Anup Das

The year 2004 introduced Moment of Bliss, the album that included the song Phul ko Akhaan Maa, which brought Ani Choying Drolma much acclaim. The song, written by Durga Lal Shrestha and composed by Nhyoo Bajracharya, went on to be one of the most played songs on media and one would be hard-pressed to find anybody in Kathmandu who hadn’t heard the tune. The song broke the monotony of the then popular music with its melody and easy flowing instrumentation and Ani’s soothing, almost meditative vocals. Although largely unrecognised by the public, Gopal Rasaily, the arranger of the song, also managed to gather appreciation for his work from others in the business; it represented a breakthrough for him in the Nepali music industry. Rasaily, who is also the in-house arranger at the Do Re Mi studio.

Sundar Kumar Maharjan is a skilled music instrumentalist. Especially familiar to drum players. He is proficient in many instruments like Madal, Dholak, Guitar etc. He is also a successful music composer.

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.

Prabin Kumar Shrestha is a prominent Nepali guitarist known for his work on major reality shows and collaborations with top artists. He’s been a key figure in Nepal’s contemporary music scene, especially through televised platforms and live performances. Here’s a deeper look into his career: Career Highlights Reality TV Contributions: Nepal Idol Seasons 5 & 6: Served as a guitarist, contributing to live arrangements and backing performances. Mero Voice Universe Seasons 1 & 2: Played guitar for contestants, helping shape the musical direction of the show. Nepal’s Singing Superstar Season 1: Another major platform where he showcased his versatility. Collaborations with Renowned Artists: Has performed with Nima Rumba, Kali Prasad Baskota, Purushwottam Neupane, Ashra Kunwar, Shiva Pariyar, and Madan Krishna Shrestha, among others. These collaborations span genres from pop and rock to traditional and fusion, reflecting his adaptability and depth. Original Music Member of the LSD band, contributing to original compositions like: Dream City Samaya These tracks blend modern rock with Nepali musical sensibilities.