KATHMANDU: The vibrant 15th Bindhyabasini Music Awards 2081 concluded in grandeur at the Rastriya Naach Ghar on Thursday, celebrating the creative talents shaping the music scene in Nepal.

The evening’s center of attraction was legendary lyricist Rajendra Thapa, who was presented the Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and NPR 100,000 in cash, for his decades-long dedication to Nepali music.

Singer Sangeeta Shakya was awarded the Bindhyabasini Sangeet Sadhana Samman with NPR 50,000, while Nisha Deshar received the Prem Dhoj Sangeet Ratna Samman and NPR 25,000. Shirish Devkota was honored with the Jhalakman Lok Sangeet Samman, also with NPR 25,000.

The Music Journalism Award, with NPR 25,000, was handed to Sharada Thapa, recognizing her impactful storytelling in music journalism. Pop sensation Durgesh Thapa took home a Special Award for his trending hit “Dushman Hereko Heryai”. In the Folk and Duet Modeling category, Paul Shah and Narayani Khatri were awarded for the popular song “Kaila”. In Sugam Sangeet, Raj Sigdel won Best Male Singer for “Hridayama”, while Usha Gajurel won Best Female Singer for “Mausam Aula”. In composition and lyrics, Shridhar Adhikari won Best Composer for “Chhau Ni Timi Aaha”, and Chiranjivi Paudel earned Best Lyricist for “Timilai Maya Garne Mutu”. Baikuntha Mahat and Benisha Paudel won Best Duet Singing for the romantic number “Pirim Gadi”.
In the folk category, Arjun Sapkota (“Basyau Alakkai”) and Kavita Khatri (“Namaste Dhogdiya”) won Best Folk Singers. Narayan Gyawali took Best Folk Lyricist for “Kanya Rashi”, while Khem Pun received Best Folk Tune for the heartfelt “Marne Sui Laideu”. Purushottam Dhungel earned Best Song of the Year for “Jun Maya”, and rising model Juna Bishwakarma won the Popular Model Award for “Maya Aune Bus”, which also earned Anil Paudel the Public Choice Award.

In the Jury Awards, Sanjay Devkota was honored for vocals in “Kura Bujhideuna”, Khem Century won for music in “Tallo Bato”, and Santosh Sapkota for lyrics in “Dukha Satamla”. For music videos, Smriti Timilsina was recognized for video direction, while Bikram Budhathoki and Elina Rayamajhi shared the acting award for their roles in “Hare Maile Mayama”. Vinod Shrestha and Usha Subedi were named Best Pop/Modern Video Models for “Bidaai 2”. Nishan Baniya was awarded Best Folk Music Video Director for “Bhagyama Runa Lekheko”, and Bishal Ghimire won Best Director (Sugam) for “Meri Bathi Maya”. The Best Cinematographer Award went to Pawan Susling for “Mayalai Panko Paat”, and Amrit Chapagain took Best Editor for “Mayali”. Fresh talent Prem Sapkota was honored with the Newcomer Award for “Arulai Ke Bhanu Mayalu.” The award night was made richer with high-spirited musical performances. Organized annually by Bindhyabasini Music Pvt. Ltd. and Bindhyabasini Foundation, the event was led by Chairperson Lina Regmi and Managing Director Subash Regmi.