Kiran Baral

Arbic Shahi Khadgi is a Nepali freelance musician, keyboardist, performer, music composer, songwriter, and music arranger known for his involvement in live shows, studio sessions, and collaborative contemporary music. Active in recent years, he contributes melodic arrangements, harmonic progressions, and modern keyboard textures across concerts, events, digital music, and production projects. His versatility across composition, songwriting, and arrangement makes him a dynamic presence in Nepal’s evolving music scene.

Mohan Sundar Shrestha was a distinguished Nepali sarod player who dedicated nearly five decades of his life to the art of sarod performance. Despite losing vision in both eyes, he made an extraordinary contribution to the development and promotion of sarod music in Nepal. Early Life and Musical Training He was born in Kilagal, Kathmandu, Nepal. At the age of 12, he began learning the sarod under the guidance of senior sitar and sarod maestro Narayan Prasad Shrestha. His formal musical journey began in 1970, marking the start of a lifelong devotion to classical instrumental music. Professional Career In 2026 B.S., Shrestha joined Rastriya Nachghar (National Theatre) as a staff musician. From 2037 to 2068 B.S., he worked on a contractual basis as a musician at Radio Nepal. His sarod compositions were featured in songs by singer Shiv Shankar, bringing classical depth to Nepali music. He also served as a court musician at the former Royal Palace of Nepal and officially retired in 2007. A significant milestone in his life came in 2042 B.S. (1985 A.D.), when he was granted the opportunity to perform before King Birendra. After the performance, the King praised his artistry and inquired about his well-being. Upon learning of his wish for stable employment, the King recommended him to perform regularly at the Royal Palace. As a result, Shrestha performed sarod at royal events for 22 years. Following an unexpected retirement notice from Radio Nepal without prior information, he continued his musical journey by performing regularly at Hotel Annapurna. Performances and Contributions Throughout his career, he performed at several prominent venues and religious sites including: Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Ram Mandir Battisputali, Yala Maya Kendra & Rastriya Nachghar. He also released instrumental albums titled Favorite and Favorite–2, which featured sarod melodies cherished by classical music enthusiasts. Passing Mohan Sundar Shrestha passed away on 24 Falgun 2077 B.S. (March 8, 2021), at 6:40 PM at Green City Hospital in Kathmandu at the age of 80. Legacy Despite the immense challenges of losing his eyesight, Mohan Sundar Shrestha remained devoted to music throughout his life. His dedication, resilience, and mastery of the sarod have left a lasting legacy in Nepal’s classical music tradition. He is remembered as one of the pioneering figures in Nepali sarod performance.

Manohar Sunam is a distinguished Nepali music arranger and instrumentalist, renowned for his significant contributions to the Nepali music and film industry. His expertise in music arrangement has enriched numerous songs and films, leaving a lasting impact on Nepal's musical landscape. Career Highlights: Throughout his career, Manohar Sunam has been instrumental in arranging music for various Nepali movies and songs. Notable works include: "Samarpan": In this film, Sunam served as the music arranger, showcasing his ability to enhance cinematic narratives through his musical compositions. "Dulahi Rani": His role as the music arranger in this movie further exemplifies his versatility and dedication to the craft. "Piratiko Paluwa": Sunam's recent involvement as a music arranger in this project highlights his enduring presence and relevance in the industry. Collaborations: Manohar Sunam has collaborated with various artists and filmmakers, contributing to the success of numerous projects. His collaborations have resulted in memorable songs and soundtracks that resonate with audiences. Online Presence: For those interested in exploring his work, Manohar Sunam's music arrangements can be found in various Nepali films and music videos. Platforms like YouTube host several of these works, providing easy access to his contributions. Additional Information: While detailed personal information about Manohar Sunam is limited, his professional achievements and contributions to Nepali music are well-recognized. His dedication to music arrangement has played a pivotal role in shaping the soundscape of Nepali cinema and music.

Umesh Pandit started learning flute at his early age under the guidance of flutist and founding member of Sukarma Manose Singh and Sehanai with late Pt. Madan Bhatta. As a fine musical talent, he has been honored and recognized by various national and international artistes that include an opportunity to play together with the Grammy Award winning famous Indian Classical Hawaian guitarist Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. He has performed in different places in Nepal and abroad. Umesh has proved himself as a successful composer and flutist among his fellow artistes.