Mandabi Tripathi

Panna Kaji Shakya (1931–2017) was a pioneering Nepali singer, composer, and lyricist, widely regarded as one of the foundational voices of Nepal’s modern music era. Born in Ombahal, Kathmandu, he began his musical journey through devotional singing and later became one of the earliest and most influential artists associated with Radio Nepal, where he worked from 1951 to 1985.Across four decades, Shakya contributed his voice and compositions to over 300 songs, shaping the sound of early Nepali modern, folk‑inspired melodies, and bhajans. His timeless recordings—“Tiriri Murali Bajyo Banaima,” “Naulakhe Tara,” “Kina Kina Timro Tasbir,” “Lolaeka Ti Thula Timra Ankha”—remain cultural landmarks and continue to define Nepal’s musical heritage.Beyond music, Shakya was active in theatre and stage performance during a period when male actors often portrayed female roles due to the absence of women in the field. He was also briefly involved in political activism through the Nepal Praja Parishad, leading to his arrest in 1962.In recognition of his lifelong contribution to Nepali music, he received the Tuborg Image Award – Lifetime Achievement Award (2013). Panna Kaji Shakya passed away on January 25, 2017, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Nepali musicians.

Rimla Moktan is a beloved Nepali singer known for the sweetness and clarity of her voice, heard in memorable songs such as “Mirmire Bihan Surya Ko Darshan Tiger Hillai Ma,” “Phalelungma Hiu Paryo Danphe Jharyo Sirikhola,” and others. Born in Darjeeling, she studied at Nepali Kanya Higher Secondary School (Boarding School), where she later returned as a teacher. Her musical journey began remarkably early—at just five or six years old—when she started learning classical music under Guru Madhu Singh.Her formal artistic path took shape under the guidance of Chandan Lomjel, who provided her special training and introduced her to competitive performance. Under his mentorship, she participated in the Darjeeling Gorkha Dukha Nivarak Sammelan Music Competition around 1981, performing songs composed by Chandan Lomjel with lyrics by P. Arjun and Puran Giri. She also sang a duet with Lakpa Sherpa, winning awards in both duet and group categories, and securing first place in the Lok‑Adhunik category—a milestone that marked her full entry into the musical field.Rimla continued her classical training with Guru Chittaranjan Mishra, and after he returned to Odisha, she studied under renowned sitar maestro Tri Ratna Tuladhar, with whom she still consults whenever she seeks deeper musical refinement. Through Chandan Lomjel, she also met composer Manikamal Chhetri, who offered her the opportunity to sing in Pratap Subba’s musical drama “Mrigtishna,” where she performed classical raga‑based compositions.With her grounding in classical discipline, her Darjeeling musical heritage, and her naturally melodious voice, Rimla Moktan remains a respected and cherished figure in Nepali folk‑adhunik 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.

Krishna Bhakta Rai is a Nepali singer, music arranger, and composer known for his contributions to Nepali folk and contemporary music. He has arranged and performed numerous songs, including popular hits like "Murali Tiriri", "Binayo Kongkong Malaya Hongkong", and "Man Ka Sabai Kura Garchu". His music blends traditional Nepali sounds with modern arrangements, making him a respected figure in the industry. He has lived in Kathmandu and Dharan, Nepal, where he continues to be active in the music scene.