Manik Ratna Sthapit

Shambhu Rai (शम्भु राई) is a legendary figure in Nepali music—a singer, songwriter, composer, and sarangi player whose work bridges traditional folk and modern styles. Born in Chungmang, Dhankuta, he rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with his heartfelt lyrics and distinctive voice. Some of his most iconic songs include: “Chitthi Timilai Lekhu Bhanchu” “Yo Man Bhanchha Kaha Jau” “Chalechha Batas Sustari” “Aalu Dam Chana” He is also known for his mastery of the sarangi, a traditional Nepali string instrument, which adds a soulful texture to his compositions. Beyond performance, Shambhu Rai has contributed to the institutional development of Nepali music—he currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama.

Yogesh Vaidya was a Nepalese singer and musician, often referred to as the Muhammad Rafi of Nepal. He was born in Kathmandu between 1946 and 1947 and passed away on January 18, 2024, at the age of 77. Vaidya was known for his contributions to Nepali and Newari-language music, with popular songs like "Sapana Bhulayee Saara," "Mero Aanshumaa Nahanse," and "Nepal Mero Timilai Upahar Bhayo". He also sang well-known Newari songs such as "Jai Namo Siri Buddha Bhagwan" and "Jimi Yahmah Thaun Jithay Wai". Beyond music, he worked in civil service for 33 years, retiring as a joint secretary in 2005. He held a master’s degree in food and nutrition from Ghent University, Belgium. Vaidya received several prestigious awards, including the Chhinnalata Song Award, the Mahila Geetkar Sangh Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), and the Bindabasini Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)

Swapnil Sharma is a Nepali singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the iconic rock band The Shadows Nepal. Known for his powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, he has delivered hit songs such as “Hidne Manche Ladcha,” “Ke Pais Nepali,” “Prakriti,” “Mero Nepal,” and “Tadha Bhaye Pani”. Beyond The Shadows, he is also the vocalist of the creative musical collaboration Swar alongside Rohit Shakya and Gautam Tandukar. His work spans rock, alternative, and experimental Nepali soundscapes.

Umesh Pandey is a Nepali playback singer whose voice defined the popular film songs of the 2050s era, a time when audiences often went to cinema halls because of hit songs. Known for delivering melodies that instantly connected with listeners, Pandey rose to prominence with evergreen numbers such as “Rato Tika Nidharma Talkyo…”, which remain widely loved across generations.Pandey began his musical journey while studying at RR Campus in 2034 BS, where his close circle included singer Rabin Sharma and actor Bhuwan KC. Later, during his studies at Tri‑Chandra Campus, he became associated with noted musicians Shakti Ballav, lyricist Rajendra Paudel, and Prakash Shrestha. After passing the Radio Nepal test, he recorded his first song on 24 Poush 2036 BS, “Nai Bhanchhau Bhan…”, written by Vishwambhar Byakul and composed by Sambhujeet Baskota, at the age of 19.In 2039 BS, Pandey secured third place in the nationwide talent hunt “Pratibhāko Khoji,” organized by Ratna Recording Sansthan, earning him the opportunity to record professionally at a time when gramophone recording was considered a major achievement.His breakthrough came in the 2050s with Sambhujeet Baskota and director Ashok Sharma, who introduced him to film music through Nirmaya, where he sang “Meri Maya Saanchen Hai Ropi…” with Ramana Shrestha and Devika Pradhan. The massive success of “Rato Tika Nidharma Talkyo…” from Sharma’s film Allare established him as a leading playback voice. This success led to further hits, including “Goli Sisako…” (Gaunle), “Ma Bharma…” (Mr. Ramkrishna), and popular songs from films such as Aadhar, Naulothau Pari, Dharmaputra, Khatabah, Mitini, Jwalamukhi, and Saiyanji.Over his career, Umesh Pandey recorded songs for more than 25 films, with most becoming audience favorites. His expressive, melodic singing style made him one of the defining voices of Nepali cinema’s golden musical era.