Vishal Bhattarai

Santosh Bhakta Shrestha is a renowned Nepali esraj player, freelance musician, and respected music teacher celebrated for his mastery of this rare bowed string instrument. With decades of dedication to classical and devotional music, he has become a leading figure in preserving and promoting the esraj tradition in Nepal. His performances—such as the soulful rendition of “Jaha Chhan Buddhaka Aankha”—are marked by emotional depth and technical brilliance. Santosh Bhakta has collaborated with prominent artists and institutions, including SAC Music International and Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, where he has performed ragas like JogKauns in intimate classical gatherings. His style is known for its fluid bowing, vocal-like phrasing, and meditative resonance, making him a sought-after performer and mentor. As a freelance teacher, he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians, ensuring that the esraj remains a living, breathing part of Nepal’s musical heritage.

Bhugoal R. Dahal is a Nepali singer and music instructor known for his warm vocal tone, clean delivery, and his contribution to both modern and semi‑classical Nepali music. Active as a performer and educator, he serves as a music instructor at SS Music School, where he trains emerging vocalists in technique, expression, and performance discipline.Dahal’s singing career includes recorded songs across various modern, lok‑pop, and sentimental albums, along with a growing catalogue of digital releases. His voice is noted for its smooth phrasing, emotional clarity, and adaptability, making him a preferred vocalist for melodic and expressive compositions.As an instructor, he is recognized for his structured teaching approach, focusing on vocal foundation, pitch control, and stylistic interpretation. His dual role as a performer and educator has helped him build a respected presence in Nepal’s evolving music scene.

Born on April 14, 1977, in Byasi, Bhaktapur, she is the eldest daughter of Krishna Bdr Rajchal and Purna Kesari Rajchal. Growing up in a musically inclined family, she was inspired by her father’s love for the harmonium. Her musical journey began early—by class four, she was already performing in school programs and learning harmonium under Hari Prasad Bati. She completed her schooling at Prabhat English Boarding School and Sharda Secondary School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Lalit Kala Campus. Her passion for music led her to Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, where she earned a second bachelor's degree, followed by a master’s degree at Lalit Kala Campus upon her return to Nepal. She also holds a vocal diploma from Pragya Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. During her studies in India, she had the opportunity to perform with an orchestra group on Rabindranath Tagore’s birthday, a turning point that helped shape her musical identity. It was in college that she discovered the sitar, an instrument that would become her primary medium of expression. Her professional career officially began in 2004 with the recording of her first song. In 2005, she released her debut album, "The Tradition", and followed it with "Talking Strings" in 2012, showcasing her evolving artistry and mastery of the sitar. Between these releases, she actively toured cities across Nepal and India, including Nepalgunj, Pune, Jharkhand, Nagpur, and Kolkata, bringing her music to diverse audiences. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to classical music and a lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing its beauty through performance and education.

Academic Qualification:  B.A.(English), B. F. A (Music) , B. Music, M.F.A.(Music T. U.) Experience:  Four Years Music Direction at Madhurima Nepal, Kamaladi  Four Years Music Direction at Mahendra Bhawan Higher Secondary School, Naxal, Kathmandu  13 Years Music Direction at Anurag Music School, Putalisadak, Kathmandu(Founder)  Music Journey 19 years till now. Student Products: Arjun Pokharel, Deepak Gautam, Satya Raj Acharya, Pramod Kharel, Yubraj Chaulagin, Megh Lama, Durga Kharel, Bedu Saru Magar (Voice of Teen Winner), Lokendra Rai, Shantim Koirala, Rabi Malla, Bikram Rai (Nepal Idol Winner), Saru Parajuli and many more……….. Solo Albums: Halka Halka, Attar, Awaaj, Manan, Prem, Manko Rahar, Rahasya, Saayad, Bimal (ghazal), etc. Collection Albums: Yaadma, Sahamat, Praweg, Nachhetra, Nirjharee, Sahar, Timra Lagi, and more than 100 albums. Music Composition: More than 350 Songs.