Samikshya Adhikari

Sitaram Pokharel is a distinguished Nepali musician known for his contributions to modern and pop music. Born on October 4 in Simpani, Khotang, Nepal, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with a focus on Economics. Despite his academic background, his passion for music led him to become one of Nepal’s most recognized artists. His musical journey began with The Tinos Group, a band formed in 1980. He released his first song, Sajaidiyeu, on Radio Nepal in 1985, marking the start of a prolific career. Over the years, he has composed and performed more than 40 songs and released 14 music videos, making a lasting impact on the Nepali music scene. Throughout his career, Sitaram Pokharel has released several acclaimed albums, including Prayas (1998), Khoji Herinau (2001), Binakaran (2005), Spark (2008), October 4 (2009), and Samman (2011). His songs and music videos have featured some of Nepal’s top models and actresses, such as Ruby Rana, Sumi Khadka, Nisha Adhikari, and Arunima Lamsal. His dedication to music has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nepal Freedom Press Union Award and the Annapurna Music Award (2066 B.S.). He has also held significant roles in musical organizations, serving as Vice President of Purwanchal Sangitik Kalakar Manch, Vice President of Simple Art, Baneshwor, and a Member of the Nepal Musical Association. Beyond music, Sitaram Pokharel is known for his love of traveling to collect songs, as well as his passion for football and table tennis. His favorite song is Ma Maunta Ma by Om Bikram Bista, and he greatly admires singers like Udit Narayan Jha and Sonu Nigam. Despite his love for music, he dislikes excessive talkativeness and smoking, especially in enclosed spaces. One of his most memorable experiences in his career was an all-night video shoot for Aankhako Nanima, reflecting his dedication to his craft. He expresses deep gratitude to his fans and the models who contributed to his music videos’ success. Sitaram Pokharel remains a respected and influential figure in the Nepali music industry, continuing to inspire new generations of artists and music enthusiasts alike.

Manoj Khadka is a passionate Nepali lyricist whose words bridge music, emotion, and meaning across generations. While his professional journey spans over two decades, working with renowned agencies such as SAARC, the World Bank, USAID, DFID, American Red Cross, and several other international, inter-governmental, and nonprofit organizations across Nepal, the USA, Africa, and many countries in Asia, songwriting becomes his creative passion — a space where he channels personal expression, cultural reflection, and social insight. His debut song, “Timi Je Bana Udaharan Bana”, performed by Pramod Kharel and Trishala Gurung, is a motivational piece especially cherished by children and educators. Among his most celebrated works is the historic song “Ghazal Unkai Geet Unkai”, which became the first-ever recorded song by three generations of the legendary Ghulam Ali Khan family — a rare and historic milestone in South Asian music history. His lyrical works have been brought to life by Nepal’s most respected voices, including “Gaughar Le Sodhyo Pardeshi Lai” by Ram Krishna Dhakal, “Tejasvi Apsara” by Menuka Poudel, “New York Sahar Ghumna” by Rajesh Payal Rai, and the powerful duet “Sensation” by Ram Krishna Dhakal and Pratap Das. Known for his ability to capture the nuances of romance, social dynamics, and cultural identity, Manoj’s songs resonate deeply with diverse audiences. His commitment to lyrical storytelling — grounded in emotion and cultural context — has positioned him as one of Nepal’s most thoughtful and boundary-crossing contemporary lyricists.

Ratna Kumari Gurung is a Nepali classical and folk‑classical singer known for her contribution to traditional vocal music and her presence in Nepali cultural performance circuits, she is recognized in Nepali music listings as a classical‑leaning vocalist with appearances in cultural programs and traditional music platforms. Within the classical domain, Ratna Kumari Gurung is associated with semi‑classical and classical vocal styles, often performed in cultural events, traditional gatherings, and Nepali folk‑classical platforms.

Bharat Sitaula is a renowned Nepali singer-songwriter and composer, celebrated for his contributions to the pop and rock music scene in Nepal. Born on January 27 in Taplejung, Nepal, Sitaula has been active in the music industry since the early 2000s, crafting songs that resonate with audiences across generations. Musical Journey Sitaula's musical career took off with the release of his debut album, Mod - The Turning Point, in 2005. The album featured the hit song "Achanak", which earned him the Best New Artist award at the Hits FM Awards that year. His second album, Ma Ani Timi, followed in 2006, further cementing his place in the industry.