Mukesh Shakya

Seturam Pradhan holds the distinction of being the first Nepali singer. Born in 1891 in Kathmandu, Nepal, he was a pioneer in Nepali music and played a significant role in its early development. His contributions laid the foundation for modern Nepali music, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and musicians in Nepal.

Dhruba KC (2003–2077 BS) was a pioneering Nepali modern singer, composer, and radio personality whose soulful voice left an indelible mark on the golden era of Nepali music. Born in Kathmandu to Yagya Bahadur KC and Padam Kumari KC, he began singing at Radio Nepal as a child in 2010 BS and quickly rose to fame with evergreen hits like “Mayalu Hazur Hunchan,” “Narou Narou Saili,” “Timro Maya Kagajko,” and “Aru Kalo Rail Ko Dhuwale.” He was also a music composer, lyricist, and one of Nepal’s first jingle creators, and even performed for King Mahendra, who awarded him a gold medal. Dhruba KC was the uncle of actor Bhuwan KC and remained a respected figure in the industry until his passing in 2021 due to Parkinson’s disease. His legacy lives on through his timeless melodies and his pioneering role in shaping modern Nepali music.

Shiva Shankar Manandhar (1932–2004) was a legendary figure in Nepali music and cinema, celebrated for his versatility as a singer, composer, and actor. Born in Newroad, Kathmandu, to a musically inclined Newar family, his early exposure to classical Newari songs through his father, Man Bahadur, laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. He joined Radio Nepal in 1951, where he collaborated with Nati Kaji to shape the golden era of Nepali music. Over his prolific career, he composed around 1,200 songs and sang nearly 300, spanning genres like love ballads, bhajans, patriotic anthems, and tragic melodies. His compositions for artists such as Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama remain timeless. 🎬 In cinema, Shiva Shankar played the lead role of Lahure Dai in Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film. Though he didn’t pursue acting further, he composed music for several early Nepali films, contributing to the industry's formative sound. 🎶 Sadabahar (Evergreen) Songs: Aama ko sapana – a heartfelt tribute to motherhood Yo Nepali shir uchali – a patriotic anthem Timro lagi ma birsine – a romantic classic His music blended folk traditions with orchestral arrangements, pioneering modern Nepali pop while preserving cultural authenticity. Shiva Shankar received numerous national honors and served as Executive Director of Ratna Recording Corporation (1987–1991). Even post-retirement, he remained a guardian of Nepal’s musical soul.

Santosh Bhakta Shrestha is a renowned Nepali esraj player, freelance musician, and respected music teacher celebrated for his mastery of this rare bowed string instrument. With decades of dedication to classical and devotional music, he has become a leading figure in preserving and promoting the esraj tradition in Nepal. His performances—such as the soulful rendition of “Jaha Chhan Buddhaka Aankha”—are marked by emotional depth and technical brilliance. Santosh Bhakta has collaborated with prominent artists and institutions, including SAC Music International and Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, where he has performed ragas like JogKauns in intimate classical gatherings. His style is known for its fluid bowing, vocal-like phrasing, and meditative resonance, making him a sought-after performer and mentor. As a freelance teacher, he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians, ensuring that the esraj remains a living, breathing part of Nepal’s musical heritage.