Kalyan Singh

Ranu Devi Adhikari (1936–2020) holds the distinction of being the first female singer of Radio Nepal. Born in Birgunj, Nepal, she grew up in Benaras, India, and later became a prominent figure in Nepal's music and political spheres. Her revolutionary songs, such as "Jaago Nepali," were instrumental in inspiring the movement against the Rana regime. She began her singing career with Prajatantra Nepal Radio in Biratnagar, which later became Radio Nepal. Despite societal challenges, she pursued her passion for music and education, eventually earning a Master's degree. Ranu Devi also worked as a teacher and remained a source of inspiration for many.

Deepak Kharel is a legendary figure in the Nepali music scene, celebrated for his soulful voice and deep connection to the lyrical beauty of modern Nepali songs. With a career spanning several decades, Kharel has not only witnessed the evolution of Nepali music but has also played a pivotal role in shaping it. He first rose to prominence in the 1980s and quickly became known for his melodious voice, classical training, and his ability to bring out raw emotion in every performance. His songs often explore themes of love, longing, heartbreak, and the beauty of life, striking a chord with audiences of all ages. Some of his most beloved and timeless tracks include “Timro Tyo Hasilo,” “Badal Banai Deu,” “Poornima Ko Raat,” “Ma Timro Saath Dinchhu,” and “Hera Na Hera Kancha.” These songs remain staples on Nepali radio and playlists, evoking nostalgia and admiration from generations of music lovers. Deepak Kharel has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Nepali music. He has worked closely with acclaimed lyricists and composers such as Ramesh, Bhairav Aryal, and Shanti Thatal, creating musical masterpieces that are still celebrated today. Beyond singing, Kharel has also contributed as a music mentor and has inspired many young artists to pursue music with sincerity and discipline. His influence is seen not only in his recordings but also in the way his voice and style have shaped the identity of modern Nepali playback singing. He remains active in the music community, performing on prestigious stages and continuing to be a revered name in the industry. His legacy is one of elegance, grace, and a lifelong dedication to the art of music.

Paras Gazmer was a respected Nepali musician, composer, lyricist, and singer from Darjeeling, celebrated for his emotionally powerful songwriting and his unique ability to translate personal struggle into deeply moving music. Despite losing his eyesight at the age of one and a half due to measles, he rose to become one of the most influential musical voices of the Darjeeling hills.Born in Tindharey, Kurseong in 1962, Paras studied at the Kalimpong Blind School, where he learned guitar and developed his musical foundation. Entirely self‑taught, he composed, wrote, and arranged his own songs, drawing inspiration from lived experience, inner emotion, and the philosophy that “our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.”He gained widespread recognition with his acclaimed albums Sanjha Ko Gham (1993) and Mero Bhagya (1999), both of which left a lasting mark on Nepali music. His compositions often explored themes of longing, hardship, and the inner world of the differently‑abled, resonating deeply with audiences across Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the Nepali diaspora.Paras Gazmer performed extensively across the hills and neighboring regions and was honored by various cultural organizations for his contributions. His legacy continues to be remembered as that of a musical icon who transformed adversity into art.

Dhruba KC (2003–2077 BS) was a pioneering Nepali modern singer, composer, and radio personality whose soulful voice left an indelible mark on the golden era of Nepali music. Born in Kathmandu to Yagya Bahadur KC and Padam Kumari KC, he began singing at Radio Nepal as a child in 2010 BS and quickly rose to fame with evergreen hits like “Mayalu Hazur Hunchan,” “Narou Narou Saili,” “Timro Maya Kagajko,” and “Aru Kalo Rail Ko Dhuwale.” He was also a music composer, lyricist, and one of Nepal’s first jingle creators, and even performed for King Mahendra, who awarded him a gold medal. Dhruba KC was the uncle of actor Bhuwan KC and remained a respected figure in the industry until his passing in 2021 due to Parkinson’s disease. His legacy lives on through his timeless melodies and his pioneering role in shaping modern Nepali music.