Nikhil Mukhia

Narendra Bataju Narendra Bataju (died 2018) was a Nepali-born sitar and surbahar virtuoso renowned for his mastery of Hindustani classical music. A disciple of Ravi Shankar, he became an influential cultural bridge between South Asia and Europe through performance and teaching. Key facts Born: Kathmandu, Nepal (year not publicly documented) Died: September 2018, Paris, France Discipline: Hindustani classical (Maihar gharana) Instruments: Sitar, surbahar Based in: Paris since 1972 Early life and training Blind from birth, Bataju began learning sitar at age eight. He pursued formal training for a decade at the Conservatory of Music in Lucknow, India, earning a master’s diploma and two Grand Prizes. His prodigious skill earned recognition from Ravi Shankar, who praised his natural musicality and emotional sensitivity. Career and recordings Settling in Paris in 1972, Bataju performed for the Nepalese royal family and later across European concert halls and festivals, including the Centre Mandapa, the Musée du Quai Branly, and the Festival du Tibet et des Peuples de l’Himalaya. His recordings include Sitar: Râga Kirvani / Surbahar: Râga Gunkali (1975), Les Sitar et Surbahar de Narendra Bataju (1980), and Jog Kauns / Misra Pilu (2006). Collaborations and performances Bataju collaborated internationally, performing alongside the Egyptian oud player Hussein El Masry at Paris’s Cité de la Musique (1996) and appearing at cultural events such as France’s Festival de l’Inde. His cross-cultural work extended to Western artists, including contributions to Symphonie celtique (Tír na nÓg) by Alan Stivell. Legacy Celebrated as a pioneer of Indian classical music in France, Narendra Bataju inspired new generations of European and Nepali musicians through his teaching and emotive performance style. His artistry remains documented in a modest but significant body of recordings and archival radio broadcasts.

Hemant Sharma is a renowned Nepali singer, songwriter, and musician known for his contributions to modern, pop, and folk music. Born in Triveni, Nawalparasi, he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Tribhuvan University before making a name for himself in the music industry. His first album, Oh Priya, was released in 2000, but it was his song Maya Sarai Mahango from a 2002 album that brought him widespread recognition. Over the years, Sharma has recorded more than 100 songs and released over seven solo albums. He has also served as the president of the Performers Society of Nepal from 2015 to 2017. His music style blends folk, Nepali modern, and pop influences, making him a beloved figure in Nepalese music.  

Renowned Nepali songwriter and lyricist, singer, musician NB Dahal (Nar Bahadur Dahal) has made significant contributions to Nepali music in various genres. More than 60 songs of N. B. Dahal are public, some are sung by him and some are in the role of composer or lyricist. He has collaborated with a dozen famous artists.