Arpana Shrestha

Ustad Anand – Classical VocalistA prominent classical musician of BS 1985 (AD 1928/1929), Ustad Anand has 2 gramophone recordings from BS 1989 (AD 1932/1933) preserved in researcher archives. It is believed he recorded many more songs, but only two discs have been found. His influence in early Nepali ustadi tradition remains notable.

Utpal Kandel is a Nepali music composer, teacher, and media composer whose work spans Bollywood, Hollywood, and contemporary Nepali music. He served as Music Producer and Orchestrator for the highest‑grossing Hindi film “Dhurandhar”, and has contributed to major projects including “Bads of Bollywood,” “Kesari Chapter 2,” and “Article 370.” His international portfolio includes a collaboration with two‑time award‑winning Hollywood composer Art Phillips. Now based in Australia, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and has performed at the Sydney Opera House, proudly representing Nepali culture on a global stage.

Lasata Joshi is a versatile Nepali vocalist whose career spans over three decades, blending modern melodies with cultural depth. She began her musical journey with the album Aachanak in 2050 B.S. (1993/94 A.D.), marking her entry into Nepal’s contemporary music scene. Early Recognition Lasata’s talent was evident from a young age. She won first prize in the Nationwide Inter-school Music Competition in 2050 B.S. and earlier in the Nepal Bhasa Song Competition in 2045 B.S., showcasing her command over both Nepali and Newar musical traditions. Career Highlights Over the years, Lasata has lent her voice to a wide range of genres—from romantic ballads to ghazals and Nepal Bhasa songs. She has also contributed vocals to popular commercials, including jingles for Fair & Lovely and Lifebuoy, making her voice familiar to households across Nepal.

Kandara Band, also known simply as Kandara, is a musical group from Pokhara, Nepal. The band formed in 1994 and takes its name from the Nepalese word for “a gorge or a cave in the middle of remote hills or mountains.” They have been instrumental in establishing the folk-pop genre within the Nepalese music industry. Some of their popular songs include: “Lekaki Hey Maya”: A soulful track that resonated with listeners. “Hongkong Pokhara”: This song gained fame beyond Pokhara and Nepal, becoming popular among migrant Nepalese worldwide. “Tagaroma Rumal Rakhi”: A hit that rejuvenated the band after an 8-year break. Kandara collaborates with renowned Nepalese poets and lyricists to create meaningful lyrics. Their music emphasizes themes of nationalism, love, and nature. Recently, they made a comeback with the album featuring the popular song “Bhedi Gothaima”. 🎵🌟 If you’d like to explore their music, you can find it on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. 🎶