Gyanu Rana is a celebrated Nepali singer known for her contributions to modern and folk music. Born on October 3, 1949, in Batulechaur, Pokhara, Nepal, she grew up in a musically rich environment. Her father, Dharmaraj Thapa, was a renowned poet and folk singer, and her mother, Savitri Thapa, was a cultural promoter. Gyanu Rana’s upbringing deeply influenced her musical journey.
She has recorded over 2,000 songs in various languages, including Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Newari. Her repertoire spans modern, classical, folk songs, bhajans, and ghazals. Some of her most iconic songs include “Siri Ma Siri Ni Kanchha” and “Manchhe Ko Maya Yaha,” which she performed with the legendary Narayan Gopal.
Gyanu Rana has also been a judge in national music competitions and has represented Nepal in international cultural festivals. Her career includes contributions to more than ten Nepali films as a playback singer. She retired as an Assistant Director of Music from the Royal Nepal Academy in 2006.
