Ram Sitaula

Vishal Bhattarai is a distinguished Dhrupad vocalist, music educator, and co-founder of Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, Nepal’s premier institution dedicated to the ancient Hindustani classical tradition of Dhrupad. A devoted disciple of the legendary Gundecha Brothers, Vishal has spent over a decade performing and teaching this deeply meditative and spiritual form of music. Alongside his collaborator Inoue Sou, he established the Gurukul to preserve the purity of raga and swara, and to make classical music accessible to students from all backgrounds—including underprivileged and differently-abled learners. His ensemble has performed at major events like Surya Nepal Jazzmandu, where they explore the improvisational parallels between Dhrupad and jazz. Vishal’s mission is not just to entertain, but to evoke contemplation and inner peace through sound. His work is helping to reintroduce Dhrupad to Nepal’s cultural landscape, nurturing a new generation of artists rooted in tradition and spiritual discipline.

Shanti Thatal (शान्ति ठटाल) is a renowned Nepali music composer and singer known for her contributions to the Nepali film industry. Born on April 4, 1938, in Darjeeling, India, she is celebrated as the first female music composer in the Nepali film industry. Shanti Thatal has composed music for several Nepali films and has more than 200 songs to her credit. Some of her well-known songs include "Mayalu Ley Samjhe Ki Kaso", "Udi Jaun Bhaney Mo Panchi Hoina", and "Samhalera Rakha". Shanti Thatal's work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Jagadamba Shree Puraskar in 2020 for her contribution to Nepali music. She has also been awarded the Master Mitra Sen Smriti Award for Music by the Sikkim government in 2002.

Chandra Kumar Rasaili, popularly known as CK Rasaili, is a Nepali musician, composer, and lyricist. He was born in Baluchistan, Pakistan, while his father was serving in the British Army. He later studied in Meghalaya, India, where he played in an orchestra before moving to Nepal. Rasaili gained recognition after performing at Rastriya Nach Ghar during King Mahendra’s birthday celebration, where the King personally gave him a song to compose. He has worked with Radio Nepal and composed music for Nepal Police and Nepal Army. His contributions to Nepali music earned him prestigious awards, including the Narayan Gopal Memorial Award (2017) and the Natikaji National Music Award. Some of his notable songs include: Premko Mala Kasari Ma Bhuleu Aankha Dekhi Ojhel Jannma Garidein Kahilekahi Ma Haschu Dukheko Dil His compositions reflect themes of love, nostalgia, and cultural identity, making them resonate deeply with audiences.

Mani Kamal Chhetri is a Nepali singer and composer known for his contributions to Nepali music. He has worked on various folk and modern songs, collaborating with artists like Aruna Lama and Gopal Yonjan.