Vishal Bhattarai

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.

Santosh Bhakta Shrestha is a renowned Nepali esraj player, freelance musician, and respected music teacher celebrated for his mastery of this rare bowed string instrument. With decades of dedication to classical and devotional music, he has become a leading figure in preserving and promoting the esraj tradition in Nepal. His performances—such as the soulful rendition of “Jaha Chhan Buddhaka Aankha”—are marked by emotional depth and technical brilliance. Santosh Bhakta has collaborated with prominent artists and institutions, including SAC Music International and Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, where he has performed ragas like JogKauns in intimate classical gatherings. His style is known for its fluid bowing, vocal-like phrasing, and meditative resonance, making him a sought-after performer and mentor. As a freelance teacher, he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians, ensuring that the esraj remains a living, breathing part of Nepal’s musical heritage.

Durga Prasad Khatiwada is a renowned Nepali bansuri (flute) maestro, educator, and cultural ambassador, originally from Ilam. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University with a Master’s in Flute (2003), he has performed in over 20 countries, representing Nepal at prestigious events—including during state visits by leaders like Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi. Khatiwada is a music officer at Rastriya Nachghar and has taught classical music at institutions like Lalit Kala Campus and Sirjana College of Fine Arts. He pioneered flute education in Nepal’s higher education system by developing formal curricula. His international teaching includes sessions in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and France. Inspired early on by Gopal Yonjan, Khatiwada has dedicated his life to promoting classical music as the foundation of all musical forms. His performances and teachings emphasize peace, discipline, and cultural identity, making him a vital figure in Nepal’s musical heritage.

Laboni Chakraborty is a talented Nepali classical singer originally from Kolkata, India. She has made a significant impact on Nepal’s contemporary classical music scene, captivating audiences with her soulful renditions. She is also a judge on the Mero Voice Universe talent show.  Early Life & Education Laboni Chakraborty grew up in a musical family, where her father and relatives were singers. She began learning music at the age of five under the guidance of Baishali Juardhar. Later, she trained under Ajoy Chakrabarty, a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist, for ten years. She pursued her academic degree in music at Rabindra Bharati University, where she was a gold medalist in her master’s program. Career & Contributions Despite her strong musical foundation in India, Laboni Chakraborty chose to work in Nepal, where she has become one of the most respected classical singers. She teaches music at Lalit Kala Campus, Tribhuvan University, and runs her own music school, Raagrup, where she mentors aspiring musicians. She has performed in various prestigious events, including the Yalamaya Classic, where her rendition of Vilambit and Madhya Khayal in Raag Todi received a standing ovation. Popular Works Laboni Chakraborty has released several classical and contemporary songs. Some of her notable performances include: "Dhuwa Dhulo" – A song released in 2024 "Raag Puriya Kalyan" – A classical vocal performance. "Yo Jindagi" – A song released in 2024