazz and modern music education in Nepal. Born and raised in Kathmandu, he began his musical journey in the local jazz and rock scene, winning early recognition through competitions such as Rockheads and Jazzmandu’s Jazz for the Next Generation, where he also received the Most Outstanding Musician Award. He later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging at Codarts, Rotterdam Conservatorium, which expanded his international career and led him to perform and write for ensembles such as Voodrish, Dichter, and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw.His performances span prestigious venues including Paradiso Amsterdam, Splendor Amsterdam, De Doelen Rotterdam, and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, along with appearances on national TV and radio platforms like DWDD and 3VOOR12. A versatile creator, he works across jazz, contemporary music, electro‑acoustic experimentation, and mainstream hip‑hop.Returning to Nepal, Bhadra became the Academic Director at the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC) and the Artistic Director of the Katjazz International Music Festival, where he has played a pivotal role in developing South Asia’s jazz education ecosystem. He continues to compose, arrange, and perform actively with leading Nepali bands including Jooni, Jindabaad, Cadenza Collective, and Le Piro, while mentoring the next generation of Nepali musicians.

Maharaj Thapa (born 24 September 1976) is one of Nepal’s most prolific and versatile music arrangers, credited with over 3,500 music arrangements across film and non‑film projects. He has arranged music for 100+ Nepali films, contributing background scores, orchestration, and modern–traditional fusion arrangements that shaped the sound of contemporary Nepali cinema.His notable hit arrangements include Purano Dunga, Sagarsari Chokho Maya, Marne Kasailai Rahar Hudaina, Simple Simple Kanchhi Ko, Chaubandima Patuki, Timi Royeko Pal, Darshan Namaste, and Kammar Mathi Patuki — widely recognized across radio, television, and digital platforms.He has also contributed as Music Director, Lyricist, and Co‑Producer in select films, including Prem Diwas (2019), Gun Gun (2018), and Manle Manlai Chuncha (2014).