Naina Khadgi

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.

Robert Singh Badaila is a Nepali film artist and music video performer known for his strong physical presence, expressive acting style, and impactful supporting roles. Active across both cinema and the Nepali music video industry, he brings intensity, discipline, and a rugged screen persona that fits naturally within action‑driven and dramatic storylines.In films, he appears in the upcoming action‑thriller Kumbh (2026), contributing to the movie’s gritty world of conflict, power, and high‑stakes confrontations. Beyond cinema, Robert has also featured in multiple Nepali music videos, where his confident screen presence and character‑driven performances have helped him connect with a wider audience.

Nisha Sharma is a veteran Nepali theatre actress with a career spanning over three decades, known for her powerful performances in more than fifty stage productions. A leading figure of Aarohan Gurukul and a celebrated interpreter of complex roles such as Nora in Putaliko Ghar, she became the first woman Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama in 2023, marking a historic milestone in Nepali performing arts.

Nishan Bhattarai (Nepali: निशान भट्टराई) (born June 12, 1996) is one of three finalists due to compete in the 'Nepal Idol' grand finale in Qatar on Sept 22. Nishan is a Nepali singer and a recent singing star who has become popular from a reality television singing competition Nepal Idol. He prominently sings in Nepali and Hindi languages. The Nepal Idol show, where he is one of the top three contestant is hosted by AP1 Television and it is part of the Idols franchise created by Simon Fuller. He is from the eastern part of Nepal. He was born and raised in a small town of Urlabari of Morang district. His father name is Nityananda Bhattarai and mother's name is Renuka Bhattarai. Currently, he is living in Kathmandu. At the age of 20, he became one of the top three contestants of Nepal Idol . He was also one of the top Five contestants of Singing Icon Nepal which was a reality singing competition organized by Nepal Television.