Kathmandu

Theatre director Hari Prasad Rimal is one of the pioneers of Nepali drama. From showcasing his acting prowess in the plays of playwright Bal Krishna Sama to films and then to directing plays for organisations like Radio Nepal and Sanskriti Sansthan, he has contributed heaps to Nepali drama. He is the first singer of Radio Nepal.

In another form of art — dance, veteran dance director Bhairav Bahadur Thapa is an important name. He is the man who brought the concept of cultural programme here in Nepal. Becoming the first dance director, he served in Nepal Army, Nepal Police and other government institutions. Thapa was also the dance director of the Nepali films like Mannko Bandh and Pachchis Basanta.

As a veteran music director of the industry Chandra Raj Sharma has directed music for lyrical plays like Muna Madan, Sakuntala, Harish Chandra, Mutu Ko Byatha and Gauri among others along with other 125 songs. He has composed songs for films including Jewan Jyoti, Bhanu Bhakta and Shree Swasthani.

Percussionist Nhuchhe Bahadur Dangol has a command over many Nepali percussion like dhime, dholak, bhusiya, maadal, tabala, nyakhi among others. He has introduced Nepali instruments to the world and has made Nepal proud with his exceptional drumming talent.

These are four inspiring personalities of Nepal. Their input to their respective art field is commendable for which they definitely should be honoured. And on July 19, Nepal Academy of Music and Drama (NAMUDA) honoured 89-year-old Rimal, 82-year-old Thapa, 76-year-old Sharma and 67-year-old Dangol with Nepal Sangeet Tatha Natya Rastriya Pragya Puraskar-2071. They were felicitated by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav at the event held in Shital Niwas.

“We are giving away this award to pay respect to those veteran personalities who have devoted their life to the study and research of Nepali songs, music, dance and play and for preservation and promotion of music and drama genre which are on the verge of extinction,” shared Vice Chancellor Shambhujeet Baskota of the Academy at the event.

Receiving the award, Dangol was motivated. “The country has honoured me for my musical journey I started when I was eight-year-old. This is a big thing for me,” he shared happily. His hard work has paid off and Dangol added, “I kept working without any expectation like Lord Krishna has said. Today I have got the phaal (result). And this has motivated me to put out Nepali baja to the world as much as I can.”