Abishek Khadka

Shiva Shankar Manandhar (1932–2004) was a legendary figure in Nepali music and cinema, celebrated for his versatility as a singer, composer, and actor. Born in Newroad, Kathmandu, to a musically inclined Newar family, his early exposure to classical Newari songs through his father, Man Bahadur, laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. He joined Radio Nepal in 1951, where he collaborated with Nati Kaji to shape the golden era of Nepali music. Over his prolific career, he composed around 1,200 songs and sang nearly 300, spanning genres like love ballads, bhajans, patriotic anthems, and tragic melodies. His compositions for artists such as Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama remain timeless. 🎬 In cinema, Shiva Shankar played the lead role of Lahure Dai in Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film. Though he didn’t pursue acting further, he composed music for several early Nepali films, contributing to the industry's formative sound. 🎶 Sadabahar (Evergreen) Songs: Aama ko sapana – a heartfelt tribute to motherhood Yo Nepali shir uchali – a patriotic anthem Timro lagi ma birsine – a romantic classic His music blended folk traditions with orchestral arrangements, pioneering modern Nepali pop while preserving cultural authenticity. Shiva Shankar received numerous national honors and served as Executive Director of Ratna Recording Corporation (1987–1991). Even post-retirement, he remained a guardian of Nepal’s musical soul.

Bijay Baral is a talented Nepali actor and theatre artist known for his versatile performances in both films and stage productions. He has been affiliated with Mandala Theatre and Blackhorse Pictures Pvt Ltd, and has acted in numerous plays and movies. Career Highlights Theatre: Bijay has acted in 13 plays, showcasing his range and dedication to the craft. Films: Some of his notable films include "Chhadke," "Badhshala," "Saanghuro," "Karkash," "Maun," "Sorry La," "How Funny," "Pashupati Prasad" (2016), "Kabaddi" (2014), and "Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi" (2019). Recent Work: He starred in the film "Jaari" (2023), which became one of the highest-grossing Nepali films. Personal Life Birthdate: November 28, 1988. Family: Bijay is married to Parmila Khanal, and they have a son named Prajay Khanal Baral. Bijay Baral continues to inspire many with his dedication to acting and his impactful performances in both theatre and cinema. 🌟

Tika Pahari is a respected veteran actor in Nepali cinema, known for his powerful supporting roles across several decades. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Raj’s father in the beloved film Darpan Chhaya (2001), and has since appeared in numerous acclaimed films such as Jeevan Sangharsha (1995), Prithvi (1994), Manjari (2013), and Dui Rupaiyan (2017), where he played the role of a smuggling boss. His performances often bring emotional depth and gravitas, making him a familiar and admired figure in both classic and contemporary Nepali films. He is also the father of actor Gaurav Pahari, continuing a legacy of artistic contribution to Nepali cinema.

Gopal Bhutani (born Gopal Tamang, 1932 – November 23, 2010) was a pioneering Nepali art director, actor, and action choreographer who shaped the visual language of Nepali cinema. Born in Fikkal, Ilam, he began his film journey in Bollywood in the 1940s before returning to Nepal, where he introduced action direction to a melodrama-dominated industry. Despite his immense contributions, he struggled to obtain Nepali citizenship due to the “Bhutani” surname. Bhutani worked on over 70 films, including Balidaan, Aago, Shankar, Mamaghar, Shiris Ko Phool, and Jeevan Sangharsha. He passed away at age 78 from stomach cancer. His legacy remains foundational in Nepali film aesthetics and action choreography.