Tshering Bhutia

Ustad Bhairav Bahadur Thapa (1925 June 30 AD / 1982 Ashar 16 BS, Kuleshwor, Kathmandu) was a pioneering Nepali composer, vocalist, and mentor whose influence shaped the foundation of modern Nepali music. He introduced and guided many of Nepal’s celebrated singers, lyricists, and composers including the legendary Tara Devi into their musical journeys.Thapa began his professional musical journey around 2005 BS (1948/49 AD), marking the start of a prolific career. Over the decades, he composed music for nearly 1,000 songs and recorded vocals for more than 500 songs, establishing the artistic and technical standards of Nepali modern music.Alongside music, he performed in numerous Radio Nepal dramas and acted in films such as Hijo Aaja Bholi, Aama, and Manko Baadh. His daughter Bhuvan Thapa, the lead actress of Nepal’s first feature film Aama, was also a singer with around fifty recorded songs.In 2022 BS (1965 AD), during the Grand Music Conference held in Kathmandu, King Mahendra honored him with the prestigious title “Ustad.” Ustad Bhairav Bahadur Thapa passed away on 2039 Poush 18 BS (1983 January 2 AD), leaving behind an enduring legacy in Nepali music and performing arts.

Chandra Raj Sharma was a prominent Nepali musician and composer, celebrated for his contributions to classical and modern Nepali music. Born on Falgun 24, 2000 BS (1943 AD) in Maitidevi, Kathmandu, he was the son of Sangeet Shiromani Yagya Raj Sharma, who introduced him to classical music. Chandra Raj Sharma pursued formal education in music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, and later a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Throughout his career, he composed music for over 350 modern songs and sang more than 50. He gained fame for his work in Giti Natak (musical dramas) such as "Muna Madan," "Bhrikuti," and "Shree Krishna Lila," as well as Nepali movies like "Kumari" and "Jiwan Jyoti." He also served as a music teacher and held various positions in cultural institutions, including the Cultural Department of His Majesty's Government.

Renuka Thapa is a Nepali singer, songwriter, and lyricist known for creating and performing her own original music. Active between 2012 and 2018, she developed a personal musical identity rooted in heartfelt lyrics, melodic composition, and a strong connection to contemporary Nepali pop and folk‑influenced styles.During her active years, Thapa wrote both the music and lyrics for her songs, establishing herself as a self‑sufficient artist with a clear creative voice. Her work reflects emotional storytelling, expressive vocal delivery, and a commitment to crafting songs that resonate with everyday Nepali listeners.

Sanjeep Pradhan recorded his first song in 1992 with “Mero Preet Mero Priya”. Though his first album came out only in 1995, his “Nasha Bhitra Nasha” had already hit the mass and was popular among Nepalese throughout the world. His first hit was reggae based and if he was to go by the trend of other Nepalese musician, he would have brought out more numbers in the same line. However, his next productions were more folk based. His voice has a unique lilt to it that suits folk songs. And capturing this quality, he brought out folk-pop mix songs like “Siri Ma Siri”, “Deuraliko Chautarima”,”Sanai chhanda” and “Udi Jane” in his next album. This way, he revived the vanishing popularity of folk songs among the Nepalese audience. With “Siri Ma Siri” even the hip-hop generation of youths started humming in the folk tunes, making it as popular as the new trend of pop songs. Sanjeep is not only well versant in Nepalese songs, he sings equally well in Newari. His “Mohani Wola Swanti Wola” and “Punhi ya jaa:” are popular equally among the Newar speaking society and those who do not understand Newari. Maybe it is his voice that has captured the hearts of the music lovers who are ever in search of a different quality in music or maybe it is his lyrics and music itself that has moved the mass. Whatever it may be, Sanjeep can do it all. Most of his songs are written and composed by himself. And maybe that is why he has been able to give full justice to the creation. He has already lent his voice to 300 songs, which has been recorded in five Nepali albums and four Newari albums. He has already performed in 600 stage shows including all major cities of Nepal, Darjeeling and Sikkim. He has also performed in Japan,Malaysia,Qatar,USA & Hong Kong in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000. And every show has increased his popularity in every place he has performed, drawing more crowd every time.