Almoda Rana Uprety

Mukunda Kishor Bhattarai is a veteran Nepali film artist known for his multi‑disciplinary contributions as an actor, writer, screenplay/dialogue creator, and story writer, active since 1989. His work spans some of the most influential films of the 1990s, especially Bhariya, Anartha, and Daju Bhai.   As Actor Tilahari (1989) Kanyadan (1990) Pariwar (1991) Deuki (1993) Daju Bhai (1995) Anartha (1996) Bhariya (1996) Pachheuri (1997) Gham Chaya (1998) Timi Nai Baseu Mero Manma (2000) Ko Hola Mero Mayalu (2008) Mero Manko Sathi (2013) Timro Kasam (2013) Euta Mancheko Maya (2014)

Bunu Rai Manandhar is a Nepali singer known for her soulful voice, emotional depth, and unique journey into the music world. She was born on December 20 in Tokdah, Darjeeling, as the youngest daughter of D.S. Rai and Bindu Rai. Raised in a family of three sisters, Bunu describes herself as a disciplined yet short-tempered child who didn’t engage in school musical activities despite a deep-rooted love for music. She completed her schooling, higher secondary education, and Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Griffith Higher Secondary School. After graduation, she moved to Kathmandu to pursue a career in music. However, life had other plans, and she began working as a pre-primary teacher at Gyanodaya School. While juggling teaching and personal responsibilities, she frequently traveled between Nepal and Darjeeling to complete her remaining academic work. Though she never took formal music lessons, her passion led her to join a local band named “Aarti” as the lead vocalist. This marked the beginning of her stage performances at various local events. Self-taught and dedicated, Bunu practiced regularly at home and honed her craft on her own terms. Her first major breakthrough came when she participated in the prestigious Narayan Gopal Sandhya Sajh, where she secured a spot among the Top 10 performers. This encouraged her to record her first few songs: "Yo Hariyali" composed by Shila Bahadur Moktan "Juna Ko Chaya" featured in Rocky Thapa’s collection album After a long hiatus of 20 years, Bunu made a stunning comeback with her debut solo album “Imagination”, released in 2024. Since then, she has been actively promoting the album and reconnecting with audiences through music. Popular Songs by Bunu Rai Manandhar Korera Prem Patra (ft. Kamal Khatri) – An emotional duet that resonates with themes of love and longing. Jhilmil Sitara (feat. Rose) – A melodic song highlighting her vocal elegance. Yo Hariyali – A nostalgic tune composed by Shila Bdr. Moktan. Juna Ko Chaya – Featured in Rocky Thapa’s compilation album. Banma Fulyo – A contemporary folk-inspired release. Zha Zhal Ko – A rhythmic and expressive number. Bunu Rai Manandhar’s story is one of resilience and quiet determination — an artist who began her journey late, without formal training, yet carved a place in Nepali music through talent, hard work, and authenticity.

Shree K.C. is a promising young Dhrupad singer from Nepal, known for his deep, meditative vocal style rooted in the ancient Hindustani classical tradition. Recognized by the Society of Classical Music Nepal, he has been featured in curated sessions that spotlight emerging voices in classical music. His performances are marked by spiritual intensity, precise intonation, and a profound understanding of raga structure. Shree K.C. is part of a new generation of Nepali classical musicians who are reviving interest in Dhrupad—a genre known for its devotional and introspective qualities. He often performs in intimate baithak-style concerts and educational forums, helping to bridge traditional music with contemporary audiences. His dedication to vocal purity and disciplined practice reflects the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition), and he continues to grow as both a performer and cultural ambassador for Nepal’s classical heritage.

Narendra Bataju Narendra Bataju (died 2018) was a Nepali-born sitar and surbahar virtuoso renowned for his mastery of Hindustani classical music. A disciple of Ravi Shankar, he became an influential cultural bridge between South Asia and Europe through performance and teaching. Key facts Born: Kathmandu, Nepal (year not publicly documented) Died: September 2018, Paris, France Discipline: Hindustani classical (Maihar gharana) Instruments: Sitar, surbahar Based in: Paris since 1972 Early life and training Blind from birth, Bataju began learning sitar at age eight. He pursued formal training for a decade at the Conservatory of Music in Lucknow, India, earning a master’s diploma and two Grand Prizes. His prodigious skill earned recognition from Ravi Shankar, who praised his natural musicality and emotional sensitivity. Career and recordings Settling in Paris in 1972, Bataju performed for the Nepalese royal family and later across European concert halls and festivals, including the Centre Mandapa, the Musée du Quai Branly, and the Festival du Tibet et des Peuples de l’Himalaya. His recordings include Sitar: Râga Kirvani / Surbahar: Râga Gunkali (1975), Les Sitar et Surbahar de Narendra Bataju (1980), and Jog Kauns / Misra Pilu (2006). Collaborations and performances Bataju collaborated internationally, performing alongside the Egyptian oud player Hussein El Masry at Paris’s Cité de la Musique (1996) and appearing at cultural events such as France’s Festival de l’Inde. His cross-cultural work extended to Western artists, including contributions to Symphonie celtique (Tír na nÓg) by Alan Stivell. Legacy Celebrated as a pioneer of Indian classical music in France, Narendra Bataju inspired new generations of European and Nepali musicians through his teaching and emotive performance style. His artistry remains documented in a modest but significant body of recordings and archival radio broadcasts.