Kiran Kandel

JB Lama is one of Nepal’s senior and most respected flutists, widely recognized for his decades‑long contribution to Nepali modern, folk, and film music. He has collaborated with legendary icons including Narayan Gopal, Gopal Yonjan, Nati Kaji, Fatteh Man, and many others, shaping the sound of Nepali music across multiple eras. Lama is also credited with creating his own flute‑playing pattern, a stylistic signature still followed by many contemporary flutists.

Uday Sotang is a well-known Nepali musician. He has written and composed numerous songs, and sung many of them himself. Most of his songs have been rendered by his wife Manila Sotang. Uday Sotang is originally from Tukvar, near Darjeeling, India. He moved to Kathmandu to pursue his musical career in 1988. Uday Sotang is married to Manila Sotang who is a Nepali singer. Their daughter Shreya Sotang is an popular singer who has already released an album. With more than 200 songs to his credit, Uday Sotang is considered to be one of the popular and successful Nepali musicians. He is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The husband-wife duo of Uday and Manila have produced more than 10 music albums.

Dibya Khaling (March 28, 1952 (15 Jestha 2009 BS)) is a famous Nepali musician, composer and lyricist. Dibya Khaaling has rendered music for about 1000 songs, including the famous “Mero geet sabai timi laai..” sung by Arun Thapa , Ma Ta Laligurans Bhayechhu, Hey Bir Hinda Aghi Sari, Preyasika Yaadharu, Mayako Aadharma, and Bipana Babhaye Bachidine, and music for plays and films (Nepali film Didi by Pratap Subba). Khaling moved to Nepal from Darjeeling in the 1960s and worked with Radio Nepal. He composed music for singers like Narayan Gopal, Arun Thapa, Gyanu Rana, Mira Rana etc. A book “Dibya Sangeetkaar, Dibya Khaaling” has been written by his friends and family members, such as poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire and musicians Kiran Pradhan and Bulu Mukarung in his memory. He was married to Grace Khaaling. He is survived by three sons (Prajaya, Pradesh, Pratibimba), one daughter (Pratigya), two granddaughters (Divyanah Grace and Aanyata Parisa) and two grandsons (Noah and Deedan Daniel). Dibya was suffering from heart problems and died on 25 June 2006.

Amrita Uprety is a gifted Nepali flautist and classical musician, known for her soulful performances and dedication to the bansuri (Indian bamboo flute). Originally from Nepal, she has been a residential disciple at Vrindaban Gurukul, the prestigious music school founded by Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, for over 15 years. Her training under the legendary maestro has shaped her into one of the most promising female flautists in the Indian classical tradition. Amrita has performed at major cultural events such as the RFPA Holi Festival 2022, and has received accolades including the Girnar Festival Award and the Female Flautist Award from the Sundari Wadan Festival. Her music blends technical precision with emotional depth, captivating audiences across India and Nepal. She continues to represent Nepali talent on international stages, inspiring young musicians—especially women—to pursue classical music with passion and discipline.