Arun Thapa (1952–1999) was a beloved Nepali singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and emotionally resonant lyrics. Born in Calcutta, India, he moved to Kathmandu as an infant and later studied in Darjeeling before returning to Nepal to pursue music. His career began in the early 1970s, with his first major hit Jati Maya Laye Pani launching him into national fame.
Thapa’s music often reflected themes of love, longing, and introspection, inspired by a personal heartbreak during his college years. His compositions blended poetic depth with melodic simplicity, earning him a devoted following. He worked briefly at Nepal Bank Limited before dedicating himself fully to music, recording for Radio Nepal and releasing two acclaimed albums: Arun and The Best of Arun.
Despite battling lung and liver ailments, he continued to sing until his passing in 1999. His legacy lives on through his timeless songs, many of which are considered sadabahar (evergreen) classics.
