Rahul Bhujel

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.

Hemant Rasaili (Kanchha) is a famous sarangi player of Nepal. He has been active in music since 2005. He is also a singer. He has performed in dozens of national and international music programs, studio recordings, reality shows and concerts.

Prince Nepali is a fourth-generation Nepali sarangi player and educator. He has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting traditional Nepali folk music through his exceptional skills and dedication. Career Highlights Sarangi Player: Prince Nepali is known for his mastery of the sarangi, a traditional Nepali string instrument. He has performed with various artists and bands, including Bipul Chettri, Ani Choying Drolma, and Sujan Chapagain. Educator: He runs classes at Sarangi Ghar, where he teaches the next generation of sarangi players and works to preserve traditional Nepali music. Fusion Band: Prince Nepali co-founded the Nepali-American folk fusion band Manaslu Blue, blending Appalachian Bluegrass with Nepali folk music

Kiran Kandel is a skilled musician, singer, music arranger in Nepali music. He has been in music for over 25 years. Kiran, who passed the voice test from Radio Nepal in 2051 BS, he has so far given music in 400 songs and has arranged music in more than 5000 songs. He is also a skilled music instrumentalist.