Bindabasini Music Awards announces top nominees
The 15th Bindabasini Music Awards 2081 has announced its top five nominations across various categories, honoring excellence in Nepali music. In the Best Lok Dohori Singer (Male) category, the nominees are Kushal Belbase for Feriyau Mayalu, Arjun Sapkota for Basyau Alakkai, Subash Khatri for Timrai Maya Chha, Chetan Gautam for Haseko Photo, and Mahesh Kumar for Badhai Chha Baimani. Similarly, the Best Lok Dohori Song category includes Kanya Rashi by Narayan Gyawali, Feriyau Mayalu by Shiva Subedi, Dukha Satamla by Santosh Sapkota, Ma Ta Marne Ho by Anish Dhawadi, and Hiyarai by Binod Bajurali.
In the Best Lok Dohori Music category, Prasad Lamichhane’s Bhagyama Rahechha, Arjun Sapkota’s Basyau Alakkai, Mukunda Poudel’s Hulaki, Khem Pun’s Marne Sui Laideu, and Khem Century’s Tallo Bato have made it to the nominations list. Likewise, the Best Modern Music category features Chhau Ni Timi Aaha by Shreedhar Adhikari, Yeuta Majhi by Saroj Koirala, Yo Chhoto Jindagi by Dipakraj Bishwakarma, Ma Kholiko Bagar by CL Sharma, and Rimai Sailee by Nayan Sharma.
In addition to celebrating new and popular talents, the awards also recognize individuals who have made lifelong contributions to Nepali music and culture. This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Rajendra Thapa. Sangeeta Shakya will receive the Sangeet Sadhana Samman, Shirish Devkota will be honored with the Jhalakman Lok Sangeet Samman, Nisha Deshar will be recognized with the Premdhoj Sangeet Ratna Samman, and Sharada Thapa will be awarded the Kala Patrakarita Samman. The Bindabasini Music Awards continue to stand as a prestigious platform that uplifts and honors the rich musical heritage of Nepal.
‘Kyari Bhulam Mero Man’ released
Singers Arjun Sapkota and Samjhana Bhandari have released their latest song, ‘Kyari Bhulam Mero Man’. The song’s official music video premiered on Samjhana Bhandari’s YouTube channel on Thursday morning. The song captures the emotions of love and heartbreak, with lyrics penned by Santosh Sapkota. Arjun Sapkota has composed the music, while HBN Kismat handled the arrangement.
The music video features Sapkota and Sarita Dhungana in lead roles. Speaking about the initial response, Arjun shared that the song has been gaining traction on TikTok and receiving positive feedback on YouTube. Directed by Bishal Ghimire, the video is shot by Buddha Thapa and edited by Anish Mahat. Since its release on Feb 27, the song has garnered over 400,000 views.
Filming of Ghimire’s ‘Pahad’ resumes
The filming of ‘Pahad’, directed by veteran filmmaker Tulsi Ghimire, has resumed after being temporarily halted due to his health issues. The shooting, which began on Feb 4 with a formal inauguration, was paused from the second day following Ghimire’s illness. After his recovery, the production resumed on Feb 21 in Gorkha as per the pre-planned schedule.
According to Ghimire, who is also the writer of the film, ‘Pahad’ portrays the harsh realities of depopulated mountain regions due to youth migration, along with the social and economic consequences it brings. “The film captures the story of uninhabited highlands, depicting our responsibilities and the country’s needs. We have carefully selected actors to align with the theme, and I am excited to work with talents from both the old and new generations,” he said.
Now back on set, Ghimire expressed his enthusiasm for the project with renewed energy. The film is produced by Ojaswi KC, while Pramod Pradhan handles cinematography. Pradhan, who has previously worked on films, web series, and television productions in India, collaborated with Ghimire in Anyaya, Koseli, Chino, and Dakshina. After 30 years, Pradhan has returned to Nepal for this film project.
The filming schedule includes 25 days in Gorkha and surrounding areas, followed by 15 days in India, according to Ghimire. Under the Bhagyaratna Films banner, the movie features a star-studded cast, including Bipin Karki, Sunil Thapa, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Renunath Yogi, Arun Kshetri, Ravindra Singh Baniya, and Salona Bajracharya.
A special highlight of ‘Pahad’ is the debut of Panchami Ghimire, the director’s youngest daughter, in a lead acting role. Additionally, his eldest daughter, Bhavana Ghimire, serves as the film’s production designer.
The movie’s technical team includes Ranjit Gazmer as the music director and Bharati Ghimire as the creative director. Rimpoche Lama Thing and Suresh Lama Thing are co-producers, while the film’s Nepal distribution will be handled by Venkatesh Entertainment, and Seven Seas International Films will manage its international release. Royal Bhimsen and Trident Concept are responsible for publicity design.
Following his last directorial venture, Darpan Chhaya 2, Ghimire had taken a brief hiatus from filmmaking. ‘Pahad’ marks his much-awaited comeback as a director.
Arjun, Samikshya’s ‘Mero Yaad Aaunnara’ out
Bhawana Music Solution has premiered a new Lok Dohori song, ‘Mero Yaad Aaunnara’, capturing the essence of love and longing. Released on Feb 14, the song has already garnered around 200,000 views.
The song, featuring vocals by Samikshya Adhikari and Arjun Sapkota, is penned by Bimal Adhikari and composed by Arjun Sapkota. The music arrangement is done by Kamal Saurag, with Kumar Rana handling the mixing and mastering.
Directed by Bimal Adhikari, the music video stars Bimal Adhikari, Anu Bhandari, Ramesh Adhikari, Sanjeev Bishwokarma, and Adhinayak Man Serchan. Cinematography is done by Rajesh Ghimire, while Shiva Paudel takes charge of editing and color grading. Produced under Bhawana Music Films, the song is available on Bhawana Music Solution’s official YouTube channel.