Ashesh Dangol

Ganga Thapa is a Nepali composer, producer, ethnomusicologist, and multi‑instrumentalist known for his research‑driven approach to music and his fusion of traditional Nepali sounds with contemporary arrangements. His work spans field documentation, studio production, and multi‑instrumental performance, making him a key figure in the preservation and modern reinterpretation of Nepali musical heritage.

Narendra Bataju Narendra Bataju (died 2018) was a Nepali-born sitar and surbahar virtuoso renowned for his mastery of Hindustani classical music. A disciple of Ravi Shankar, he became an influential cultural bridge between South Asia and Europe through performance and teaching. Key facts Born: Kathmandu, Nepal (year not publicly documented) Died: September 2018, Paris, France Discipline: Hindustani classical (Maihar gharana) Instruments: Sitar, surbahar Based in: Paris since 1972 Early life and training Blind from birth, Bataju began learning sitar at age eight. He pursued formal training for a decade at the Conservatory of Music in Lucknow, India, earning a master’s diploma and two Grand Prizes. His prodigious skill earned recognition from Ravi Shankar, who praised his natural musicality and emotional sensitivity. Career and recordings Settling in Paris in 1972, Bataju performed for the Nepalese royal family and later across European concert halls and festivals, including the Centre Mandapa, the Musée du Quai Branly, and the Festival du Tibet et des Peuples de l’Himalaya. His recordings include Sitar: Râga Kirvani / Surbahar: Râga Gunkali (1975), Les Sitar et Surbahar de Narendra Bataju (1980), and Jog Kauns / Misra Pilu (2006). Collaborations and performances Bataju collaborated internationally, performing alongside the Egyptian oud player Hussein El Masry at Paris’s Cité de la Musique (1996) and appearing at cultural events such as France’s Festival de l’Inde. His cross-cultural work extended to Western artists, including contributions to Symphonie celtique (Tír na nÓg) by Alan Stivell. Legacy Celebrated as a pioneer of Indian classical music in France, Narendra Bataju inspired new generations of European and Nepali musicians through his teaching and emotive performance style. His artistry remains documented in a modest but significant body of recordings and archival radio broadcasts.

Hemant Rasaili (Kanchha) is a famous sarangi player of Nepal. He has been active in music since 2005. He is also a singer. He has performed in dozens of national and international music programs, studio recordings, reality shows and concerts.

Sachin Singh is a Nepali musician based in Kathmandu, Nepal. He has composed and arranged music for more than 45 Nepali films. He has also composed music for numerous music albums of various Nepali singers. In Kathmandu, Sachin started working in Symphonic Studio as a guitarist, taught music in schools and played guitar in a restaurant. He composed song Hijo Aaja for Sukmit Gurung's album Hijo Aaja in 1991. He then arranged music for the Nepali film Sweekar of Subodh Shridhar. After a gap of two years he again worked in the film Dharma where he went unnoticed. He gained attention with the song Mero Maya Lai Bari Lai in Ragat (1997). His fame came with the film Sagun (1998) where he composed popular songs like 'Aago Lagyo Dilaima Damkal Bolaideu'. This was a turning point in the Sachin's musical career. Lathi Charge Nagara, Kahabata Ayau Aja, Kasko Aankha Lagyo (Prahineer), Sano Cha Gaun (Sano Sansar) and Ke Kura (Ajhai Pani) are some of this well-known compositions.