Sundar Kumar Maharjan

Manohari Singh (1931–2010), born in Kolkata to a Nepalese Bhusal family, is celebrated as one of South Asia’s finest woodwind and orchestral arrangers. Though globally known for his work with R.D. Burman, his Nepali heritage and musical upbringing in a Nepali household shaped his tonal sensibility, melodic phrasing, and emotional depth — qualities that strongly resonated with Nepali film composers.His mastery of alto saxophone, flute, piccolo, clarinet, mandolin, and bansuri made him a sought‑after session musician whose sound influenced the orchestral palette of Nepali film music in the 1980s–1990s. Many Nepali composers — especially those working in Mumbai and Kolkata studios — relied on his phrasing style, brass‑woodwind layering, and melodic counterlines as a reference point.Although he did not score many Nepali films directly, his arrangement style, brass band roots, and Nepali musical lineage helped shape the cross‑border sound that Nepali cinema adopted during its modern era. His work as part of the Basu–Manohari duo also inspired Nepali arrangers who studied Indian studio orchestration.

Ganesh Pariyar (1945 – 18 January 2021) was Nepal’s first music arranger, a pioneering composer, singer, and multi‑instrumentalist whose work laid the foundation of modern Nepali studio music. Beginning as a contractual instrumentalist at Radio Nepal in 2019 BS, he became a permanent musician in 2024 BS, introducing structured music arrangement to Nepali broadcasting for the first time.Before entering full‑time music, Pariyar served in the Nepal Army, rising to the rank of Havildar before resigning to pursue music professionally. A skilled violinist, saxophonist, guitarist, and folk instrumentalist, he played a central role in shaping the orchestral sound of early Nepali recordings.Across more than two decades at Radio Nepal, he contributed as an arranger, composer, vocalist, instrumentalist, and collector of lyrics and melodies. His disciplined musicianship and technical mastery helped elevate the quality of Nepali studio productions during a formative era.In 2050 BS, he joined Music Nepal as a Music Director and Arranger, influencing commercial music production and supporting countless singers and composers. His legacy remains foundational in the evolution of Nepali music arrangement.

Rabin Lal Shrestha is a Nepali tabla virtuoso and music educator known for his contributions to classical and devotional music in Nepal. Born in Kathmandu, he has been a leading figure in preserving and teaching the tabla tradition for several decades, both as a performer and as a mentor to young musicians. Key facts Birthplace: Kathmandu, Nepal Primary Instrument: Tabla Teaching Position: Lalit Kala Campus, Bhotahiti (since 1989) Notable Albums: Tabla Solo, Grand Rehearsal Collaborations: Suresh Raj Bajracharya (sarod), Prabhu Raj Dhakal (vocals) Musical training and influences Shrestha began studying tabla at the age of ten, inspired by bhajans sung by his father. His early training was under Sadhuram Manandhar, followed by advanced tutelage from Ganesh Raj Wonta, Nara Raj Dhakal, Homnath Upadhyaya, and Sambhu Prasad Misra. This diverse lineage grounded him in the North Indian classical tradition while connecting it to Nepal’s own devotional music culture. Teaching and mentorship Since joining Lalit Kala Campus in 1989 after three years at Holy Garden School, Shrestha has educated generations of students through structured intermediate and diploma programs. His classes maintain a rigorous schedule, emphasizing rhythm discipline and improvisational skill. He is regarded as a key figure in institutionalizing tabla education in Nepal. Performances and recordings Beyond teaching, Shrestha regularly performs at Kathmandu’s Hotel Vajra in a long-running program titled Dafa. He has toured internationally—including performances in Europe with sitarists Tarabir and Bijaya Vaidya—and released two albums: Tabla Solo, accompanied by his instructional book Dafa, and Grand Rehearsal. His work bridges traditional and contemporary interpretations of tabla music. Legacy Rabin Lal Shrestha continues to inspire Nepal’s younger generation of classical musicians. His dual role as performer and educator has made him a cornerstone of the country’s evolving Hindustani percussion scene, ensuring the tabla’s rhythmic heritage remains vibrant in modern Nepal.

Kushal Thapa is a Nepali lead guitarist known for his versatile work across recording studios, reality‑show stages, and major live concerts. A skilled session musician, he has contributed guitar arrangements and studio recordings for various artists, bringing a blend of melodic phrasing and modern Nepali guitar style.He also performs as a band guitarist for Pramod Kharel, supporting national tours, concerts, and televised performances with expressive lead lines and strong stage presence. His experience across studio, stage, and broadcast settings has established him as a reliable and adaptable guitarist in Nepal’s contemporary music scene.