Rekha Shah

Jhalakman Gandharva (झलकमान गन्धर्व) was a pioneering Nepali folk singer who popularized Gaine Geet, giving voice to Nepal’s marginalized Gandharbha community. Born on July 29, 1935, in Batulochaur, Pokhara, Jhalakman began singing at age nine, traveling village to village with his sarangi. He became the first Gaine artist to record songs, transforming oral traditions into mass media. His haunting ballads, especially “Aamale Sodhlin Ni”, mourned the death of Nepali soldiers abroad and resonated deeply across generations. Active from 1965 until his death in 2003, he recorded over 100 songs, blending folk and classical styles. His music preserved indigenous narratives and challenged caste-based exclusion, earning him national reverence. Jhalakman’s legacy lives on as a cultural bridge—his voice remains a symbol of dignity, sorrow, and resilience.

Sundar Shrestha is a veteran Nepali folk singer and lyricist best known for co-performing the iconic song “Resham Firiri” in 1969. Alongside Dwarika Lal Joshi, his rendition helped popularize the song across Nepal, making it a staple of street music and cultural gatherings. Active since the 1970s, Shrestha contributed to numerous folk recordings and live performances, preserving traditional melodies and rhythms. He also collaborated on songs like Chautariko Majhaima and worked with artists such as Chandra Kumar Moktan and Hira Devi Rai. His legacy lies in promoting Nepali folk music through Radio Nepal and live platforms for over four decades.

Gyanu Rana is a celebrated Nepali singer known for her contributions to modern and folk music. Born on October 3, 1949, in Batulechaur, Pokhara, Nepal, she grew up in a musically rich environment. Her father, Dharmaraj Thapa, was a renowned poet and folk singer, and her mother, Savitri Thapa, was a cultural promoter. Gyanu Rana's upbringing deeply influenced her musical journey. She has recorded over 2,000 songs in various languages, including Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Newari. Her repertoire spans modern, classical, folk songs, bhajans, and ghazals. Some of her most iconic songs include "Siri Ma Siri Ni Kanchha" and "Manchhe Ko Maya Yaha," which she performed with the legendary Narayan Gopal. Gyanu Rana has also been a judge in national music competitions and has represented Nepal in international cultural festivals. Her career includes contributions to more than ten Nepali films as a playback singer. She retired as an Assistant Director of Music from the Royal Nepal Academy in 2006.

Sadeekshya Kattel is an aspiring singer who gained recognition by participating in Nepal Idol Season 3. She impressed the judges and audience with her performances during the auditions and theater rounds. Some of her notable songs include: "Maya Raicha Ra" from the movie "Fulbari" "Bhusukkai" with Prakash Parajuli "Kaleji Khaihalyo" with Tilak Basnet "Salala Rapati" with Khem Century In addition to her musical career, Sadeekshya is active on social media platforms like TikTok, where she shares her music and engages with her followers. She has also been featured on the soundtrack of the Nepali film 12 Gaun. Her dedication and talent mark Sadeekshya's journey in the music industry, and she continues to make strides in her career. 🎶