Sameera Thapaliya

Parashu Ram Pandey is a highly respected bhajan singer, composer, and cultural ambassador from Nepal, widely recognized for his deep spiritual knowledge and musical devotion. With a profound understanding of the Puranas, Upanishads, and other sacred scriptures, he has emerged as a guiding voice in Nepal’s devotional music scene, capturing the hearts of thousands through his spiritually uplifting performances. Born and raised in a culturally rooted environment, Parashuram Pandey’s early life was shaped by a strong connection to spirituality and traditional music. His journey into the world of bhajans began with a sincere desire to share the timeless wisdom of Hindu philosophy through melodious expressions of faith. Over time, he cultivated a unique style that blends sacred teachings with emotionally resonant musical compositions. Parashuram Pandey’s bhajans are more than music—they are messages of devotion (bhakti), moral values (dharma), and the celebration of Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage. His voice has become a staple in religious gatherings, spiritual festivals, and cultural events across the country. His audiences range from elderly devotees to younger generations seeking meaning and connection through tradition. In addition to his live performances, Parashuram Pandey has expanded his spiritual mission through digital platforms. His music is featured on global streaming services such as Spotify,Apple Music, TIDAL, and Anghami, and his YouTube channel and social media platforms serve as spaces for sharing devotional content, cultural narratives, and spiritual reflections. Some of his most popular songs include: Timi Behuli Dulhai Dukhako Pirati Ko Khel Through his tireless efforts, Parashu Ram Pandey continues to be a vital force in the preservation and promotion of Nepalese culture, spirituality, and traditional music. His contribution extends beyond music—it is a heartfelt offering to the divine and a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary life.

Saroj Gopal Bajracharya was a prominent Nepali folk singer and cultural figure, celebrated for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Nepali music. Born in Pokhara, Nepal, he was deeply involved in the country's musical and broadcasting landscape.​ 🎶 Musical Career Bajracharya was renowned for his soulful folk songs that resonated with audiences across Nepal. His notable tracks include:​ "Ukali Orali Chadera" "Nakkalilai Bagailagyo Jhilkele" "Mayaluko Mohani Boli" One of his songs, "Deurali Ukali Chadhera," faced a temporary ban from Radio Nepal due to a controversial lyric. However, after Bajracharya presented the song to King Birendra, the ban was lifted, and the song regained its popularity. 📻 Broadcasting Contributions Beyond his singing career, Bajracharya played a pivotal role in Nepal's broadcasting sector. He was the founding station manager of Machhapuchhre FM, a Pokhara-based radio station, through which he furthered the reach of Nepali folk music. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Personal Life Saroj Gopal Bajracharya was married to the esteemed singer Baba Rana (बाबा राणा), forming a duo that significantly influenced Nepali music. He passed away at the age of 65 in Pokhara, leaving behind a rich legacy in the realm of Nepali folk music.

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.

Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi is a celebrated sitar maestro, scholar, and academician from Nepal, known for his profound contributions to classical music and musicology. Born into the illustrious Regmi musical lineage, he is the great-grandson of Pt. Dev Chandra Regmi, who pioneered the sitar tradition in Nepal. Trained under his father, Prof. Satish Chandra Regmi, Dhrubesh began playing sitar at the age of eight and gave his first concert by thirteen. He holds a Ph.D. in Music from Delhi University—the first Nepali musician to do so—with a dissertation on the history of music during the Rana period. He also completed a postdoctoral Fulbright fellowship at the City University of New York on “Music for Peace and Harmony.” A founding member of the acclaimed ensemble Sukarma, Dhrubesh has performed globally and currently serves as a Professor at Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University. His legacy bridges tradition, scholarship, and performance.