Dinesh Gautam

Born on April 14, 1977, in Byasi, Bhaktapur, she is the eldest daughter of Krishna Bdr Rajchal and Purna Kesari Rajchal. Growing up in a musically inclined family, she was inspired by her father’s love for the harmonium. Her musical journey began early—by class four, she was already performing in school programs and learning harmonium under Hari Prasad Bati. She completed her schooling at Prabhat English Boarding School and Sharda Secondary School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Lalit Kala Campus. Her passion for music led her to Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, where she earned a second bachelor's degree, followed by a master’s degree at Lalit Kala Campus upon her return to Nepal. She also holds a vocal diploma from Pragya Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. During her studies in India, she had the opportunity to perform with an orchestra group on Rabindranath Tagore’s birthday, a turning point that helped shape her musical identity. It was in college that she discovered the sitar, an instrument that would become her primary medium of expression. Her professional career officially began in 2004 with the recording of her first song. In 2005, she released her debut album, "The Tradition", and followed it with "Talking Strings" in 2012, showcasing her evolving artistry and mastery of the sitar. Between these releases, she actively toured cities across Nepal and India, including Nepalgunj, Pune, Jharkhand, Nagpur, and Kolkata, bringing her music to diverse audiences. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to classical music and a lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing its beauty through performance and education.

Jhalakman Gandharva (झलकमान गन्धर्व) was a pioneering Nepali folk singer who popularized Gaine Geet, giving voice to Nepal’s marginalized Gandharbha community. Born on July 29, 1935, in Batulochaur, Pokhara, Jhalakman began singing at age nine, traveling village to village with his sarangi. He became the first Gaine artist to record songs, transforming oral traditions into mass media. His haunting ballads, especially “Aamale Sodhlin Ni”, mourned the death of Nepali soldiers abroad and resonated deeply across generations. Active from 1965 until his death in 2003, he recorded over 100 songs, blending folk and classical styles. His music preserved indigenous narratives and challenged caste-based exclusion, earning him national reverence. Jhalakman’s legacy lives on as a cultural bridge—his voice remains a symbol of dignity, sorrow, and resilience.

Aagantuk Kharel was born on 14th December in Shankhuwasabha, Nepal, as the youngest daughter of Krishna Prasad Kharel and Jeevan Kumari Kharel. She has one brother and four sisters. Growing up, Aagantuk was mischievous and loved singing and dancing, often participating in school programs. She completed her education in Amradas School, Kanya School, and Dharan Secondary School before moving to Kathmandu to finish her +2 at Nobel Academy and B.A. from Pashupati Campus. Aagantuk decided to pursue music after completing her S.L.C., joining Dorieme for 5 years and learning from Guru Dev Kamant, Bhanu Bhakta, and Bijay Singh Munal. In 2002, she recorded her first song "Tipera Fakyau Phul Ko Thunga," and in 2006, she released her debut album "Ban Ma Fulyo Ful," followed by her second album "Bayer Botai Ma" in 2009. She is currently working on her third album, "Aachal Ko Agaman," dedicated to her daughter Aachal. Beyond music, Aagantuk enjoys spending time with her daughter, practicing vocals, and writing songs. She loves traveling with her family and values honesty and generosity.

Ustad Asha Gopal was a respected classical vocalist from Kathmandu and the father of Swor Samrat Narayan Gopal. He was deeply involved in the devotional music culture of New Road, Kilagal, and surrounding temple areas, where he regularly led and participated in bhajan–kirtan traditions. During Narayan Gopal’s childhood, Ustad Asha Gopal often took him along to these bhajan mandalis, where the young Narayan accompanied the ensemble on basic instruments, absorbing classical discipline and devotional musical structure from an early age.Although formal recordings of Ustad Asha Gopal have not been found, his influence is widely acknowledged in oral histories. His grounding in classical and devotional music shaped the early musical environment that nurtured Narayan Gopal’s sense of melody, discipline, and vocal purity. Researchers consider him an important figure in Kathmandu’s traditional music circles of the early 20th century.