Janardan Sama

Jitendra Mahat Abhilasi (1956–2004) was a pioneering Nepali stage, radio, television, and film actor known for his powerful voice, disciplined craft, and exceptional contribution to Nepali performing arts. Born on 11 September 1956 in Kabilas, Nuwakot, he began his artistic journey as a student with a deep interest in theatre and literature. Abhilasi wrote, directed, and acted in his first historical play “Shree 5 Ranabahadur Shah” (1969) and went on to perform in over 482 radio dramas, 460 radio scripts, and more than 60 stage plays. He appeared in around 40 telefilms and over three dozen feature films including Manko Baadh, Basudev, Anyaya, Koseli, Chino, Basanti, Lagangatho, and Simarekha. Renowned for his radio drama legacy and versatile screen presence, Abhilasi remained one of Nepal’s most respected multi‑disciplinary artists until his passing on 27 September 2004.

G. Shah is the literary identity of former King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah, whose poetic and lyrical works have contributed a distinct voice to Nepali music and literature. Active as a songwriter and poet, his creations reflect deep patriotism, emotional sincerity, and a profound attachment to the Nepali soil. His lyrics have been performed by celebrated singers including Prakash Shrestha, Ananda Karki, Sapana Shree, and Jyoti Shrestha, giving his words a wide musical presence.Among his notable works are songs such as “Bachnu Nai Chha Yadi Bhane” (vocals: Prakash Shrestha), “Pahilo Milanko” (vocals: Ananda Karki), and “Ma Jasto Thiye” (vocals: Sapana Shree). His lyrical compositions are also featured in the album ‘Rajasi’, where Jyoti Shrestha and other respected artists have brought his words to life.In literature, his poetry collection ‘Dui Mutu, Eauta Bato’ stands as a significant publication, released on the occasion of his 76th birthday. Through his songs and poems, G. Shah expresses themes of national pride, cultural identity, and heartfelt human experience, establishing him as a unique creative figure within Nepal’s contemporary literary and musical landscape.

Saru Bhakta (born 1955), pen name of Bhakta Raj Shrestha, is a celebrated Nepali novelist, playwright, poet, and songwriter, honored with the Madan Puraskar for his landmark novel Pagal Basti, widely regarded as a classic of Nepali literature. A leading figure in post‑1970s Nepali writing, he introduced psychological depth, postmodern narrative techniques, and experimental dramatic forms. He has also contributed significantly to Nepal’s cultural institutions, serving in the Nepal Academy and as Chancellor of the Nepal Music and Drama Academy, while founding multiple literary and theatre organizations in Pokhara.

Balkrishna Sama (1902 – 20 June 1981) was Nepal’s most influential modern playwright, poet, and literary reformer, widely honored as the Shakespeare of Nepal for his pioneering contribution to Nepali drama. Born in Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu, he began his literary career in the early 1920s, writing socially conscious plays that challenged tradition and expanded the artistic scope of Nepali theatre. His worksincluding Prem Pinda, Bhater, Tansen, and Amar Singh introduced psychological depth, historical imagination, and modern dramatic structure to Nepali literature. A former army officer turned full‑time writer, Sama received Nepal’s highest honors for his cultural impact, and his legacy continues to define the foundation of Nepali drama and stage literature.