Prakash SJB Kunwar

Shiva Shankar Manandhar (1932–2004) was a legendary figure in Nepali music and cinema, celebrated for his versatility as a singer, composer, and actor. Born in Newroad, Kathmandu, to a musically inclined Newar family, his early exposure to classical Newari songs through his father, Man Bahadur, laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. He joined Radio Nepal in 1951, where he collaborated with Nati Kaji to shape the golden era of Nepali music. Over his prolific career, he composed around 1,200 songs and sang nearly 300, spanning genres like love ballads, bhajans, patriotic anthems, and tragic melodies. His compositions for artists such as Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama remain timeless. 🎬 In cinema, Shiva Shankar played the lead role of Lahure Dai in Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film. Though he didn’t pursue acting further, he composed music for several early Nepali films, contributing to the industry's formative sound. 🎶 Sadabahar (Evergreen) Songs: Aama ko sapana – a heartfelt tribute to motherhood Yo Nepali shir uchali – a patriotic anthem Timro lagi ma birsine – a romantic classic His music blended folk traditions with orchestral arrangements, pioneering modern Nepali pop while preserving cultural authenticity. Shiva Shankar received numerous national honors and served as Executive Director of Ratna Recording Corporation (1987–1991). Even post-retirement, he remained a guardian of Nepal’s musical soul.

Asmita Gautam is a Nepali poet, performer, writer, and teacher whose work blends emotional honesty with contemporary feminist and social themes. Active across spoken word, theatre, and literary circles, she is known for her expressive performance style and her ability to translate lived experience into intimate, resonant storytelling. Asmita’s writing often explores identity, womanhood, memory, and the quiet tensions of everyday life, making her a compelling voice among emerging Nepali creatives.She appears as one of the featured artists in the upcoming film Ek Mutthi Badal, contributing her poetic presence and narrative sensitivity to the project’s ensemble of storytellers.

Dhurba Koirala is a Nepali film actor known for his strong screen presence and frequent portrayal of intense, authoritative, and negative‑shade characters across contemporary Nepali cinema. Active since 2012, he has appeared in notable films such as Lanka (2012), Notebook (2013), Kaali (2013), Shoot Out (2014), Gaatho (2016), Rudra (2017), Machha Machha (2019), Babari (2022), A Dhakre Dai (2023), Devwani (2024), and Riyal Ringgit (2025), steadily establishing himself as a reliable character actor. His performances in Hawaldar Suntali earned him nominations and awards in the Best Actor in a Negative Role category, reflecting his command over villainous and complex roles. Alongside acting, he has also contributed as a legal advisor in films such as Bhairav (2015), showcasing his dual professional expertise. With a career spanning more than a decade, Dhurba Koirala remains a respected and consistent presence in Nepali cinema, known for discipline, versatility, and impactful character portrayals.

Sharmila Sharma is a Nepali actress known for her emotionally grounded roles in films, telefilms, and serials since 2000. She debuted with Hulchul and appeared in Hasideu Ek Phera, Mero Maya Timilai, Shaanti, and Kachuli. Her television work includes popular serials like Bhumari, Hari Bahadur–Madan Bahadur, Tito Satya, and Naari. She also acted in acclaimed films such as Juthe and Ati Bho, and has featured in dozens of music videos and short films. Sharmila is praised for portraying relatable, socially aware characters that resonate with everyday Nepali life, making her a respected figure in both mainstream and alternative visual storytelling.