Hom Nath Upadhyaya

Rabin Lal Shrestha is a Nepali tabla virtuoso and music educator known for his contributions to classical and devotional music in Nepal. Born in Kathmandu, he has been a leading figure in preserving and teaching the tabla tradition for several decades, both as a performer and as a mentor to young musicians. Key facts Birthplace: Kathmandu, Nepal Primary Instrument: Tabla Teaching Position: Lalit Kala Campus, Bhotahiti (since 1989) Notable Albums: Tabla Solo, Grand Rehearsal Collaborations: Suresh Raj Bajracharya (sarod), Prabhu Raj Dhakal (vocals) Musical training and influences Shrestha began studying tabla at the age of ten, inspired by bhajans sung by his father. His early training was under Sadhuram Manandhar, followed by advanced tutelage from Ganesh Raj Wonta, Nara Raj Dhakal, Homnath Upadhyaya, and Sambhu Prasad Misra. This diverse lineage grounded him in the North Indian classical tradition while connecting it to Nepal’s own devotional music culture. Teaching and mentorship Since joining Lalit Kala Campus in 1989 after three years at Holy Garden School, Shrestha has educated generations of students through structured intermediate and diploma programs. His classes maintain a rigorous schedule, emphasizing rhythm discipline and improvisational skill. He is regarded as a key figure in institutionalizing tabla education in Nepal. Performances and recordings Beyond teaching, Shrestha regularly performs at Kathmandu’s Hotel Vajra in a long-running program titled Dafa. He has toured internationally—including performances in Europe with sitarists Tarabir and Bijaya Vaidya—and released two albums: Tabla Solo, accompanied by his instructional book Dafa, and Grand Rehearsal. His work bridges traditional and contemporary interpretations of tabla music. Legacy Rabin Lal Shrestha continues to inspire Nepal’s younger generation of classical musicians. His dual role as performer and educator has made him a cornerstone of the country’s evolving Hindustani percussion scene, ensuring the tabla’s rhythmic heritage remains vibrant in modern Nepal.

Milesh Tandukar is a highly respected tabla virtuoso, composer, and music educator from Kathmandu, Nepal. A graduate of Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, he trained under legendary gurus like Pandit Satya Narayan Chaudhary, Pandit Homnath Upadhyaya, and Pandit Prem Chandra Ojhaiya. He is the founder of the Pandit Satya Narayan Chaudhary Memorial Academy and has performed extensively across Nepal, India, France, and Japan. Milesh is known for his versatility across rhythm instruments including mridanga, dhime, dhol, djimbe, and nagada, and has contributed to albums like Musical Journey to Sindhuli Gadhi and Voiceless Voice. He is a recognized artist on Radio Nepal and Nepal Television, and teaches at institutions like Modern Indian School and Kalanidhi Indira Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.

Mukesh Shakya is a young Nepali tabalist and classical musician, known as a disciple of the late maestro Rabin Lal Shrestha. He has performed in classical music sessions organized by the Society of Classical Music Nepal, including their 76th session, where his tabla playing was featured and praised for its precision and depth. Mukesh represents a new generation of Nepali classical artists dedicated to preserving and evolving traditional forms like tabla and Hindustani music. His training under Rabin Lal Shrestha places him in a respected lineage of percussionists, and his public performances reflect a growing commitment to Nepal’s classical music scene

Kundan Shah Shankar (कुन्दन शाह शंकर) is a talented Nepali tabla player and percussionist known for his deep-rooted connection to classical rhythms and his dynamic presence across Nepal’s major music platforms. He has earned recognition through his performances on shows like Nepal Idol, The Voice of Nepal, and Mero Voice Universe, where his tabla artistry adds a rich traditional layer to contemporary arrangements. He is also the host of “Rhythms of Tradition with Kundan Shah Shankar,” a musical series that celebrates classical and folk percussion, often featuring collaborations with vocalists and instrumentalists. His playing style blends precision with expressive flair, making him a sought-after accompanist in both studio recordings and live concerts.