Anup Timilsina

Saran Kumar Pradhan (1943–1974) was one of Darjeeling’s most gifted lyricists, composers, and mandolin virtuosos, shaping the golden era of modern Nepali music. Born on 4 May 1943, he grew up in a culturally vibrant Darjeeling and taught himself banjo, harmonium, and mandolin with remarkable mastery. A science graduate from St. Joseph’s College, he later taught at St. Robert’s School, where he also composed the school anthem. A student of maestro Amber Gurung, Saran emerged as a leading figure of Adhunik music alongside Aruna Lama, whom he married in 1963. Their partnership produced timeless classics such as “Yaha Ful Nakhili Cha,” “Sabaile Bhanthe,” “Hera Na Hera Kancha,” and many others. His music club Sangeet Sangam became a creative hub that nurtured Darjeeling’s finest talents. Saran passed away in 1974 at just 31, leaving behind a luminous body of work that continues to define Nepali musical heritage.

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.

Bhishma Joshi is a versatile Nepali actor, writer, director, and founder of ART GHAR. He is actively involved in the Nepali Theatre, where he serves as a writer, actor, and director. Bhishma is also a freelance actor in the Nepali Film Industry. Hailing from Tikapur, he continues to make significant contributions to the arts and entertainment sector in Nepal.

Parsuram Prasad Poudel is a distinguished Nepali tabla player, music educator, researcher, and academic who has made significant contributions to the promotion of Hindustani classical music and music education in Nepal. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor (Tabla) at Lalitkala Campus, Tribhuvan University, where he teaches, conducts research, and mentors students pursuing higher education in music.A dedicated practitioner of Hindustani classical music, Poudel has established himself as both a performer and scholar. Alongside his academic career, he actively participates in tabla recitals, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, and music seminars while contributing to research on Nepal's musical heritage. His scholarly works focus on music education, traditional musical instruments, and the relationship between music and Nepal's artistic traditions.Parsuram Prasad Poudel is also recognized for his academic publications in the Journal of Fine Arts Campus. His research includes studies such as "Musical Instruments in Nepali Sculpture" and "Formal Music Education in Nepal: A SWOT Analysis of Tribhuvan University," reflecting his commitment to strengthening music education and preserving Nepal's cultural heritage through research and documentation.He belongs to a new generation of scholar-musicians who successfully combine performance, teaching, and academic research, contributing to the continued development of classical music in Nepal.