Basanta Gauli

Bijayratna Tuladhar is a Nepali film director, chief assistant director, and respected film‑based journalist whose career spans more than three decades across cinema, media, and cultural documentation. Active since the early 1990s, he is known for his disciplined on‑set leadership, his contributions to classic Nepali films, and his award‑winning work in film journalism.He entered the Nepali film industry as a Chief Assistant Director, contributing to notable films such as Priyasi (1993), Rajamati (1996), and Pachhyauri (1997)—projects that helped shape the visual and narrative style of 1990s Nepali cinema. His early work established him as a reliable creative collaborator with strong command over production, continuity, and actor‑director coordination.Transitioning into direction, Tuladhar helmed Bir Ganeshman (2003) and Man Ko Tukra (2004), both of which reflected his interest in socially rooted storytelling and character‑driven drama. His directorial work is marked by clarity, cultural grounding, and a commitment to authentic Nepali narratives.Parallel to filmmaking, Bijayratna Tuladhar built a respected identity as a film‑based journalist, writing analytical pieces, industry reports, and cultural commentary that contributed to the documentation and critique of Nepali cinema. His journalism earned him major national honors, including the NFDC National Film Award (2071) – Best Journalism Award and the D‑cine Award (2066) – Film Journalism Prize, recognizing his influence beyond the screen.With a career that bridges filmmaking and journalism, Tuladhar stands as one of the few Nepali creatives who have contributed to cinema both from within the production floor and from the lens of critical media. His work continues to represent dedication, discipline, and long‑term service to Nepali film culture.

Shiva Shankar Manandhar (1932–2004) was a legendary figure in Nepali music and cinema, celebrated for his versatility as a singer, composer, and actor. Born in Newroad, Kathmandu, to a musically inclined Newar family, his early exposure to classical Newari songs through his father, Man Bahadur, laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. He joined Radio Nepal in 1951, where he collaborated with Nati Kaji to shape the golden era of Nepali music. Over his prolific career, he composed around 1,200 songs and sang nearly 300, spanning genres like love ballads, bhajans, patriotic anthems, and tragic melodies. His compositions for artists such as Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama remain timeless. 🎬 In cinema, Shiva Shankar played the lead role of Lahure Dai in Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film. Though he didn’t pursue acting further, he composed music for several early Nepali films, contributing to the industry's formative sound. 🎶 Sadabahar (Evergreen) Songs: Aama ko sapana – a heartfelt tribute to motherhood Yo Nepali shir uchali – a patriotic anthem Timro lagi ma birsine – a romantic classic His music blended folk traditions with orchestral arrangements, pioneering modern Nepali pop while preserving cultural authenticity. Shiva Shankar received numerous national honors and served as Executive Director of Ratna Recording Corporation (1987–1991). Even post-retirement, he remained a guardian of Nepal’s musical soul.

Samundra Bhatta is a Nepali filmmaker, director, and writer known for her bold storytelling and cultural depth. A graduate of Toronto Film School, she made her directorial debut with Aadha Page (2016), a romantic drama. Her breakthrough came with Gunyo Cholo: The Dress (2024), a powerful film exploring gender identity and social stigma, starring Najir Husen. The film was selected for the prestigious Photo Film Market in Seattle, USA, gaining international attention. Bhatta’s work blends traditional Nepali themes with contemporary narratives, reflecting her commitment to inclusive cinema. As a rising voice in South Asian film, she continues to challenge norms through visual storytelling.

Pragya Joshi is a Nepali film actress and television serial artist known for her expressive performances and her steady presence in both mainstream cinema and episodic storytelling. Active across multiple formats, she has built a reputation for portraying relatable, emotionally grounded characters that reflect everyday Nepali life.Her work spans feature films, TV serials, and special appearances produced under Pragya Films, where she has contributed to projects that blend social themes, family drama, and character‑driven narratives. Joshi’s screen presence is marked by natural dialogue delivery, strong emotional timing, and a commitment to authentic storytelling—qualities that have made her a respected performer among directors and audiences alike.With continued involvement in film and television, she represents the generation of Nepali artists who bridge traditional screen acting with the evolving landscape of modern Nepali media.