Narendra Bataju

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.

Saran Kumar Pradhan (1943–1974) was one of Darjeeling’s most gifted lyricists, composers, and mandolin virtuosos, shaping the golden era of modern Nepali music. Born on 4 May 1943, he grew up in a culturally vibrant Darjeeling and taught himself banjo, harmonium, and mandolin with remarkable mastery. A science graduate from St. Joseph’s College, he later taught at St. Robert’s School, where he also composed the school anthem. A student of maestro Amber Gurung, Saran emerged as a leading figure of Adhunik music alongside Aruna Lama, whom he married in 1963. Their partnership produced timeless classics such as “Yaha Ful Nakhili Cha,” “Sabaile Bhanthe,” “Hera Na Hera Kancha,” and many others. His music club Sangeet Sangam became a creative hub that nurtured Darjeeling’s finest talents. Saran passed away in 1974 at just 31, leaving behind a luminous body of work that continues to define Nepali musical heritage.

Prince Nepali is a fourth-generation Nepali sarangi player and educator. He has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting traditional Nepali folk music through his exceptional skills and dedication. Career Highlights Sarangi Player: Prince Nepali is known for his mastery of the sarangi, a traditional Nepali string instrument. He has performed with various artists and bands, including Bipul Chettri, Ani Choying Drolma, and Sujan Chapagain. Educator: He runs classes at Sarangi Ghar, where he teaches the next generation of sarangi players and works to preserve traditional Nepali music. Fusion Band: Prince Nepali co-founded the Nepali-American folk fusion band Manaslu Blue, blending Appalachian Bluegrass with Nepali folk music

Pramod learnt tabla at home from his father Pundit Hom Nath Upadhyaya. Drawing inspiration from his maestro father Pramod started playing tabla when he was a toddler and at the age of five he performed at then Royal Nepal Academy (now Nepal Academy) which was his maiden show. His first abroad tour was for the German Unification Day in Germany. He had also an opportunity to learn tabla from legendary Ustad Alla Rakha from an institute named after the Ustad himself in Bombay, India. Incidentally, Pramod also had an opportunity to learn from Ustad Zakir Hussain for three months as the maestro happened to be a visiting faculty at the institute. Pramod is adept in all percussions made of leather. Besides that, he has worked as a recordist in many studios in Nepal. But, his fame is not confined as a musician or a recordist either; he has also lent his voice to many popular songs. Pramod was affiliated to Sukarma since its inception and has been playing in the group for ten years now.