Manish Adhikari

Suraj Pandit is a powerful voice from Jumla, Nepal, known for his evocative songwriting, soulful singing, and socially conscious music direction. Born on February 23, 1991, in Maliabid-4, Chandannath Municipality, he rose to prominence with the viral hit “Railko Bato”, a song that poignantly captures the struggles of life in Karnali and the stark contrast with urban privilege. His music often blends folk and contemporary styles, with lyrics that challenge inequality and celebrate resilience. Suraj writes, composes, and performs many of his songs, including “Singha Durbar”, “Maya Basyo Jumla Bazaarma”, and “Tamra Manma”. Despite early hardships and working as a forest guard, he pursued music relentlessly, earning accolades like the Bindhyabasini Music Jury Award, Rara National Music Award, and Radio Kantipur’s Best New Singer.

V. Balsara (Vistas Ardeshir Balsara) is revered as the first music director of Nepali cinema and the pioneering architect who shaped the earliest sound, rhythm, and emotional identity of Nepali film music. His compositions for Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film produced in Nepal, established the musical soul of an entire industry.Born in India and trained under legendary maestros such as Ustad Mushtaq Hussain, Master Ghulam Haider, and Khemchand Prakash, Balsara began his musical journey in 1942 with the Hindi film Badal. He became an independent music director with Circus Girl (1943) and went on to compose for 32 Bengali, 12 Hindi, and 3 Nepali films, along with more than 200 albums, showcasing mastery over piano, melodica, Univox, and several other instruments.His entry into Nepali cinema came when director Hira Singh Khatri decided to record the music of Aama in Calcutta. Balsara not only composed the first Nepali film songs but also introduced and shaped the voices of Shiv Shankar Manandhar, Tara Devi, and Pushpa Nepali in playback singing. His melodies for the lyrics of M.B.B. Shah and Laxman Lohani gave Nepali cinema its first musical fragrance.He returned for Hijo Aaja Bholi and later Parivartan, a landmark film that truly transformed Nepali film music. Through Parivartan, Balsara brought Narayan Gopal into playback singing, introduced Mira Rana, expanded Tara Devi’s musical range, and collaborated with writers like Chetan Karki and Tirtha Shrestha.The song “Bujhnai Sakenau Timile Mero Aankha Ko Bhaka” became an immortal milestone in Nepali film music, while “Bainiko Daya Chha Bhane Rodhigahr Dai Nachyo Nabhane” blended folk essence with cinematic sound in a groundbreaking way.Quiet, visionary, and deeply devoted to his craft, Balsara shaped not only melodies but also artists, opportunities, and the very direction of Nepali film music. His contribution remains foundational—etched in gratitude and golden memory.He passed away on 23 March 2005, but his melodies continue to echo as the first sweet remembrance of Nepali cinema’s musical journey.

Norden Tenzing is a legendary Nepali vocalist and the charismatic frontman of The Hillians, the pioneering Darjeeling band that helped define the sound of modern Nepali pop and rock. Known for blending Western harmonies with Nepali melodic roots, he became one of the most influential voices of the 1970s–80s music renaissance in the hills. His evergreen hits — “Musu Musu Hasideu,” “Gajalu Aakhai Chopne,” and other beloved tracks — cemented his status as a cultural icon across the Nepali‑speaking world. Norden’s soulful voice, innovative arrangements, and electrifying stage presence introduced a fresh musical identity that inspired generations of artists. Through his work with The Hillians, he expanded the creative possibilities of Nepali modern music and remains celebrated as one of Darjeeling’s most enduring musical legends.

Rajan Ishan is a Nepali singer, composer and one of the most popular music arrangers in the Nepali Music Industry. He has acted in movies, "Karkash", "Awaran" "2 Rupaiyan" and "Rudrapriya". His music making began in 1996. It was the success of one of his biggest hits, Baashma chaina mero mann, that made his name.