Norden Tenzing

Madan Pariyar was a renowned Nepali music composer, arranger, instrumentalist, and singer who made significant contributions to Nepali music and film. He is widely recognized as Nepal’s first music arranger, known for his exceptional skill as an accordion player and for his innovative musical arrangements. Throughout his career, he composed music for numerous songs recorded at Radio Nepal, arranged music for many popular tracks, and performed as a talented instrumentalist in various recordings.Pariyar also worked as the music director for the film Aadarsha Nari (1984). His daughter, Sapana Shree, is also a well-known Nepali singer. Through his work as a composer, arranger, and musician, Madan Pariyar remains remembered as one of the respected pioneers who helped shape modern Nepali music.

Subash Mandal is a rising voice in Nepal’s modern music scene, known for his expressive vocals and heartfelt performances. Hailing from Biratnagar, he gained national recognition after winning first place in the Radio Nepal Modern Singing Competition in 2077 B.S. (2020 A.D.)—a prestigious platform that has launched the careers of many celebrated Nepali artists. Musical Journey Subash’s passion for music began at an early age, and his dedication led him to participate in local competitions and cultural events. His breakthrough came with the Radio Nepal win, where his performance stood out for its clarity, emotion, and technical finesse

V. Balsara (Vistas Ardeshir Balsara) is revered as the first music director of Nepali cinema and the pioneering architect who shaped the earliest sound, rhythm, and emotional identity of Nepali film music. His compositions for Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film produced in Nepal, established the musical soul of an entire industry.Born in India and trained under legendary maestros such as Ustad Mushtaq Hussain, Master Ghulam Haider, and Khemchand Prakash, Balsara began his musical journey in 1942 with the Hindi film Badal. He became an independent music director with Circus Girl (1943) and went on to compose for 32 Bengali, 12 Hindi, and 3 Nepali films, along with more than 200 albums, showcasing mastery over piano, melodica, Univox, and several other instruments.His entry into Nepali cinema came when director Hira Singh Khatri decided to record the music of Aama in Calcutta. Balsara not only composed the first Nepali film songs but also introduced and shaped the voices of Shiv Shankar Manandhar, Tara Devi, and Pushpa Nepali in playback singing. His melodies for the lyrics of M.B.B. Shah and Laxman Lohani gave Nepali cinema its first musical fragrance.He returned for Hijo Aaja Bholi and later Parivartan, a landmark film that truly transformed Nepali film music. Through Parivartan, Balsara brought Narayan Gopal into playback singing, introduced Mira Rana, expanded Tara Devi’s musical range, and collaborated with writers like Chetan Karki and Tirtha Shrestha.The song “Bujhnai Sakenau Timile Mero Aankha Ko Bhaka” became an immortal milestone in Nepali film music, while “Bainiko Daya Chha Bhane Rodhigahr Dai Nachyo Nabhane” blended folk essence with cinematic sound in a groundbreaking way.Quiet, visionary, and deeply devoted to his craft, Balsara shaped not only melodies but also artists, opportunities, and the very direction of Nepali film music. His contribution remains foundational—etched in gratitude and golden memory.He passed away on 23 March 2005, but his melodies continue to echo as the first sweet remembrance of Nepali cinema’s musical journey.

Ranu Devi Adhikari (1936–2020) holds the distinction of being the first female singer of Radio Nepal. Born in Birgunj, Nepal, she grew up in Benaras, India, and later became a prominent figure in Nepal's music and political spheres. Her revolutionary songs, such as "Jaago Nepali," were instrumental in inspiring the movement against the Rana regime. She began her singing career with Prajatantra Nepal Radio in Biratnagar, which later became Radio Nepal. Despite societal challenges, she pursued her passion for music and education, eventually earning a Master's degree. Ranu Devi also worked as a teacher and remained a source of inspiration for many.