Shila Bahadur Moktan

Ashesh Dangol, often hailed as the “Himalayan Hendrix,” is a trailblazing Nepali blues-rock guitarist, singer, and composer whose electrifying performances have earned him international acclaim. The nickname was bestowed upon him during his 2010 European tour by the Norwegian and German press, recognizing his fiery guitar style reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. He is the frontman of the band Ashesh and Nekhvam, which fuses traditional Nepali sounds with blues and rock, creating a unique sonic identity that bridges East and West. His music often carries themes of peace, cultural pride, and social consciousness. Ashesh has performed at major festivals and venues across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, representing Nepal on global stages. His live shows are known for their raw energy, soulful improvisation, and deep-rooted connection to both blues traditions and Nepali heritage.

Vishal Poudel is a singer, musician, sound producer, arranger, and songwriter who has been active in the Nepali music industry for nearly 20 years. His career spans studio production, live performance, composition, and genre‑blending experimentation. He is the founder of the progressive‑rock and social‑issue–focused band Kalpavriksha, formed four years ago, where he serves as vocalist, instrumentalist, composer, and arranger. Musical Identity & StylePoudel’s musical foundation comes from intense self‑training—he recalls practicing guitar up to 16 hours a day, learning by ear from bands like Iron Maiden, whose influence shaped his vocal tone and performance energy. His personal affinity for jazz and his band’s focus on progressive rock give his work a hybrid, modern sound. Career HighlightsFounder of Kalpavriksha, a band dedicated to music about social justice, political issues, mental health, spiritualism, and transgender rights.Released the band’s debut track “Lyang Bho”, a progressive‑rock piece addressing corruption and youth frustration in Nepal.Preparing the next release, “Kalpavriksha”, a storytelling music video centered on transgender experiences in Nepal.Has worked for nearly two decades as a music arranger, sound producer, and instrumentalist, collaborating with major Nepali vocalists including Nabin K. Bhattarai and Hemanta Rana.

Born on April 14, 1977, in Byasi, Bhaktapur, she is the eldest daughter of Krishna Bdr Rajchal and Purna Kesari Rajchal. Growing up in a musically inclined family, she was inspired by her father’s love for the harmonium. Her musical journey began early—by class four, she was already performing in school programs and learning harmonium under Hari Prasad Bati. She completed her schooling at Prabhat English Boarding School and Sharda Secondary School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Lalit Kala Campus. Her passion for music led her to Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, where she earned a second bachelor's degree, followed by a master’s degree at Lalit Kala Campus upon her return to Nepal. She also holds a vocal diploma from Pragya Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. During her studies in India, she had the opportunity to perform with an orchestra group on Rabindranath Tagore’s birthday, a turning point that helped shape her musical identity. It was in college that she discovered the sitar, an instrument that would become her primary medium of expression. Her professional career officially began in 2004 with the recording of her first song. In 2005, she released her debut album, "The Tradition", and followed it with "Talking Strings" in 2012, showcasing her evolving artistry and mastery of the sitar. Between these releases, she actively toured cities across Nepal and India, including Nepalgunj, Pune, Jharkhand, Nagpur, and Kolkata, bringing her music to diverse audiences. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to classical music and a lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing its beauty through performance and education.

Balaram Samal is a Nepali music arranger, singer, and multi‑instrumentalist known for his versatile command over modern, folk, and cinematic sound design. Active since the 2010s, he has arranged music for numerous Nepali songs across digital platforms, collaborating with singers, composers, and studios to craft polished, emotionally rich productions. His work is recognized for blending traditional Nepali melodic textures with contemporary arrangements, supported by his strong musicianship on multiple instruments.