Suraj Nepal

Manice Gandharva is a talented musician known for his mastery of the sarangi, a traditional Nepali string instrument. His soulful melodies have resonated with audiences, and he has collaborated with various artists to create beautiful music. Here are some interesting facts about Manice Gandharva: Sarangi Virtuoso: Manice Gandharva is an accomplished sarangi player. The sarangi is a bowed instrument with a rich history in Nepali and Indian classical music. Manice’s skillful strumming and emotive playing have captivated listeners. Late Start: Surprisingly, Manice wasn’t initially drawn to the sarangi. As a child, he was more interested in playing the drums. However, at the age of 14, he began learning the sarangi from his uncle, Bikram Gandharva, who was also a sarangi player. Collaborations: Manice has collaborated with fellow musicians, contributing to various projects. One notable collaboration is the song “Hamro Nepal Ma,” where he played the sarangi alongside Chetan Raj Karki. The song, composed by Neetesh Jung Kunwar, celebrates the beauty and spirit of Nepal. Teaching Sarangi: Manice is passionate about preserving and promoting traditional music. He conducts sarangi classes, welcoming beginners and advanced learners alike. His dedication to teaching ensures that the art of sarangi playing continues to thrive. Manice Gandharva weaves melodies that evoke the essence of Nepal, connecting listeners to their cultural roots. His commitment to this ancient instrument and its timeless music is truly commendable. 🎶

Pramod learnt tabla at home from his father Pundit Hom Nath Upadhyaya. Drawing inspiration from his maestro father Pramod started playing tabla when he was a toddler and at the age of five he performed at then Royal Nepal Academy (now Nepal Academy) which was his maiden show. His first abroad tour was for the German Unification Day in Germany. He had also an opportunity to learn tabla from legendary Ustad Alla Rakha from an institute named after the Ustad himself in Bombay, India. Incidentally, Pramod also had an opportunity to learn from Ustad Zakir Hussain for three months as the maestro happened to be a visiting faculty at the institute. Pramod is adept in all percussions made of leather. Besides that, he has worked as a recordist in many studios in Nepal. But, his fame is not confined as a musician or a recordist either; he has also lent his voice to many popular songs. Pramod was affiliated to Sukarma since its inception and has been playing in the group for ten years now.

Shisir Shrestha is a respected Nepali guitarist and music educator who trained under the legendary composer Ambar Gurung. Known for his refined technique and deep understanding of both Eastern and Western musical traditions, Shrestha contributed to numerous compositions and recordings during his time with Gurung’s team. He has performed in classical and contemporary ensembles, supporting the evolution of Nepali modern music. Beyond performance, Shrestha has mentored young musicians and promoted structured music education in Nepal. His work reflects the legacy of Ambar Gurung’s vision — blending tradition with innovation in Nepali music’s instrumental landscape.

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.