Mukesh Acharya

Santosh Panta is a renowned Nepali comedian, actor, director, and songwriter. He is best known for his iconic sitcom Hijo Aaja Ka Kura, which aired on Nepal Television and addressed contemporary social issues. The show ran for an impressive 13 years with 699 episodes and later returned for 117 episodes on Kantipur Television. It also served as a platform for many Nepali comedians, including Deepak Raj Giri and Deepa Shree Niraula. Santosh Panta began his acting journey at the age of 7 and has appeared in around 30 movies, including Badalido Aakash and Chauka Dau. The first film he made was ‘April Fool’. He has acted in more than 2,000 series. He has also directed and acted in various Gaijatra comedy performances, theater productions, and television series. Additionally, he was a judge on the reality show Comedy Champion.

Lokendra Lekhak is a dynamic force in Nepal’s performing arts scene, known for his versatility across acting, casting, writing, and directing. With a foundation in theatre and a growing presence in film, he has become a respected figure in both mainstream and independent storytelling. Artistic Journey Starting in theatre, Lokendra honed his craft through stage performances and direction, building a reputation for emotionally grounded characters and socially conscious narratives. His transition into film brought the same depth and nuance to the screen, where he has worked in various capacities—from acting to casting and script development.

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.

Surabina Karki is an actress, known for Lukamari (2016) and Plymark Plywood (2018).