Gita Bhitrikothi

Manik Ratna Sthapit is a legendary Nepali singer and composer, widely admired for his expressive voice, refined musical discipline, and contribution to the development of Nepal’s modern musical era. Known for his smooth vocal delivery and deep melodic understanding, Sthapit became one of the respected voices who helped shape the sound of Nepali music during a transformative period.Emerging from a generation that valued classical grounding and cultural authenticity, Sthapit built his reputation through emotionally rich performances and compositions rooted in Nepali identity. His songs reflect clarity, balance, and a timeless melodic structure that continues to resonate with listeners and musicians.As a composer, he created works that blend traditional sensibility with modern musical expression. His compositions are known for their lyrical depth, elegant phrasing, and musical purity — qualities that earned him recognition among senior musicians, broadcasters, and cultural institutions.Throughout his career, Sthapit remained committed to artistic integrity. His influence extends across generations, inspiring singers, composers, and students who look to his work as a model of discipline, taste, and musical excellence.

Jhalakman Gandharva (झलकमान गन्धर्व) was a pioneering Nepali folk singer who popularized Gaine Geet, giving voice to Nepal’s marginalized Gandharbha community. Born on July 29, 1935, in Batulochaur, Pokhara, Jhalakman began singing at age nine, traveling village to village with his sarangi. He became the first Gaine artist to record songs, transforming oral traditions into mass media. His haunting ballads, especially “Aamale Sodhlin Ni”, mourned the death of Nepali soldiers abroad and resonated deeply across generations. Active from 1965 until his death in 2003, he recorded over 100 songs, blending folk and classical styles. His music preserved indigenous narratives and challenged caste-based exclusion, earning him national reverence. Jhalakman’s legacy lives on as a cultural bridge—his voice remains a symbol of dignity, sorrow, and resilience.

Banni Pradhan is a Nepali film actress and artist known for her work in classic Nepali cinema and as a director/producer in later years. She appeared in several films, including the 1981 drama Bansuri, where she was part of the main cast alongside actors like Rakesh Pandey and Rajani Sharma. Beyond acting, Banni Pradhan has been involved in filmmaking behind the camera — directing and producing Nepali films such as Priyatama (2006), Bhai Bhai (2005), Timi Nai Baseu Mero Manma (2000), and others. (thefilmnepal.com)Her career reflects both performance and creative contributions to Nepali cinema, spanning from acting roles in earlier decades to directing projects in the later years. 

Mausami Malla is a well-known Nepali actress who gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She was born on February 11, 1969, in Chitwan, Nepal, and originally aspired to be a sportsperson before entering the film industry. Mausami was born into an army family and was a national-level athlete during her school years. She got married at the age of 15 and moved to Pokhara with her husband. Her acting career began after her marriage and the birth of her first child. She made her debut in the movie 'Kanchi', where she played the role of a child despite being a mother herself. After moving to Kathmandu, she continued her education but had to pause due to her second pregnancy. She later starred in several successful films, including 'Pachhis Basanta', 'Bhagya Rekha', 'Tilhari', and 'Bhumari'. After facing personal struggles, including domestic violence and divorce, Mausami left the film industry for 13 years and moved to Belgium, where she worked as a beautician. She later made a comeback as a film producer, with her son Vicky Malla starring in one of her productions, 'Samaya'.