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Renowned composer, singer, and writer Scholar Shantiram Rai is set to present a solo musical evening. Organized for the first time by the Khotang Artists’ Society under the “Creator Honor” program, the event will be held in Kathmandu on Mangsir 13 (November 28). The announcement was made by society chairman Rupakumar Rai during a press meet.
Speaking at the event, Chairman Rupakumar said the society aims to regularly organize annual solo musical evenings to honor veteran artists from Khotang.
Expressing gratitude, Shantiram Rai said the recognition of his struggles and contributions to Nepali music was deeply meaningful. He remarked:
“My life has always been dedicated to music, and I will continue to live in music. This is not only Shantiram Rai’s solo show, it belongs to all of us from Khotang. If this show fails tomorrow, it will be a setback for the pride of all Khotang people.”
The press meet also saw well-wishes from Tirtharaj Bhattarai, Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, Member of Parliament Bishal Bhattarai, leader Bishnu Rai, businessman Tank Shrestha, among others.
Shantiram Rai began his professional journey in 2046 B.S. (1990 A.D.) after passing the Radio Nepal vocal test in the folk category. He has since dedicated 36 years to continuous musical creation, composing more than 1,500 songs. His solo evening will feature evergreen numbers such as “Timi Tare Bhira Ma Ta Lahara,” “Dhoka Diyau Timile,” “Chalharu O Chalharu,” “ID Kardale,” and “Ae Paharaki Phool.”
According to the organizers, the program will showcase Shantiram’s compositions performed by singers from both senior and younger generations, including Deep Shrestha, Sukmit Gurung, Pavitra Subba, Rajesh Payal Rai (Rai is King), and Melina Rai.
Founded in 2077 B.S. (2020 A.D.), the Khotang Artists’ Society organized the historic “Khotang Musical Evening 2079” at Pragya Bhawan, Kamaladi, where 100 singers and 100 dancers performed. In 2080, it further conducted singing and dancing competitions across all 10 municipalities of Khotang under the “Palika Talent” program.
Alongside the announcement, the society also released a new song titled “Muskuraunchha Sadhai Bhari Mero Khotang.” Featuring the voices of 111 artists from Khotang, the song has lyrics by Tank Bhattarai, music by veteran composer Mahesh Khadka, arrangement by Debesh Rai, and recording by Limdumi Creation Studio.
The music video has been directed by young and dynamic filmmaker Rajesh Puma Rai. The project received major sponsorship from Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, with additional financial support from Khotehang Rural Municipality and Aiselukharka Rural Municipality, informed society’s General Secretary Parwan Rai ‘Rai Budha.’
