ON AIR WITH SANJAY SILWAL GUPTA

Janardan Sharma is a seasoned Nepalese politician and former Finance Minister of Nepal, recognized for his extensive contributions to the country's political landscape. A three-time parliamentarian, he holds the unique distinction of being the leader within the CPN (Maoist Centre) elected from the same constituency for four consecutive terms, showcasing his deep-rooted connection with his constituents. His political career includes significant roles in key ministerial positions, such as Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Energy, and Minister of Peace and Reconstruction. In our upcoming discussion, Sharma will share insights from his life during the Maoist insurgency, detailing the challenges he faced during those tumultuous times. He will also reflect on his journey to power, highlighting his experiences as a minister, particularly focusing on his groundbreaking achievement of ending 18 hours of load shedding while serving as Minister of Energy. Additionally, he will discuss the issues of corruption he encountered, the reasons behind his resignation from the ministry, and his vision for the next decade. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves into the complexities of Nepal's political evolution and Sharma's personal journey through its highs and lows.

Join us as we speak with Tanka Lal Ghising, the Member Secretary of the National Sports Council and Exco Member of Asia Rugby, who shares his vision for Nepal’s sports future. In this insightful conversation, he discusses the launch of an ambitious research program aimed at identifying and nurturing hidden talent across the country, a project that could reshape Nepal’s athletic landscape. Ghising also dives into the intersection of politics and sports, outlining his agenda and mission for the coming years. He highlights the extensive planning underway for Nepal’s Olympic aspirations, revealing the steps the council is taking to ensure that Nepali athletes compete at the highest level on the global stage. Don’t miss this in-depth episode, where Ghising’s passion for empowering athletes and fostering a culture of competitive sportsmanship truly shines.

Swastima Khadka and Nischal Basnet are back to set the screen on fire with their latest film, Behuli from Meghauli. Swastima, known for her iconic roles in Bulbul and Chhakka Panja 2, is pairing up with the versatile Nischal, the mastermind behind hits like Loot and Talakjung vs Tulke. Get ready for a cinematic ride packed with emotion, drama, and unforgettable moments!

Thinley Lhamo, known for her mesmerizing role as Pema, and Tenzin Dhundup, a.k.a. Sonam Topden, the talented Tibetan singer-songwriter, come together in the captivating film Shambhala. With Thinley's compelling on-screen presence and Sonam's powerful acting, these two rising stars bring a unique blend of emotion and cultural depth to their characters, making Shambhala a must-watch.

Bishal Bhandari, a powerhouse in the Nepali film and television industry, joins us in this episode! As the Producer and Director behind the hit movie Kohalpur Express and the popular show Comedy Champion, Bishal has made a name for himself with his creative vision and leadership. Currently the Managing Director of Three Production Pvt. Ltd., he’s been pivotal in shaping iconic shows like The Voice of Nepal and Nepal Idol. Get ready to dive deep into his journey, challenges, and insights into Nepal’s ever-evolving entertainment scene!

Karma is known as the most talented actor in Nepal, praised for his perfect adaptation to versatile roles on screen. As a key figure in the Nepali movie industry, he has impressed audiences with films such as Sano Sansar, Loot, and Lukamari. With his latest film, Shambhala, gaining global recognition, Karma continues to shine as one of the country's most versatile and celebrated actors.

Jitu Nepal, renowned for his unforgettable portrayal of "Mundre" in Jire Khursani, has captivated audiences with his roles in Cha Ekan Cha and Chhakka Panja. Equally impressive, Buddhi Tamang rose to prominence with Kabaddi Kabaddi, where his iconic "Hait" dialogue became a cultural sensation, marking his success in the industry. Don't forget to catch Jwai Saab in theaters near you on Ashoj 24!

Barsha Siwakoti is a prominent Nepali actress and model who made her debut with Nai Nabhannu La 2. She quickly gained attention for her versatile performances in films like Pashupati Prasad, Lappan Chhappan, and Bir Bikram 2, solidifying her reputation in the Nepali film industry.

Rekha Thapa is a distinguished Nepali actress, producer, and politician who first garnered attention with her role in the movie Hero. Her extensive filmography, exceeding 100 movies, underscores her influence in the industry, where her portrayals of strong, independent women have been instrumental in transforming the Nepali cinema landscape.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, a versatile Indian actor, rose to stardom through sheer perseverance. Known for his raw, intense performances in Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox, and Sacred Games, he’s earned acclaim both in India and internationally. With over two decades in cinema, he’s celebrated for taking on complex, unconventional roles that redefine storytelling.

Palesha Goverdhan is a Nepali para-taekwondo athlete who made history by winning a bronze medal in the 57 kg category at the 2024 Summer Paralympics. Her achievement marked a significant milestone as she became the first Nepali athlete to ever win a medal at the Paralympic Games, a breakthrough moment in Nepal's sports history.

Kedar Prasad Ghimire, known as Magne Buda, is a celebrated Nepali comedian, actor, and writer. Famous for his role in the hit TV series Meri Bassai, Ghimire’s sharp wit and humor have won him acclaim across Nepal. He has also starred in popular films like Chha Ekan Chha, Chhakka Panja, and Woda Number 6, cementing his status as a leading figure in Nepali entertainment.

Kali Prasad Baskota is a celebrated Nepali singer, composer, and lyricist, best known for hits like "Laija Re," "Saili," and "Thamel Bazaar." His breakthrough came with "Jaalma," a song that became a major hit in Nepali cinema. Starting with "Chahana Sakiyo," he has worked on popular films like Kabaddi Kabaddi and Loot. He also solidifies his musical legacy as a judge on Nepal Idol. Join us on this episode of On Air with Kali Prasad Baskota, where he shares insights into his songwriting process, his musical journey, and how he continues to solidify his legacy. He also reflects on this generation's music, his own hits, career highs—even during the lockdown—and much more. Dive into this captivating musical journey with one of Nepal's most celebrated artists!

Min Bahadur Bham is a groundbreaking Nepalese director whose films have brought international attention to Nepalese cinema. "The Flute" (2012) was the first Nepalese film to screen at the Venice Film Festival, and his debut feature, "The Black Hen" (2015), won Best Film at Venice Critics' Week and represented Nepal at the Oscars. His latest work, "Shambala," has continued this success, earning awards at Cannes and a nomination at the Berlin International Film Festival. Join us on this episode of On Air with Min Bahadur Bham. Discover how he transformed Nepal’s movie industry with groundbreaking films like Kalopothi and Shambala. From winning accolades at the Venice Film Festival to taking home a Cannes award for Shambala, Min's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in as he opens up about his struggles, battles with depression, the challenges he faced, and his vision behind creating these cinematic masterpieces. 

Kanchan Rai, the visionary behind Ghumante, has been showcasing Nepal's hidden gems since 2013. Alongside his friends, he’s dedicated himself to exploring and capturing the country's lesser-known, breathtaking destinations. With over eight years of experience, Kanchan excels as a traveler, filmmaker, videographer, video editor, scriptwriter, and director bringing the beauty of Nepal to the world.  Join us for this episode of On Air with Kanchan Rai, the founder of Ghumante, who has transformed the travel industry in Nepal. Kanchan discusses his impactful Dolpo video, its influence on the people, the nation, and even politics. He also shares his thoughts on the challenges facing Nepal, including drone regulations and tourism issues. This inspiring episode takes you through his journey from the corporate world to becoming one of Nepal’s top travelers. Don’t miss it!

Tusa, founded by internationally experienced chefs Parashuram Pathak, renowned for his 15 years in global culinary scenes, Sagar Shrestha, trained alongside Michelin-starred chefs in Dubai and Australia, and Rupesh Bohara, who refined his skills in Dubai and Australia, is a restaurant dedicated to showcasing Nepal’s vibrant culture and biodiversity through its expertly crafted dishes.

Anup Kaphle is a dynamic Nepali journalist and the editor-in-chief of Rest of World, an innovative publication focused on global tech. With experience at The Washington Post, BuzzFeed News, and Roads & Kingdoms, he also previously led The Kathmandu Post as editor-in-chief, shaping impactful narratives worldwide. Join us on this episode of On Air with Anup Kaphle as he discusses the significance of authentic journalism. Hear about his experiences at The Washington Post, BuzzFeed, and The Kathmandu Post, including the cultural shocks he faced. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in what it takes to create truthful and impactful content.

Ursula Renold is a Professor of Education Systems at ETH Zürich and chairs the Centre on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems. She also serves on the University Board of Northwestern Switzerland and holds advisory roles with institutions such as the German Economic Institute and Swisscontact. Pankaj Parajuli is the National Program Officer for TVET at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, focusing on enhancing education and training in Nepal. Tune in to this episode of On Air as we chat with Ursula Renold and Pankaj Parajuli about the QualiTY project in Nepal. Over the past four years, this initiative has transformed education and job opportunities for disadvantaged Nepali youth. Discover how the project is making a real impact in underserved communities and changing lives for the better. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on the QualiTY project's remarkable achievements!

Sahil Shrestha serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Cimex Inc Pvt Ltd, which is the official distributor of BYD in Nepal. Meanwhile, Suryansh Vaidya holds the position of Director at Vaidya’s Organization of Industries and Trading House, and he is also the CEO of Vaidya Energy and the Founder of Pitshtop Incorporated. Join us for this episode of On Air with Sahil and Suryansh as they discuss their journey in bringing Toyota, Ather, and BYD to Nepal and their efforts to revolutionize the EV landscape. In this NADA Special, they share insights on what it takes to build a successful business, the rise of BYD in Nepal, and their thoughts on government taxes and the future of EVs in the country. Don’t miss out on this deep dive into the world of electric vehicles in Nepal!

Smriti and Sarthak from TraverArt, along with Urmila and Vaskar from Roaming Around Nepal, are travel filmmakers who turn their passion for travel into a digital career, promoting Nepalese culture globally and tackling the challenges of vlogging from remote locations.