Pradeep Joshi

Kishor Thapa is a seasoned music director, arranger, and audio engineer from Gorkha, Nepal, known for his meticulous craftsmanship in mixing and mastering. He is affiliated with A One Musician Studio, where he has contributed to numerous musical productions across genres, helping shape the sonic identity of many Nepali artists. In 2025, Kishor Thapa was honored as a Grand Jury Member on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil' Champs Nepal Season 2, one of the country’s most celebrated children’s singing competitions. His role on the jury panel reflects his deep expertise and commitment to nurturing young musical talent. With a background that blends technical precision and creative vision, Kishor continues to be a vital force in Nepal’s evolving music industry—both behind the scenes and in mentorship roles.

Narendra Bataju Narendra Bataju (died 2018) was a Nepali-born sitar and surbahar virtuoso renowned for his mastery of Hindustani classical music. A disciple of Ravi Shankar, he became an influential cultural bridge between South Asia and Europe through performance and teaching. Key facts Born: Kathmandu, Nepal (year not publicly documented) Died: September 2018, Paris, France Discipline: Hindustani classical (Maihar gharana) Instruments: Sitar, surbahar Based in: Paris since 1972 Early life and training Blind from birth, Bataju began learning sitar at age eight. He pursued formal training for a decade at the Conservatory of Music in Lucknow, India, earning a master’s diploma and two Grand Prizes. His prodigious skill earned recognition from Ravi Shankar, who praised his natural musicality and emotional sensitivity. Career and recordings Settling in Paris in 1972, Bataju performed for the Nepalese royal family and later across European concert halls and festivals, including the Centre Mandapa, the Musée du Quai Branly, and the Festival du Tibet et des Peuples de l’Himalaya. His recordings include Sitar: Râga Kirvani / Surbahar: Râga Gunkali (1975), Les Sitar et Surbahar de Narendra Bataju (1980), and Jog Kauns / Misra Pilu (2006). Collaborations and performances Bataju collaborated internationally, performing alongside the Egyptian oud player Hussein El Masry at Paris’s Cité de la Musique (1996) and appearing at cultural events such as France’s Festival de l’Inde. His cross-cultural work extended to Western artists, including contributions to Symphonie celtique (Tír na nÓg) by Alan Stivell. Legacy Celebrated as a pioneer of Indian classical music in France, Narendra Bataju inspired new generations of European and Nepali musicians through his teaching and emotive performance style. His artistry remains documented in a modest but significant body of recordings and archival radio broadcasts.

The remarkable Nepalese guitarist, arranger Dinesh Shrestha, was born on 25th January 1978 A.D. in Putalisadak, Kathmandu, Nepal to father Kashi Bahadur Shrestha and mother Ram Kumari Shrestha. Dinesh Shrestha was an accomplished guitarist, and was best known there for his rock/blues playing and one of the founder members of “The Buds Band”. Dinesh Shrestha was taught initially by his guru Phiroj Shyangden (guitarist and founder member of 1974 A D Band) on ‘Do Re Mi Music Institute’ in Kathmandu, but it soon became apparent that the boy was a gifted guitarist. Dinesh Shrestha was appeared and performed at “Shikhar Beat Contest” for the first time at Katmandu about 1994 A.D. and making enough of an impression that the famous guitarist. His band also participated in other competition like “Tuborg Music Festival’99”whne they got the first position as “The Band Of the Year” and after they participated on other programs like “Mahashivaratri Music Festival’99”,”Kathmandu Utsav’99”, “Beat Competition’98” and more than fifty programs and concerts. He made his official debut from famous Nepalese band “The Buds” from 1994 A.D. as a lead guitarist including other band members Sudip Singh (Rhythm), Bijaya Karki (Bass/Vocal), Dipesh Shrestha (Drummer/Vocal), Sushil Shrestha (Rhythm), and received reviews that noted a strong, clean tone and a polished though undemonstrative technique. The first album titled “Birsana Sakdina” including nine songs titled “Birsana Sakdina”, ‘Bihani Ko Mirmirema” etc and Second album “Buds 2” which was popular amongst Nepalese people. He had performed by the early 1990's within the various parts of country and has since performed with outstanding success playing both solo and with Band and regularly on radio and television. Now with business and academic reasons he is separated with his band members and no new project will be plan for till now.

Manohar Sunam is a distinguished Nepali music arranger and instrumentalist, renowned for his significant contributions to the Nepali music and film industry. His expertise in music arrangement has enriched numerous songs and films, leaving a lasting impact on Nepal's musical landscape. Career Highlights: Throughout his career, Manohar Sunam has been instrumental in arranging music for various Nepali movies and songs. Notable works include: "Samarpan": In this film, Sunam served as the music arranger, showcasing his ability to enhance cinematic narratives through his musical compositions. "Dulahi Rani": His role as the music arranger in this movie further exemplifies his versatility and dedication to the craft. "Piratiko Paluwa": Sunam's recent involvement as a music arranger in this project highlights his enduring presence and relevance in the industry. Collaborations: Manohar Sunam has collaborated with various artists and filmmakers, contributing to the success of numerous projects. His collaborations have resulted in memorable songs and soundtracks that resonate with audiences. Online Presence: For those interested in exploring his work, Manohar Sunam's music arrangements can be found in various Nepali films and music videos. Platforms like YouTube host several of these works, providing easy access to his contributions. Additional Information: While detailed personal information about Manohar Sunam is limited, his professional achievements and contributions to Nepali music are well-recognized. His dedication to music arrangement has played a pivotal role in shaping the soundscape of Nepali cinema and music.