Bikash Chaudhary

Ustad Bhairav Bahadur Thapa (1925 June 30 AD / 1982 Ashar 16 BS, Kuleshwor, Kathmandu) was a pioneering Nepali composer, vocalist, and mentor whose influence shaped the foundation of modern Nepali music. He introduced and guided many of Nepal’s celebrated singers, lyricists, and composers including the legendary Tara Devi into their musical journeys.Thapa began his professional musical journey around 2005 BS (1948/49 AD), marking the start of a prolific career. Over the decades, he composed music for nearly 1,000 songs and recorded vocals for more than 500 songs, establishing the artistic and technical standards of Nepali modern music.Alongside music, he performed in numerous Radio Nepal dramas and acted in films such as Hijo Aaja Bholi, Aama, and Manko Baadh. His daughter Bhuvan Thapa, the lead actress of Nepal’s first feature film Aama, was also a singer with around fifty recorded songs.In 2022 BS (1965 AD), during the Grand Music Conference held in Kathmandu, King Mahendra honored him with the prestigious title “Ustad.” Ustad Bhairav Bahadur Thapa passed away on 2039 Poush 18 BS (1983 January 2 AD), leaving behind an enduring legacy in Nepali music and performing arts.

Dibya Khaling (March 28, 1952 (15 Jestha 2009 BS)) is a famous Nepali musician, composer and lyricist. Dibya Khaaling has rendered music for about 1000 songs, including the famous “Mero geet sabai timi laai..” sung by Arun Thapa , Ma Ta Laligurans Bhayechhu, Hey Bir Hinda Aghi Sari, Preyasika Yaadharu, Mayako Aadharma, and Bipana Babhaye Bachidine, and music for plays and films (Nepali film Didi by Pratap Subba). Khaling moved to Nepal from Darjeeling in the 1960s and worked with Radio Nepal. He composed music for singers like Narayan Gopal, Arun Thapa, Gyanu Rana, Mira Rana etc. A book “Dibya Sangeetkaar, Dibya Khaaling” has been written by his friends and family members, such as poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire and musicians Kiran Pradhan and Bulu Mukarung in his memory. He was married to Grace Khaaling. He is survived by three sons (Prajaya, Pradesh, Pratibimba), one daughter (Pratigya), two granddaughters (Divyanah Grace and Aanyata Parisa) and two grandsons (Noah and Deedan Daniel). Dibya was suffering from heart problems and died on 25 June 2006.

Shanti Thatal (शान्ति ठटाल) is a renowned Nepali music composer and singer known for her contributions to the Nepali film industry. Born on April 4, 1938, in Darjeeling, India, she is celebrated as the first female music composer in the Nepali film industry. Shanti Thatal has composed music for several Nepali films and has more than 200 songs to her credit. Some of her well-known songs include "Mayalu Ley Samjhe Ki Kaso", "Udi Jaun Bhaney Mo Panchi Hoina", and "Samhalera Rakha". Shanti Thatal's work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Jagadamba Shree Puraskar in 2020 for her contribution to Nepali music. She has also been awarded the Master Mitra Sen Smriti Award for Music by the Sikkim government in 2002.

Saran Kumar Pradhan (1943–1974) was one of Darjeeling’s most gifted lyricists, composers, and mandolin virtuosos, shaping the golden era of modern Nepali music. Born on 4 May 1943, he grew up in a culturally vibrant Darjeeling and taught himself banjo, harmonium, and mandolin with remarkable mastery. A science graduate from St. Joseph’s College, he later taught at St. Robert’s School, where he also composed the school anthem. A student of maestro Amber Gurung, Saran emerged as a leading figure of Adhunik music alongside Aruna Lama, whom he married in 1963. Their partnership produced timeless classics such as “Yaha Ful Nakhili Cha,” “Sabaile Bhanthe,” “Hera Na Hera Kancha,” and many others. His music club Sangeet Sangam became a creative hub that nurtured Darjeeling’s finest talents. Saran passed away in 1974 at just 31, leaving behind a luminous body of work that continues to define Nepali musical heritage.