Jabeek KC

Diwakar Khadka is a renowned Nepali singer and actor who has significantly contributed to the Nepali music and film industry. From an early age, he showed immense talent in performing arts, winning the prestigious Nepal Chalchitra Kalakar Sangh award in 2050 B.S. for his role as a child artist in Hijo Aaja Bholi. Musical Journey Diwakar Khadka has released several songs and albums that have gained popularity among Nepali audiences. Some of his well-known songs include: Aama ra Babu le Rojeko Batti Bali Kaha Khoju Ma Kalpana ko Naulo Sansar Tadai Bata Dekhda His albums include: Best of Diwakar Khadka (Distributor: Melody Time) Timi Harayau Kata (Distributor: Indreni Cassette, New Road) His journey in music was greatly influenced by notable figures such as Kamal Chhetri and Murari Thapa, who helped him pass his first voice test at Radio Nepal. Additionally, his first co-singer, Shanti Shah, played a vital role in shaping his musical career. Acting Career Besides music, Diwakar Khadka has also made his mark in the Nepali film industry. Some of the movies he has acted in include: Jeevan Rekha Gareeb Hatiyar Sundar Mero Naam Nametine Ghau (Directed by Bijay Thapa) At just 11 years old, he had the opportunity to meet and work with legendary Bollywood actress Mala Sinha during the shooting of the Nepali film Maitighar in Pokhara. International Exposure Diwakar Khadka's career has taken him beyond Nepal, allowing him to travel to various countries, including the USA, Germany, the UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. His travels have further enriched his musical and artistic experiences. With a career spanning music, film, and international exposure, Diwakar Khadka remains a celebrated artist in Nepal’s entertainment industry.

Shweta Punjali, a talented Nepali musician, gained recognition for her debut album “Udaan”. Several songs from this album received nominations at various national music awards. Notably, she won the Best New Talent award at the 2016 Nepali Music Video Awards and was also a nominee for Best Newcomer at the 2015 Tuborg Image Music Awards. Shweta primarily sings in the Nepali Adhunik style, which combines traditional melodies from Nepal with influences from Western instruments like electric piano, guitar, violin, and percussion. Her repertoire extends to bhajans (religious songs) and Nepali classical music. Additionally, she has participated in national music reality shows such as Nepali Tara (second season) and Bagina. Her training under the highly respected music teacher Gurudev Kamat at the Nepal Music Centre encompasses both classical and contemporary styles of Nepali singing1. Shweta’s musical journey reflects her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Anil Shahi, a music director and fusion guitarist, was born in Bhurungkhel, Kathmandu, Nepal. During his childhood days, Anil used to play percussions and flute in social gatherings and occasions. He started to play guitar at the age of 12 and took initial lessons from his uncle, and later went to Gurukul in Varanasi, India, where he learned classical ragas.

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.