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Singer Arjun Sapkota has premiered his latest song, ‘Dukha Satamla Sukha Satamla’, dedicated to couples whose love has blossomed into marriage. Released on Oct 21, the song has quickly gained popularity, amassing around 650,000 views and reaching #1 on the YouTube music trending charts within three days.

The song’s music video showcases footage from Sapkota’s marriage ceremony with Dipa Simkhada, adding a personal touch to this celebration of love.

In a heartfelt message, Sapkota expressed, “We wish all the loving couples success in their love. We want to share the happiness of the most important moment of our life with all of you, and we hope that your love and blessings will continue to be upon us.” 

The song features vocals by Arjun Sapkota, Devi Gharti, and Samikshya Adhikari. The lyrics are penned by Santosh Sapkota, with music composed by Arjun Sapkota himself. The production team includes HBN Kismat for music arrangement, mixing, and mastering, while Raaj and Aakash served as recordists.

Instrumental contributions come from Hemanta Kanchha Rasaily on sarangi, Gopal Dev on flute, and Madan Regmi on madal. The Panche Baja is provided by HBN Kismat.

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said.

Buenos Aires police said in a statement that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Argentina’s capital, resulting in “extremely serious injuries.” Medics confirmed his death on the spot, the statement said.

Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, said in a statement to The Associated Press that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Police rushed to the hotel in response to an emergency call just after 5 p.m. local time, he said, warning of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

The hotel manager can be heard on a 911 call obtained by the AP saying they had “a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol ... He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” The manager’s voice became more anxious as the call went on, noting the room had a balcony.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel that authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting an autopsy.

Payne had been vocal about struggling with alcoholism, posting a video in July 2023 to his YouTube channel where he said he had been sober for six months after receiving treatment. Representatives for Payne did not immediately return emails and calls.

Dozens of One Direction fans flocked from across Buenos Aires to the Casa Sur Hotel after the news broke, forming lines that spilled into the cordoned-off street outside the hotel where police stood sentinel. Forensic investigators were seen exiting the hotel, from where Payne’s body was removed around three hours after the fall. Young women filming with their cellphones expressed shock and heartbreak as a makeshift memorial with rows of candles and bouquets quickly grew outside the hotel.

“I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” 21-year-old Isabella Milesi told the AP.

Payne was one of five members of One Direction, which formed when they each auditioned for the British singing competition series “The X Factor” in 2010, two years after Payne’s first attempt to get on the show. At 16 the second time around, Payne sang Michael Bublé’s version of “Cry Me a River,” appearing nervous at the start but warming up with the audience’s cheers and applause.

After each singer failed to make it through the competition as solo acts, Simon Cowell and his fellow judges combined Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson into what would become one of the most successful boy bands—even though they lost the competition.

Each member had their own persona, with Payne—who hailed from Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands region of England—being known as the responsible one. The band became known for their pop sound and romantic hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” Payne had prominent solos on songs including “Stole My Heart” and “Change Your Ticket,” co-writing several of the band’s hits. They had six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts by the time they disbanded in 2016 and a highly loyal fan base, known as “Directioners,” many of whom were teen girls.

“I’ve always loved One Direction since I was little,” said 18-year-old Juana Relh, another fan outside Payne’s hotel. “To see that he died and that there will never be another reunion of the boys is unbelievable, it kills me.”

With his meteoric rise to fame, Payne had said that it took some time to adjust to the public eye.

“I don’t think you can ever deal with that, it’s all a bit crazy for us to see that people get in that sort of state of mind about us and what we do,” he said in a 2013 interview with the AP after recounting an experience where a fan was in a state of shock upon meeting him.

After the group’s dissolution, Payne—like each of his erstwhile bandmates—pursued a solo career, shifting toward EDM and hip-hop. His 2017 single “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10, and stayed on the charts for several months. He put out an album “LP1” in 2019, and his last release—a single called “Teardrops”—was released in March.

Payne had a 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, with his former girlfriend, the musician Cheryl who was known as Cheryl Cole when she performed with Girls Aloud. She was an “X Factor” judge during One Direction’s season, although their relationship began years later. Payne was previously engaged to Maya Henry, from August 2020 to early 2022. Henry released a novel earlier this year that she said was based on their relationship.

In addition to his son, he is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.

AP

Nepal Students Union (NSU) at Nepal Law Campus is organizing a free screening of the critically acclaimed Nepali drama film Shambhala, followed by a panel discussion featuring members of the movie's crew. Shambhala, a 2024 release directed by Min Bahadur Bham and starring Thinley Lhamo, Tenzin Dalha, and Sonam Topden, gained international recognition as the first Nepali film to compete at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival for the prestigious Golden Bear.

The event is scheduled for Sept 30 (Monday) at 6:30 am at Vishwajyoti Cineplex, Jamal. The panel discussion will feature director Min Bahadur Bham, lead actors Thinley Lhamo and Karma Shakya, who will engage with students and attendees. The discussion is expected to explore themes such as women’s empowerment and the portrayal of northern Nepalese society through the lens of cinema.

"This event will play a key role in reflecting the reality of northern Nepal through the medium of cinema and will highlight women's empowerment issues across the country," said MD Mazid Parwez, President of NSU Nepal Law Campus.

While entry to the screening is free, only 150 participants will be allowed, and they must register via a Google Form provided by NSU NLC. The event will be hosted by Ashis Sapkota and aims to foster a connection between law students, the legal fraternity, and Nepal's often-overlooked northern culture.

White hair, a white sweater beneath a black coat and pants. A smiling face etched with the lines of age. The entire right side of his body is immobile, requiring support even to stand, let alone walk. Yet his spirit burns as brightly as that of a 16-year-old. He is a master of creativity and the composer of thousands of captivating melodies.

At 87, Japanese pianist Izumi Tateno recently performed in Kathmandu. He left the audience spellbound at a concert held at the residence of Japanese Ambassador Kikuta Yutaka in Soaltee Mode. Organized by the Japanese Embassy in Nepal, Tateno unleashed the sweet tones and melodies of the piano, mesmerizing everyone in attendance.

Visiting Nepal for the first time at the age of 87, Tateno brought with him sweet melodies. A massive piano was the only thing on the stage. Tateno arrived on stage in a wheelchair and delivered an extraordinary musical experience. The audience, including ambassadors from various countries and distinguished guests, were deeply touched by his music. He created different rhythms on the piano with just one hand, spreading sweetness in every heartbeat.

Tateno’s piano craze is simply astonishing. Everyone marveled at the Japanese melodies that flowed from the piano as he produced beautiful tunes with his eyes closed.

As National Poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire once said, no one can stop the power of creativity. Neither age, physical limitations, nor any other obstacle can hinder it.

Tateno’s life has seen many ups and downs. The right side of his body is paralyzed, and he cannot stand upright without support. But the melodies he creates with his left hand on the piano are exceptional. His unique ability to captivate and mesmerize the audience is remarkable.

Born in Tokyo in 1936, Tateno has been a permanent resident of Finland since 1964. Even at 87, his energy is admirable. He performed in India and Bhutan before coming to Nepal.  

Although this was his first visit to Nepal, Tateno appeared at ease, bowing repeatedly in gratitude and respect toward the Nepali audience. Tateno, who has composed music for hundreds of songs in Japanese and other languages, has a voice as melodious as his music. His dedication to the rhythm and music of the piano was palpable.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka, who attended the concert, took Tateno’s name with great reverence. He wholeheartedly praised the pianist's work and abilities, calling him a king of the piano and a special creator of Japanese music.

Tateno presented more than half a dozen tunes in various styles and melodies. He lost himself in the music as he pressed the keys with one hand, and after each performance, he would scan the audience, perhaps wondering, “Did my melodies reach them? Did they sway with the piano’s rhythm?”

With each performance, the audience responded with thunderous applause. Tateno made the hour entirely piano-centric, freezing time with the sweetness of his music. He swayed in rhythm and poured emotions into the melodies. 

It is said that art knows no geography, no fixed language or rhythm, no caste or religion. Creativity touches minds, feels heartbeats and speaks the language of the soul. This autumn evening swayed to the rhythm of Piano Master Izumi Tateno’s music.