Shambhujeet Baskota

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.

Natikaji, (Amrit Lal Shrestha) born in dec 25 1925 in Lalitpur, Nepal, is revered as one of the most influential music directors in Nepali history. A prodigy from a musical Newar family, he began playing harmonium at age seven and later joined Radio Nepal in 1950, where he composed over 2000 songs across genres. His works include timeless classics like Marna Baru Garho Hunna, Nepali Hami, and Phoolko Thunga Bagera Gayo. He also directed music for more than 15 operas and several Nepali films, including Man Ko Bandh and Sindoor. Known for blending classical depth with emotional resonance, Natikaji earned prestigious honors such as the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu and Chinnalata Geet Puraskar. His melodies continue to shape Nepal’s musical identity, making him a cultural icon. He passed away in nov 22003, leaving behind a legacy that still echoes in the hearts of Nepali music lovers.

Sarit Rai is a Nepali music director and composer active in contemporary Nepali cinema and independent music, known for his work on feature films like “Khusma” and “Kalli” as well as studio singles such as “Nidhari.” He has composed background scores and full soundtracks, blending modern arrangements with emotional, story‑driven melodies. Rai’s credits as music director and background score composer in films released from 2024 onward have positioned him among the emerging names in Nepali film music, while his own studio, collaborations with labels, and digital releases continue to expand his presence in the industry.

Dibya Khaling (March 28, 1952 (15 Jestha 2009 BS)) is a famous Nepali musician, composer and lyricist. Dibya Khaaling has rendered music for about 1000 songs, including the famous “Mero geet sabai timi laai..” sung by Arun Thapa , Ma Ta Laligurans Bhayechhu, Hey Bir Hinda Aghi Sari, Preyasika Yaadharu, Mayako Aadharma, and Bipana Babhaye Bachidine, and music for plays and films (Nepali film Didi by Pratap Subba). Khaling moved to Nepal from Darjeeling in the 1960s and worked with Radio Nepal. He composed music for singers like Narayan Gopal, Arun Thapa, Gyanu Rana, Mira Rana etc. A book “Dibya Sangeetkaar, Dibya Khaaling” has been written by his friends and family members, such as poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire and musicians Kiran Pradhan and Bulu Mukarung in his memory. He was married to Grace Khaaling. He is survived by three sons (Prajaya, Pradesh, Pratibimba), one daughter (Pratigya), two granddaughters (Divyanah Grace and Aanyata Parisa) and two grandsons (Noah and Deedan Daniel). Dibya was suffering from heart problems and died on 25 June 2006.