Shiva Shankar Manadhar

Nepali top artist Shiva Shankar Manandhar was born on Falgun 12, 1989 B.S. on the day of Shivaratri, at New Road in Kathmandu from Man Bahadur Manandhar and Ram Maya Manandhar. He was the first-ever hero of a Nepali film as acted in the first Nepali film, “Aama” as its hero (Lead Role) in the sixties i.e., in 2021 B.S. Although he did not act in any other film, the exposure advanced his career, and he, in turn, worked to advance the Nepalese film industry. Later he was noted as singer and musician. He attained his bachelor's degree in music from Kalanidhi Indira Sangeet Mahavidhyalaya and then devoted himself to his chosen career. In the music filed his career began in his late teens; he joined Radio Nepal at 19, along with Koili Devi, Natikaji, Pannakaji, Hari Prasad Rimal and Bhairab Bahadur Thapa. His first song, "Yo Kholako Pani, Euta Rumal Dhundaima Din Jane," was recorded in 2015 B.S. in Mumbai. He had contributed his life to the Nepali music field. He wrote more than 1,200 songs, sang hundreds of popular songs and composed music for over 700 Nepali songs. He had influenced virtually every aspect of Nepalese music for 50 years.

During the past four decades, his name has probably been mentioned more often in books, journals, lectures and conversations about Nepalese music than any other musician. His music was both patriotic and sentimental—among the most touching songs of his generation—and spoke to people of all ages. If he is remembered by posterity it will be for his contribution to the development of Nepalese music while preserving its heritage and originality. He worked odd hours; he worked without food. He would refuse to meet visitors without an appointment. Those who have associated with him closely say he was a man with an impeccable sense of timing, in his music and his work. His habit of sticking firmly to a schedule helped him to build Radio Nepal, which had just been formed when he joined it in 2007 B.S. There was fierce competition for positions there, as it was the only medium at the time that reached the general public. Radio Nepal attracted great talent but also needed an able person to coordinate and manage it. Shiva Shankar proved to be the right person for the position.

Commercial music in Nepal was in its infancy when Shiva Shankar started his career. Except for a few performances on public stages, there was little opportunity for music to grow. Indian music enjoyed a dominant position. Promoting Nepalese music to new heights was the goal; Radio Nepal became the medium, and Shiva Shankar became the model. He was an impresario, producer, composer and arranger who did much to expand the popularity of Nepalese music. Thus, he was regarded as the father of the adhunik geet, the modern Nepalese song. The trend he started led to the revolution in the music industry and eventually to the rise of pop music that has won the hearts of youngsters. In his four decades of service to Radio Nepal, Nepalese music grew into full flower. In the beginning, when there were only lok geet, folk songs. He always favored change in this field. He encouraged emerging artists and promoted music, even pop songs, always stressing originality and musical roots. He was fond of using the newest technologies available to make the work easier and the music better. He taught his proteges fairness and loyalty, concentration and dedication to their work. The introduction of modern styles at the beginning drew criticism, but he eventually won listeners over. His fans, music lovers and aspiring musicians sent him letters: He replied to all with handwritten responses that were invariably positive and encouraging.

Shiva Shankar was not motivated by personal success and cared little for money. He was simple, quiet and shy. He liked to dress in simple clothes; his favorite dress was a brown safari suit. He preferred to walk in the morning. He was known to enjoy a drink and was a heavy smoker.

For his contribution he was showered with many laurels, the most recent of those was the Natikaji Memorial award, which was presented to him just days before his death. He was very devout, passing most mornings in his prayer room.

On the last day of Tihar in 2061 B.S, at around six in the evening, Shiva Shankar passed away at the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital at the age of 72 due to lung cancer. Shiva Shankar's demise has brought to a close an important chapter in the history of Nepalese music. But his life's work has opened many more.