Rapraveen Shrestha

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.

Tara Devi, revered as “The Nightingale of Nepal,” was one of the most influential and beloved voices in Nepali music. Born on 15 January 1945 in Indrachowk, Kathmandu, she began singing at Radio Nepal as a young teenager and soon emerged as the defining female voice of modern Nepali music. Over a career spanning four decades, she recorded more than 4,000 songs, ranging from modern melodies and patriotic anthems to devotional and folk compositions, shaping the emotional and cultural soundscape of an entire nation.Her voice—soft, expressive, and deeply emotive—became synonymous with Nepali identity. Songs like “Phool Ko Thunga,” “Udi Jaun Bhanne,” “Mann Ko Bandh,” “Bhimsen Thapa,” and countless others remain timeless classics, cherished across generations and the global Nepali diaspora. Tara Devi’s artistry elevated Nepali music to new heights, bringing refinement, dignity, and lyrical depth to the modern genre.In recognition of her extraordinary contribution, she received some of Nepal’s highest national honors, including the Jagadamba Shree Award (2050 B.S. / 1993 A.D.), the Indra Rajyalaxmi Pragya Puraskar, the Chhinnalata Puraskar, the Maina Puraskar, and the Nai Sur Samman. She was also decorated with the Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (First Class), the Mahendra Ratna Abhushan, the Gaddi Arohan Rajat Padak, and the Birendra Aishwarya Sewa Padak, along with numerous other national and international recognitions.Despite personal tragedies later in life, Tara Devi continued to embody grace, devotion, and artistic integrity. She passed away on 23 January 2006, leaving behind a monumental legacy that continues to inspire singers, musicians, and music lovers across the world. Her voice remains a cultural treasure—an enduring symbol of Nepal’s musical soul.

Purna Rai is a rising Nepali singer-songwriter known for his emotionally resonant lyrics and a unique blend of folk and modern pop sounds. Born on June 20, 1997, in Dharan, Nepal, he grew up in a musical family and began composing and performing from a young age. He made his debut with the single “Ma” in 2019, but it was “Manaka Kura” in 2021 that catapulted him into the spotlight, amassing over 16 million views on YouTube. His other notable tracks include “Biram,” “Ma Frustrated Nepali,” “Dhurwa Tara,” and “Kalo Seto”, many of which reflect personal experiences, social commentary, and heartfelt storytelling. Rai’s music often explores themes of love, longing, and cultural identity. He’s also known for his introspective songwriting process—he once described music as a form of meditation and a way to process life’s highs and lows.

Rohit Shakya (रोहित शाक्य) is a leading Nepali music arranger and background score composer, known for shaping the sound of modern Nepali cinema through his work on 70+ feature films. A graduate of SAE Institute, Thailand, he is recognized for his atmospheric scoring style, blending electronic textures, rock elements, and Nepali musical motifs to elevate narrative emotion.He is also the co‑founder of Fuzz Factory Productions, where he works as a composer, producer, and sound designer, contributing to film scores, documentaries, and multimedia projects. His background score work includes major Nepali films such as the Kabbadi series and Loot, establishing him as one of Nepal’s most in‑demand cinematic music creators.