Rikesh Gurung

Krishna Man, born in Ashar 1982 BS (1925 AD) in Bandegaon, Lalitpur, is one of the foundational figures of early modern Nepali music. He began his musical career in 2008 BS (1951/1952 AD) by composing for Satyanarayan Dangol’s song “Timrai Khatir Ni Sodhinau Maile Abiral Aansu Bagaye” shortly after the establishment of democracy in Nepal.Around 2016 BS (1959/1960 AD), he recorded two songs in Kolkata, marking his entry into the international music scene. In the same year, he gained significant recognition for composing music for Balkrishna Sama’s acclaimed play “Ma”. He also taught Nepali folk songs to Chinese dancers, earning international appreciation, and received a commendation from King Mahendra the following year.In 2019 BS (1962/1963 AD), he secured second place at Radio Nepal’s All Nepal Modern and Folk Song Conference and received a medal from King Mahendra. In 2020 BS (1963/1964 AD), he was honored again as the Best Composer.He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Music from Allahabad around 2030 BS (1973/1974 AD) and participated in numerous national and international programs. In 2033 BS (1976/1977 AD), he was decorated with the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (Fifth Class). In 2047 BS (1990/1991 AD), he won first place in modern songs at Radio Nepal. In 2048 BS (1991/1992 AD), he received an appreciation certificate from Ganeshman Singh for his music direction in the film “Aajako Yuwa”.His body of work includes 30 bhajans, 12 Newari songs, national songs, and film compositions released through cassettes and CDs, along with 34 bhajan videos produced for Nepal Television.

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.

Everest Surya Bohara (born 15 October 1971, Dailekh, Nepal) is a prominent Nepali film director, writer, actor, and lyricist, known for combining strong social themes with mainstream storytelling. He began his artistic journey at 17 in Kathmandu’s theatre scene, where his talent earned him a prestigious one‑year government scholarship at the Royal Nepal Academy to formally study acting and theatre.After becoming one of the busiest stage actors, writers, and directors in Kathmandu, Bohara transitioned into screen work, initially focusing on socially conscious telefilms and low‑budget video projects dealing with issues like tuberculosis, leprosy, and HIV/AIDS. He made a powerful entry into feature films with Agni Parikshya (1990s), a major commercial success that ran over 51 days in cinemas across Nepal, followed by another hit, Kanchha, further cementing his reputation as a bankable and socially aware filmmaker.Over the years, Bohara has directed notable films such as Mutu, Thooli, Bhaire, Hello Jindagi, Shree, and Chameliko Poi, often contributing as writer and lyricist as well. His work has received multiple awards and festival recognitions, including a Best Director nomination at the D Cine Awards for Shree. Today, he is regarded as one of the key creative voices in contemporary Nepali cinema, balancing commercial appeal with human‑centered stories that reflect social realities.

Abhisek Bhadra is a Nepali composer, arranger, pianist, and music educator known for his influential role in shaping contemporary jazz and modern music education in Nepal. Born and raised in Kathmandu, he began his musical journey in the local jazz and rock scene, winning early recognition through competitions such as Rockheads and Jazzmandu’s Jazz for the Next Generation, where he also received the Most Outstanding Musician Award. He later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging at Codarts, Rotterdam Conservatorium, which expanded his international career and led him to perform and write for ensembles such as Voodrish, Dichter, and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw.His performances span prestigious venues including Paradiso Amsterdam, Splendor Amsterdam, De Doelen Rotterdam, and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, along with appearances on national TV and radio platforms like DWDD and 3VOOR12. A versatile creator, he works across jazz, contemporary music, electro‑acoustic experimentation, and mainstream hip‑hop.Returning to Nepal, Bhadra became the Academic Director at the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC) and the Artistic Director of the Katjazz International Music Festival, where he has played a pivotal role in developing South Asia’s jazz education ecosystem. He continues to compose, arrange, and perform actively with leading Nepali bands including Jooni, Jindabaad, Cadenza Collective, and Le Piro, while mentoring the next generation of Nepali musicians.