Prince Nepali

Parashuram Bhandari is a Nepali master of the sarangi. He hails from the former Kingdom of Nepal, a country of dramatic beauty with a rich and appealing culture. His music ranges from the wildly exuberant to the hauntingly delicate, presented with the rhythmic power that is his signature. The sarangi, whose name means "hundred colors," is an instrument with a cello-like timbre, bowed on three melody strings, with thirty-six sympathetic strings underneath, giving it a haunting cello-like resonance and bright reverberating echo. It is best known for its emotional intensity and its uncanny similarity to the timbre and inflections of the human voice. Parashuram is the only sarangi musician in Nepal to play in the North Indian Classical style. He plays Nepali traditional music on the country's traditional sarangi. The Nepali sarangi is a small hand-carved version of the classical sarangi, an instrument equivalent to the traditional American fiddle. Born in the Kathmandu Valley and educated in India, Parashuram studied with guru Pandit Bacchalal Misra of Varanasi and Senior Musician Gopal Nath Yogi. He received his Master's Degree in Music from Prayag Sangit Samiti. An independent artist, Parashuram Bhandari has published the only textbook on sarangi and is the recipient of National music awards in Nepal. He has performed in numerous countries and released two solo CD's among others with the acclaimed musical group Om Shringara Nepal. When home in the Kathmandu Valley, Parashuram performs in Nepal television, radio, and theatre productions.

Mohan Sundar Shrestha was a distinguished Nepali sarod player who dedicated nearly five decades of his life to the art of sarod performance. Despite losing vision in both eyes, he made an extraordinary contribution to the development and promotion of sarod music in Nepal. Early Life and Musical Training He was born in Kilagal, Kathmandu, Nepal. At the age of 12, he began learning the sarod under the guidance of senior sitar and sarod maestro Narayan Prasad Shrestha. His formal musical journey began in 1970, marking the start of a lifelong devotion to classical instrumental music. Professional Career In 2026 B.S., Shrestha joined Rastriya Nachghar (National Theatre) as a staff musician. From 2037 to 2068 B.S., he worked on a contractual basis as a musician at Radio Nepal. His sarod compositions were featured in songs by singer Shiv Shankar, bringing classical depth to Nepali music. He also served as a court musician at the former Royal Palace of Nepal and officially retired in 2007. A significant milestone in his life came in 2042 B.S. (1985 A.D.), when he was granted the opportunity to perform before King Birendra. After the performance, the King praised his artistry and inquired about his well-being. Upon learning of his wish for stable employment, the King recommended him to perform regularly at the Royal Palace. As a result, Shrestha performed sarod at royal events for 22 years. Following an unexpected retirement notice from Radio Nepal without prior information, he continued his musical journey by performing regularly at Hotel Annapurna. Performances and Contributions Throughout his career, he performed at several prominent venues and religious sites including: Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Ram Mandir Battisputali, Yala Maya Kendra & Rastriya Nachghar. He also released instrumental albums titled Favorite and Favorite–2, which featured sarod melodies cherished by classical music enthusiasts. Passing Mohan Sundar Shrestha passed away on 24 Falgun 2077 B.S. (March 8, 2021), at 6:40 PM at Green City Hospital in Kathmandu at the age of 80. Legacy Despite the immense challenges of losing his eyesight, Mohan Sundar Shrestha remained devoted to music throughout his life. His dedication, resilience, and mastery of the sarod have left a lasting legacy in Nepal’s classical music tradition. He is remembered as one of the pioneering figures in Nepali sarod performance.

The remarkable Nepalese guitarist, arranger Dinesh Shrestha, was born on 25th January 1978 A.D. in Putalisadak, Kathmandu, Nepal to father Kashi Bahadur Shrestha and mother Ram Kumari Shrestha. Dinesh Shrestha was an accomplished guitarist, and was best known there for his rock/blues playing and one of the founder members of “The Buds Band”. Dinesh Shrestha was taught initially by his guru Phiroj Shyangden (guitarist and founder member of 1974 A D Band) on ‘Do Re Mi Music Institute’ in Kathmandu, but it soon became apparent that the boy was a gifted guitarist. Dinesh Shrestha was appeared and performed at “Shikhar Beat Contest” for the first time at Katmandu about 1994 A.D. and making enough of an impression that the famous guitarist. His band also participated in other competition like “Tuborg Music Festival’99”whne they got the first position as “The Band Of the Year” and after they participated on other programs like “Mahashivaratri Music Festival’99”,”Kathmandu Utsav’99”, “Beat Competition’98” and more than fifty programs and concerts. He made his official debut from famous Nepalese band “The Buds” from 1994 A.D. as a lead guitarist including other band members Sudip Singh (Rhythm), Bijaya Karki (Bass/Vocal), Dipesh Shrestha (Drummer/Vocal), Sushil Shrestha (Rhythm), and received reviews that noted a strong, clean tone and a polished though undemonstrative technique. The first album titled “Birsana Sakdina” including nine songs titled “Birsana Sakdina”, ‘Bihani Ko Mirmirema” etc and Second album “Buds 2” which was popular amongst Nepalese people. He had performed by the early 1990's within the various parts of country and has since performed with outstanding success playing both solo and with Band and regularly on radio and television. Now with business and academic reasons he is separated with his band members and no new project will be plan for till now.

Dashain and Malshree Dhun are deeply connected in Nepali culture. The sacred melody of Malshree is considered the musical soul of Dashain, and helping preserve this tradition is Nepal’s first and only female sarod player, Rupa Neupane. Rupa Neupane was born in Asar 2026 B.S. (1969 A.D.) in Mulpani, Kathmandu. She was married at the age of 12 in 2038 B.S. Despite early marriage and social responsibilities, her passion for music gradually found its way into her life. At the age of 24, in 2050 B.S. (1993 A.D.), she began learning the sarod, marking the beginning of her remarkable musical journey. She first trained under senior sarod maestro Mohan Sundar Shrestha in Kathmandu. Later, she continued her studies with Suresh Raj Bajracharya and further refined her skills under Dr. Anupama Kumari in India. Through dedication and continuous practice, she steadily established herself as a respected sarod instrumentalist. In a field traditionally dominated by men, Rupa Neupane broke barriers and created a historic identity as Nepal’s pioneering female sarod player. Her performances of Malshree Dhun during Dashain have strengthened the cultural connection between classical instrumental music and Nepal’s most celebrated festival. Today, she continues her journey as a committed sarod artist, inspiring women and young musicians across the country. Her life reflects perseverance, courage, and devotion to classical music, proving that passion and determination can overcome social and personal challenges.