Sandip Karki

Chandra Kumar Rasaili, popularly known as CK Rasaili, is a Nepali musician, composer, and lyricist. He was born in Baluchistan, Pakistan, while his father was serving in the British Army. He later studied in Meghalaya, India, where he played in an orchestra before moving to Nepal. Rasaili gained recognition after performing at Rastriya Nach Ghar during King Mahendra’s birthday celebration, where the King personally gave him a song to compose. He has worked with Radio Nepal and composed music for Nepal Police and Nepal Army. His contributions to Nepali music earned him prestigious awards, including the Narayan Gopal Memorial Award (2017) and the Natikaji National Music Award. Some of his notable songs include: Premko Mala Kasari Ma Bhuleu Aankha Dekhi Ojhel Jannma Garidein Kahilekahi Ma Haschu Dukheko Dil His compositions reflect themes of love, nostalgia, and cultural identity, making them resonate deeply with audiences.

Amrita Uprety is a gifted Nepali flautist and classical musician, known for her soulful performances and dedication to the bansuri (Indian bamboo flute). Originally from Nepal, she has been a residential disciple at Vrindaban Gurukul, the prestigious music school founded by Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, for over 15 years. Her training under the legendary maestro has shaped her into one of the most promising female flautists in the Indian classical tradition. Amrita has performed at major cultural events such as the RFPA Holi Festival 2022, and has received accolades including the Girnar Festival Award and the Female Flautist Award from the Sundari Wadan Festival. Her music blends technical precision with emotional depth, captivating audiences across India and Nepal. She continues to represent Nepali talent on international stages, inspiring young musicians—especially women—to pursue classical music with passion and discipline.

Lochan Rijal is a multi-instrumentalist, a singer, songwriter and a scholar of ethnomusicology. Born in the Panchthar district of Nepal, he grew up around music performed at festivals by the local people of that region. The experience influenced him to explore the potential of sound and develop his passion into his profession. While in college, he began teaching music to school children in Kathmandu while also working in the pop and rock music scene, producing award-winning albums, before moving onto something that fed his scholarly ambitions. In 2014, he graduated with a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Massachusetts and Kathmandu University. He also works as the associate professor and Head of Kathmandu University’s Department of Music.

Kiran Nepali, a renowned Sarangi player from Nepal, is a member of the folk band Kutumba. He is a third generation Sarangi player in his family, and explains that he is greatly influenced by his grandfather, father and uncles, who were all Sarangi players of their times.