Binod Dhakal

Navras Shrestha is the founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and composer of The Lakhey, Nepal’s pioneering Newa (Newari) metal band based in Kathmandu. Known for blending traditional Newar musical elements with the power and edge of metal, Navras has carved out a space for a truly indigenous and modern sound that speaks both to cultural identity and musical evolution. His first Newa metal song, Dhampa Tacha, was recorded in 2005—a bold and groundbreaking transformation of a Newa rap piece into a heavy, guitar-driven anthem that laid the foundation for what would become the Newa Metal genre. Over the years, Navras has created and performed a variety of original songs and covers that showcase his wide-ranging musicality. Tracks like Jeevan, Miss Julie (a fully home-recorded, arranged, mixed, and mastered song), and Ae Kancha (a duet cover with a female vocalist) reflect both his technical abilities and his emotional range as a musician. His reimagining of Malshree Dhun—a revered Newari and Nepali traditional piece—is particularly notable for incorporating Spanish and Indian Rajasthani techniques and a touch of Hindustani classical flavor with heavy drumming, giving the folk tune a new life in a contemporary soundscape. Navras’s musical curiosity extends beyond local traditions—he has embraced songs in foreign languages, including a Georgian piece (Erti Nakhavit by Chveneburebi), while also composing original works like Swagta Mu Hai Nheeaye in Nepal’s Thakali language. In 2022, Navras completed his Master of Fine Arts in Music with a focus on Hindustani Classical music. During this time, he developed a deep interest in songs from various ethnic and regional backgrounds of Nepal. Rather than simply studying them academically, Navras has immersed himself in the melodies, rhythms, and stories found in songs of Nepal Bhasa (Newar), Charya (ritual Buddhist music), Tharu, and Limbu and other indigenous languages. He is currently preparing to record and preserve these culturally significant pieces with modern arrangements—ensuring their continuity and relevance for future generations. His academic contribution is also noteworthy. For his master’s thesis, Navras conducted in-depth research on Dapha music (Asan Bajan Guthi). His thesis has since become a valuable resource for members of the Guthi and other musicians who are interested in traditional music. The work not only documented the artform but also shed light on the present condition and challenges faced by the community in keeping their musical heritage alive. While music is his core identity, Navras Shrestha is also a skilled Full Stack Web Developer by profession and currently works at GTA Nepal. His ability to balance a demanding tech career with an expansive artistic practice speaks to his discipline and creativity. In addition, he is deeply passionate about photography and videography. From capturing evocative model portraits to creative visual storytelling, his visual work complements his music, allowing him to express his artistry across multiple forms. Whether through metal riffs rooted in Newa culture, folk songs from across Nepal’s diverse communities, world music explorations, or visual compositions, Navras Shrestha stands out as a multi-talented, cross-disciplinary artist. He continues to inspire others not just with what he creates, but with how he connects deeply to culture, community, and creativity.

Kushal Singh Niel is a Kathmandu‑based music producer, composer, arranger, keyboardist, and singer active in the Nepali music and film industry. Known for his modern production style and melodic sensibility, he has worked across pop, commercial, and cinematic projects. His popular works include “Fulthunge Rani” by Sujan Chapagain, one of his most streamed productions with over 40 million views, as well as “Meri Hajura” and “Baimani”, where he contributed as producer, composer, and vocalist. His arranging credits also include tracks like “Photo Phirimma,” “Jaya Bhole,” and “Kahani Ekadesh Ko” listed on TunesNepal. Through studio production, live performance, and collaborative projects, Niel has become a rising creative force shaping the sound of contemporary Nepali music.

Ashish Rana Magar, known by his stage name Laure, is a trailblazing Nepali rapper, actor, and television personality born on June 25, 1989, in Pokhara, Nepal. He gained national fame through the underground rap battle platform Raw Barz, where his freestyle skills and lyrical depth revolutionized the Nepali hip-hop scene. Laure’s breakout track Mero Solta and hits like Nephop Ko Bato and Laure Ko Fashion helped popularize Nephop across Nepal. In 2016, he made his acting debut in the film Tandav, playing the lead role. From 2017 to 2021, he served as a judge on the reality show Himalayan Roadies, further cementing his influence among Nepali youth. Known for blending Western rap aesthetics with Nepali identity, Laure remains one of the most influential figures in Nepal’s contemporary music and pop culture

Madan Das Shrestha is a versatile Nepali artist whose career spans nearly four decades across film, theatre, radio, and television. He began his journey in 1985 with Ke Ghar Ke Dera and has since acted in 23+ feature films, including Tilahari, Kanyadan, Yug Dekhi Yug Samma, Manakamana, Raanko, Teen Ghumti, and Kirtipur: The Legend of Kirti Laxmi. Beyond acting, Shrestha is also known as a radio host, stage performer, and voice‑over artist, earning recognition for his expressive delivery and grounded character portrayals. His contributions extend to theatre and television, where he has played influential roles that connect deeply with Nepali audiences. As a director, he has helmed films such as Aghosit Yuddha (2003), further showcasing his creative range. Respected for his consistency and multi‑disciplinary talent, Madan Das Shrestha remains an enduring figure in Nepali performing arts