Rakesh Pandey

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.

Arpana Shrestha is a Nepali singer. The songs sung by him are popular including timi hidne goreto ma, Mathi Chautarima Kuraula.

Manoj Raj Siwakoti is a Nepali modern and sentimental singer whose recordings have made him a familiar voice among adhunik, pop‑modern, and gazal listeners. Active across multiple decades, he is known for his soft, emotional delivery and his ability to blend modern melodies with classic Nepali sentiment.Siwakoti has performed and recorded numerous popular tracks such as “Aashu Bagayera,” “Dilma Basi,” “Najureko Lagan Hamroo,” “Aakha Nalagauna Kasto Kasto Hunchha,” and “Aakha Bhari Timrai Tasbir.” His voice features across albums like Bibash (2014), Chinari (2018), Bhogai Bhinna Bhinna (2018), and several singles released between 2019–2025, including Aakha Nalagauna Kasto Kasto Hunchha and Milanma Hudo Raichha.

Arun Tiwari is a celebrated Nepali lyricist best known for penning timeless and emotionally charged songs that have touched millions. His lyrics—rich in human psychology, deep emotion, and poetic insight—reflect the bittersweet truths of life, love, and solitude. A prime example is his iconic song, "Janminda Eklai, Marda Ni Eklai", sung by Karna Das. The song became a cultural phenomenon and a defining moment in both their careers. Early Life & Inspiration Born on September 21 in Kathmandu, Arun was raised by his late parents Sudhanidhi Tiwari and Lalita Tiwari. From a young age, he was drawn to literature and poetry. He began writing poems during his school years at Shaheed Smarak and Bijaya Smarak schools. Inspired by his uncle, the eminent poet Bhimnidhi Tiwari, Arun’s talent blossomed as he presented his work at various school and national events, often rewarded with notebooks and pens—a testament to his early recognition. Academic Journey Arun completed his higher education at Tri-Chandra Campus, later earning a degree in History from Tribhuvan University. Despite his academic path, it was poetry and songwriting that truly defined his life's purpose. Musical Career & Milestones His songwriting journey began in earnest in 2049 B.S. (1992 A.D.) with the song "Sapana Hainan Mera Najarma" during his college years. Encouraged by friends, he approached composer Tika Bhandari, and the song was later recorded at Music Nepal's Kalikasthan studio by singer Nagendra Shrestha, with a modest budget of NPR 4,000. However, it was his 2058 B.S. song "Janminda Eklai", written in just three minutes, that catapulted him to national fame. In 2059 B.S., Ranjana Cassette Center paid NPR 30,000 for the lyrics—an unprecedented amount at the time for a single song’s words, marking a milestone for lyricists in Nepal. Arun has since written over 1,000 songs, with more than 400 composed and recorded. His work spans themes of heartbreak, romance, reflection, and societal truths. Published Works Albums: Sawan (2054 B.S.) Maya Sabailai (2056 B.S.) Bachnuko Artha (2057 B.S.) Effects (2059 B.S.) Swikaarokti (2061 B.S.) Best of Arun (2065 B.S.) Books: Eklai Eklai (2063 B.S.) Nadhkine Ishwor (2064 B.S.) Selected Poems of Arun (2066 B.S.) Influences & Personal Touches Arun draws inspiration from legendary figures such as Gopal Yonzon, Prakash Sayami, Karna Das, and Gulzar. He shares a fond memory of Prakash Sayami, who once gifted him a wrapped book—“Mera Kuch Saaman” by Gulzar—saying, “You have the flavor of Gulzar. This book is for you.” Arun still treasures that book as a symbol of mentorship and recognition. Legacy Arun Tiwari’s journey from a school poet to one of Nepal’s most respected lyricists is a testament to passion, perseverance, and artistic integrity. Through his heartfelt lyrics and poetic soul, he continues to inspire a new generation of artists and music lovers alike.