Prabhat Lamichhane

Ashesh Dangol, often hailed as the “Himalayan Hendrix,” is a trailblazing Nepali blues-rock guitarist, singer, and composer whose electrifying performances have earned him international acclaim. The nickname was bestowed upon him during his 2010 European tour by the Norwegian and German press, recognizing his fiery guitar style reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. He is the frontman of the band Ashesh and Nekhvam, which fuses traditional Nepali sounds with blues and rock, creating a unique sonic identity that bridges East and West. His music often carries themes of peace, cultural pride, and social consciousness. Ashesh has performed at major festivals and venues across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, representing Nepal on global stages. His live shows are known for their raw energy, soulful improvisation, and deep-rooted connection to both blues traditions and Nepali heritage.

Mohan Sundar Shrestha was a distinguished Nepali sarod player who dedicated nearly five decades of his life to the art of sarod performance. Despite losing vision in both eyes, he made an extraordinary contribution to the development and promotion of sarod music in Nepal. Early Life and Musical Training He was born in Kilagal, Kathmandu, Nepal. At the age of 12, he began learning the sarod under the guidance of senior sitar and sarod maestro Narayan Prasad Shrestha. His formal musical journey began in 1970, marking the start of a lifelong devotion to classical instrumental music. Professional Career In 2026 B.S., Shrestha joined Rastriya Nachghar (National Theatre) as a staff musician. From 2037 to 2068 B.S., he worked on a contractual basis as a musician at Radio Nepal. His sarod compositions were featured in songs by singer Shiv Shankar, bringing classical depth to Nepali music. He also served as a court musician at the former Royal Palace of Nepal and officially retired in 2007. A significant milestone in his life came in 2042 B.S. (1985 A.D.), when he was granted the opportunity to perform before King Birendra. After the performance, the King praised his artistry and inquired about his well-being. Upon learning of his wish for stable employment, the King recommended him to perform regularly at the Royal Palace. As a result, Shrestha performed sarod at royal events for 22 years. Following an unexpected retirement notice from Radio Nepal without prior information, he continued his musical journey by performing regularly at Hotel Annapurna. Performances and Contributions Throughout his career, he performed at several prominent venues and religious sites including: Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Ram Mandir Battisputali, Yala Maya Kendra & Rastriya Nachghar. He also released instrumental albums titled Favorite and Favorite–2, which featured sarod melodies cherished by classical music enthusiasts. Passing Mohan Sundar Shrestha passed away on 24 Falgun 2077 B.S. (March 8, 2021), at 6:40 PM at Green City Hospital in Kathmandu at the age of 80. Legacy Despite the immense challenges of losing his eyesight, Mohan Sundar Shrestha remained devoted to music throughout his life. His dedication, resilience, and mastery of the sarod have left a lasting legacy in Nepal’s classical music tradition. He is remembered as one of the pioneering figures in Nepali sarod performance.

Suresh Raj Bajracharya is one of Nepal’s foremost sarod maestros, known for his deep devotion to classical music and his role in preserving the rich heritage of Hindustani instrumental traditions. With over three decades of experience, he has become a revered figure in Nepal’s music scene, performing at venues like Yala Mandala and collaborating with artists such as Laxmi Prasad Dangol and Mannu Shahi. His compositions—like “Intransient Nature”, “Childhoodness”, and “Jaya Namah Shree Buddha”—blend meditative ragas with spiritual depth. Bajracharya is also known for his unique offering to the Living Goddess Kumari, where he sought to teach her the sarod as a gesture of cultural devotion. His albums, including The Nature, are available on platforms like Deezer. Through teaching, composing, and performing, Suresh Raj Bajracharya continues to inspire a new generation of classical musicians in Nepal and beyond.

Prem Rana Autari is a renowned Nepali flutist celebrated for his classical foundation, global performances, and lifelong dedication to Nepali music. Born with a natural affinity for melody, he began exploring musical scales at the age of ten and traveled to India at twelve to study classical flute under world‑famous maestro Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia. His six years of rigorous training shaped the technical mastery and expressive depth that later defined his signature sound.Autari made his professional debut at fifteen with an orchestral ensemble in Bombay, performing in the vibrant center of Indian film music. He went on to work with All India Radio, gaining recognition for his refined tone and versatility. Returning to Nepal at twenty, he devoted himself to elevating Nepali music, serving nine years at Radio Nepal and ten years at the Royal Nepal Academy, where he became a leading figure in instrumental performance and musical education.He later performed worldwide with the classical ensemble Sursudha, representing Nepal on international stages, including as a soloist at the World Expo in Australia (2000). His artistry blends classical discipline with Nepali melodic sensibility, making him one of the most respected flutists of his generation.