Pramod Pradhan

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.

Navras Shrestha is the founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and composer of The Lakhey, Nepal’s pioneering Newa (Newari) metal band based in Kathmandu. Known for blending traditional Newar musical elements with the power and edge of metal, Navras has carved out a space for a truly indigenous and modern sound that speaks both to cultural identity and musical evolution. His first Newa metal song, Dhampa Tacha, was recorded in 2005—a bold and groundbreaking transformation of a Newa rap piece into a heavy, guitar-driven anthem that laid the foundation for what would become the Newa Metal genre. Over the years, Navras has created and performed a variety of original songs and covers that showcase his wide-ranging musicality. Tracks like Jeevan, Miss Julie (a fully home-recorded, arranged, mixed, and mastered song), and Ae Kancha (a duet cover with a female vocalist) reflect both his technical abilities and his emotional range as a musician. His reimagining of Malshree Dhun—a revered Newari and Nepali traditional piece—is particularly notable for incorporating Spanish and Indian Rajasthani techniques and a touch of Hindustani classical flavor with heavy drumming, giving the folk tune a new life in a contemporary soundscape. Navras’s musical curiosity extends beyond local traditions—he has embraced songs in foreign languages, including a Georgian piece (Erti Nakhavit by Chveneburebi), while also composing original works like Swagta Mu Hai Nheeaye in Nepal’s Thakali language. In 2022, Navras completed his Master of Fine Arts in Music with a focus on Hindustani Classical music. During this time, he developed a deep interest in songs from various ethnic and regional backgrounds of Nepal. Rather than simply studying them academically, Navras has immersed himself in the melodies, rhythms, and stories found in songs of Nepal Bhasa (Newar), Charya (ritual Buddhist music), Tharu, and Limbu and other indigenous languages. He is currently preparing to record and preserve these culturally significant pieces with modern arrangements—ensuring their continuity and relevance for future generations. His academic contribution is also noteworthy. For his master’s thesis, Navras conducted in-depth research on Dapha music (Asan Bajan Guthi). His thesis has since become a valuable resource for members of the Guthi and other musicians who are interested in traditional music. The work not only documented the artform but also shed light on the present condition and challenges faced by the community in keeping their musical heritage alive. While music is his core identity, Navras Shrestha is also a skilled Full Stack Web Developer by profession and currently works at GTA Nepal. His ability to balance a demanding tech career with an expansive artistic practice speaks to his discipline and creativity. In addition, he is deeply passionate about photography and videography. From capturing evocative model portraits to creative visual storytelling, his visual work complements his music, allowing him to express his artistry across multiple forms. Whether through metal riffs rooted in Newa culture, folk songs from across Nepal’s diverse communities, world music explorations, or visual compositions, Navras Shrestha stands out as a multi-talented, cross-disciplinary artist. He continues to inspire others not just with what he creates, but with how he connects deeply to culture, community, and creativity.

The year 2004 introduced Moment of Bliss, the album that included the song Phul ko Akhaan Maa, which brought Ani Choying Drolma much acclaim. The song, written by Durga Lal Shrestha and composed by Nhyoo Bajracharya, went on to be one of the most played songs on media and one would be hard-pressed to find anybody in Kathmandu who hadn’t heard the tune. The song broke the monotony of the then popular music with its melody and easy flowing instrumentation and Ani’s soothing, almost meditative vocals. Although largely unrecognised by the public, Gopal Rasaily, the arranger of the song, also managed to gather appreciation for his work from others in the business; it represented a breakthrough for him in the Nepali music industry. Rasaily, who is also the in-house arranger at the Do Re Mi studio.

Subarna Limbu is a pioneering Nepali musician with over 40 years of professional experience, widely recognized as one of the earliest artists to bring the bass guitar into the mainstream of Nepali contemporary and rock music. His career spans Nepal and India, where he performed with formative bands such as Diamond (Darjeeling) and Brotherhood, contributing to the rise of modern Nepali rock. He is celebrated as the iconic bassist of the evergreen Prism Band, performing and singing at major venues, including regular appearances at five‑star hotels and high‑profile events. Subarna Limbu is also known for his role as a composer, with works such as “Hawa Sanga Bagu Bhanchha, Paat Sanga Bolu Bhanchha”, performed by Darjeeling‑based singer Pawan Gole, who continues to present Limbu’s compositions on major stages like Paleti.