KATHMANDU: Four artistes from theatre and music are set to receive the ‘Nepal Sangeet Tatha Natya Rastriya Pragya Pursakar-2072’. Nepal Academy of Music and Drama (NAMUDA) announced the awards in different categories on the occasion of its sixth anniversary.

Veteran theatre artiste Shakuntala Gurung has been announced as the winner in the theatre and acting category, in a press release issued by NAMUDA. “We are honouring her for her years long contribution in theatre acting and direction,” the press statement quoted NAMUDA’s Chancellor Sarubhakta as saying.

Recognising his incessant contribution in writing, staging and promotion of Maithili plays, Mahendra Malangiya will be awarded in the category of direction and writing — of plays.

Prachanda Bahadur Budhathoki — who has been involved in the research, collection, preservation and promotion of folk music — is the winner in folk culture. Musician Gopalnath Yogi is another recipient of the award in music category.

The awardees will receive a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and a felicitation letter, the press statement further quotes Sarubhakta as saying.