Laxmi Dangol

Suraj Nepal, The Esraj player born in Nepal started a love affair with music since his childhood. He grew up listening to folk and religious tunes played during various festivals in Kathmandu. At the age of 10 he started playing madal (A Nepali percussion) and started singing folk songs since his school days. As years passed, his interest in eastern classical music and instruments grew. That’s when he met a musician friend of a relative that introduced him to Esraj and encouraged him to learn the instrument. He learnt Esraj from Guru Santosh Bhakta Shrestha who then was the only person in Nepal to play the instrument. He too was his only disciple. He received a diploma in Esraj and in 2007. Since then he’s won many accolades, performed with many international artists, played many projects, bands and function. He’s benchmark performances include Playing for Change Organization, Varanasi International Ashram, Udaipur Shilpgram Festival, CPI NTOK 2014 Korea and Wumeng Grassland Music Festival China 2016, Inner Mongolia China 2018 & Wilma Israel 2019 etc.

JB Lama is one of Nepal’s senior and most respected flutists, widely recognized for his decades‑long contribution to Nepali modern, folk, and film music. He has collaborated with legendary icons including Narayan Gopal, Gopal Yonjan, Nati Kaji, Fatteh Man, and many others, shaping the sound of Nepali music across multiple eras. Lama is also credited with creating his own flute‑playing pattern, a stylistic signature still followed by many contemporary flutists.

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.

Dashain and Malshree Dhun are deeply connected in Nepali culture. The sacred melody of Malshree is considered the musical soul of Dashain, and helping preserve this tradition is Nepal’s first and only female sarod player, Rupa Neupane. Rupa Neupane was born in Asar 2026 B.S. (1969 A.D.) in Mulpani, Kathmandu. She was married at the age of 12 in 2038 B.S. Despite early marriage and social responsibilities, her passion for music gradually found its way into her life. At the age of 24, in 2050 B.S. (1993 A.D.), she began learning the sarod, marking the beginning of her remarkable musical journey. She first trained under senior sarod maestro Mohan Sundar Shrestha in Kathmandu. Later, she continued her studies with Suresh Raj Bajracharya and further refined her skills under Dr. Anupama Kumari in India. Through dedication and continuous practice, she steadily established herself as a respected sarod instrumentalist. In a field traditionally dominated by men, Rupa Neupane broke barriers and created a historic identity as Nepal’s pioneering female sarod player. Her performances of Malshree Dhun during Dashain have strengthened the cultural connection between classical instrumental music and Nepal’s most celebrated festival. Today, she continues her journey as a committed sarod artist, inspiring women and young musicians across the country. Her life reflects perseverance, courage, and devotion to classical music, proving that passion and determination can overcome social and personal challenges.