Uday Sotang

Arun Thapa (1952–1999) was a beloved Nepali singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and emotionally resonant lyrics. Born in Calcutta, India, he moved to Kathmandu as an infant and later studied in Darjeeling before returning to Nepal to pursue music. His career began in the early 1970s, with his first major hit Jati Maya Laye Pani launching him into national fame. Thapa’s music often reflected themes of love, longing, and introspection, inspired by a personal heartbreak during his college years. His compositions blended poetic depth with melodic simplicity, earning him a devoted following. He worked briefly at Nepal Bank Limited before dedicating himself fully to music, recording for Radio Nepal and releasing two acclaimed albums: Arun and The Best of Arun. Despite battling lung and liver ailments, he continued to sing until his passing in 1999. His legacy lives on through his timeless songs, many of which are considered sadabahar (evergreen) classics.

Ustad Badri – Classical VocalistUstad Badri has 5 recorded songs from BS 1990 (AD 1933/1934) listed in archival research. Additional biographical information is unavailable, but he is recognized as a contributor to the early classical/ustadi tradition in Nepali recordings.

Miss Panchawala Dasi – Singer Miss Panchawala Dasi was an Early Recording Era singer with 2 documented songs from BS 1991 (AD 1934/1935). No additional biographical details or song titles have been found in archival sources.

Sanup Paudel is a professional singer of Nepal. He was born in Shillong, India. He is the youngest among four siblings. Sanup rose to fame after a singing contest had come up, called Geet Bahar, run by Gulshan Kumar in Mumbai. Sanup was at the age of nineteen when he applied for this contest and was finally selected. Early life and Education He learned the classical music, under the singer Shukla Dham, after completion of his bachelor education in Ethnomusicology at the Kathmandu University. A few after completion of this education, he got a chance to enroll in School of Oriental and African Studies in the UK for about half a year. Born and raised in India he came to Nepal in the year 1997 as a young musician. He registered for vocal lessons from Prabhu Raj Dhaka as some school lessons and also private classes outside of school.