Contributors

Aditi Sherpa is a self-taught queer artist from Nepal who works primarily in digital and mixed media. Her work explores themes of mental health, identity, and life’s absurdities through vibrant visuals and personal expression. Her creativity extends beyond visual art into theater, acting, and spoken word poetry. With a strong commitment to experimentation and emotional authenticity, Aditi uses her art as a transformative journey, capturing both the vibrant and darker sides of human experience.

Aliz Ghimire began his modeling career at just 16, winning titles such as Mr. Glacier 2018 and Mr. and Miss Kathmandu 2020. Despite facing discrimination due to his gender expression, he remained resolute and went on to found Aliz Wardrobe, a gender-fluid fashion brand advocating sustainable and inclusive style. Now 21, Aliz uses his platform to empower the queer community and challenge conventional norms in the fashion industry. Through Aliz Wardrobe, he provides a safe, expressive space that celebrates individuality and diversity.

Anil Ranjit is a photographer and writer dedicated to documenting traditional farming practices and rural life in Nepal. He highlights the urgent challenges facing small-scale and indigenous farming, emphasizing the erosion of ancestral agricultural knowledge due to urbanization and socio-economic shifts. Through his work, Anil advocates for preserving these farming traditions and raising awareness about the critical need for government support to sustain the livelihoods of future generations.

Ashish Koirala is a passionate storyteller and cultural observer whose work delves into the heart of Nepal's diverse landscapes and communities. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for local traditions, he brings to life the untold stories of regions often overlooked. His writing reflects a profound respect for Nepal’s heritage, especially the vibrant and resilient spirit of the Terai region.Ashish captures the subtle beauty of daily life—be it through bustling Haat Bazaars, the quiet dignity of rural livelihoods, or the harmony of multicultural coexistence. His work serves as a bridge between generations, preserving the essence of traditional Nepal while inspiring a renewed appreciation for its evolving identity.

Bibek Shrestha is a rising star in portrait and fashion photography, known for capturing the true essence of his subjects with striking visual storytelling. Since beginning his career as an apprentice in 2019, Bibek has worked with renowned artists, celebrities, and models, building a strong reputation in the creative industry. Now a full-time photographer at a leading production company in Kathmandu, he specializes in international productions. Hailing from Bhaktapur, Bibek continues to push boundaries and redefine photographic artistry with every frame.

Bikas Rauniar explores the profound influence of art in Nepal’s political history, highlighting how photography has captured key moments and shaped public consciousness. Through powerful images of political rallies, pro-democratic movements, and cultural heritage, his work documents the unspoken narratives of Nepal’s journey toward democracy. From the impassioned speeches of leaders like Madan Bhandari to serene landscapes that embody Nepal’s enduring spirit, Bikas’s visual storytelling reveals how art preserves the nation’s identity while inspiring hope for the future.

Binita Thapa Magar is a seasoned and versatile actress in the Nepali film industry, known for her impactful and dynamic performances. With a rich career spanning numerous acclaimed projects, she has captivated audiences in films such as Mrighatrishna, Dokh (by Anup Baral), Dat ko Dob (by Khagendra Lamicchane), Sambhala (by Michal Roth), Halkara (by Bikram Sapkota), Brief Candle (by Rose Swais), and Yet Another Winter (by Kiran Shrestha). Her artistic depth and ability to embody diverse characters have established her as a significant force in contemporary Nepali cinema.

Chintan Rajbhandari is a prominent cinematographer who transitioned from a career in television reporting to visual storytelling. With a bachelor's in media technology and a master's in mass communication and journalism, he has carved out a name for himself in the film industry. His short film "Dadyaa – The Woodpeckers of Rotha" earned a Special Jury Award for Cinematography at the Sundance Film Festival. With work featured at top festivals like Venice, Toronto, and Sundance, and his latest feature "Halkaaraa" released in 2023, Chintan continues to shine as a leading figure in cinematography.

Visual storytelling has always been the beating heart that drives Gautam Dhimal's professional career—and his life. Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Dubai, UAE, Gautam is a filmmaker and photographer who thrives on blending humanity with his love for nature and exploration.He works as a producer and line producer for films and is also known for his contributions to fashion, advertising, nature, and wildlife photography. Gautam has collaborated with both local and international production houses, including acclaimed studios such as BBC One, FOX, and Disney, and global brands like Red Bull, Nestea, Coca-Cola, Panasonic, Vicks, Nippon Paint, Samsonite, Doosan, and Kellogg's.When not on film sets or studio shoots, he’s often in the wild outdoors, capturing rare footage and images of flora and fauna to enrich his portfolio. His passion for exploration fuels his humility and deep appreciation for the world's hidden wonders. Gautam believes life is a fun adventure, best lived by embracing the unknown and telling stories that matter.

Hritika Bhattarai is a passionate storyteller and visual enthusiast who explores themes of identity, culture, and modern expression through her creative lens. With a unique voice and a flair for blending traditional narratives with contemporary perspectives, she continues to carve a space for herself in Nepal’s evolving creative landscape. Whether through writing, visuals, or social commentary, Hritika seeks to inspire reflection and spark meaningful dialogue.

Location Nepal is a premier platform dedicated to showcasing Nepal as a cinematic gem and a favored destination for global filmmakers. With breathtaking landscapes ranging from Himalayan peaks to serene lakes and rich cultural heritage, Nepal has attracted international productions since the 1970s, including Bollywood, Hollywood, and global TV series. The platform promotes Nepal’s unique ability to offer versatile, stunning backdrops and facilitates creative collaborations, helping to position Nepal as a growing hub for film tourism and international productions.

Lucy Mars Putter is a veterinary nurse from South Africa with a deep passion for wildlife conservation and nature photography. Inspired by her childhood on her grandparents’ game farm and nurtured by her professional experiences, Lucy embarked on an inspiring journey to Nepal in early 2023 through the Nature Conservation and Photography Fellowship by the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation. Guided by mentors Gautam Dhimal and Om Prakash Yadav, she explored Nepal’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and conservation efforts—from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene Koshi River and Chitwan National Park. Her work beautifully blends immersive wildlife encounters, community engagement, and spiritual experiences, reflecting hope and commitment toward environmental preservation.

Nikita Gurung is a Kathmandu-based writer and cultural documentarian dedicated to preserving and celebrating Nepal’s rich artistic heritage. Through her compelling storytelling and evocative photography, she brings to life the narratives of Nepali artists, traditions, and cultural icons. Operating under the handle @soundsofzephyrr, Nikita captures the essence of Nepal's diverse cultural landscape, offering readers and viewers an intimate glimpse into the nation's vibrant traditions.

Niladri Chatterjee is a passionate analog photographer with over three decades of experience capturing the vibrant life and culture of Kathmandu and beyond. His work blends traditional and experimental techniques to create timeless visual stories. Co-founder of Film Foundry, Niladri is dedicated to preserving the art of analog photography and inspiring new generations with patience and creativity.

Om Prakash Yadav is a cultural writer and photographer passionate about Nepal’s heritage. He specializes in capturing and narrating the rich traditions of the Kathmandu Valley, especially its famous Jatras (festivals). Through his work, he offers an immersive view of the valley’s vibrant cultural celebrations, blending ancient rituals with contemporary life.

Palpasa Shrestha is the visionary behind The Pasa, a brand rooted in the celebration of handmade excellence, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. Founded in response to the challenges posed by the global pandemic, The Pasa creates eco-conscious fashion accessories crafted exclusively from natural fibers such as dhaka, allo, bamboo, cotton, silk, jute, and hemp.Their mission transcends fashion — focusing on providing equal opportunities and skill development for women artisans, nurturing talent, and fostering inclusivity in the crafts industry. With a dedication to sustainable practices and custom-made designs, The Pasa stands as a symbol of ethical fashion and empowerment, inspiring a greener, more equitable future.

Romi Manandhar is a dynamic filmmaker with 11 years of experience in film direction. A graduate of Wigan and Leigh College, she is currently pursuing a second degree in Cinematography. A scholarship recipient from the National Film Development Board, Romi has contributed to numerous short films, documentaries, and advertisements. She is a multiple award nominee and winner at both national and international levels and a grant-winning scriptwriter, currently gearing up for the release of her first feature film and preparing her second.

Sabin Basnet is a passionate advocate for the power of visual and performing arts as tools for societal transformation. As a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and storyteller, he explores how art, performance, and film intersect with cultural identity, challenge outdated norms, and ignite social change.With a strong belief in art’s potential to transcend boundaries, Sabin uses his creative voice to highlight issues such as gender inequality, injustice, and the erosion of cultural heritage. His work reflects a deep respect for Nepal’s traditions—from ancient cave paintings to folk dances—and a vision for a more inclusive and progressive society.Whether through documentary film, street performance, or contemporary visual art, Sabin’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for dialogue and action. He emphasizes that creative expression is not merely entertainment but a potent force for empathy, education, and societal evolution.Based in Nepal and working on both local and international platforms, Sabin continues to use his artistic talents to help shape a more just and inspired future.

Sajina Adhikari Chhetri is a rising tattoo artist from Chitwan Narayangadh, Nepal. At just 19, she is making a name for herself with her unique style influenced by Korean fashion and Japanese anime. Trained at Pigment Tattoo School, Sajina combines passion and skill to create bold and sleek body art, while also embracing cosplay culture on special occasions.

Sanjeev Upadhyay is a seasoned IT professional specializing in cybersecurity and education based in Kathmandu. With extensive expertise in protecting digital infrastructures and educating individuals on cybersecurity best practices, Sanjeev is passionate about empowering users to safeguard their digital identities in an increasingly interconnected world.In his insightful article, “Safeguarding the Digital Realm: The Essence of Digital Identity in Cybersecurity,” Sanjeev explores the critical role digital identity plays in modern cybersecurity frameworks. He highlights the vulnerabilities introduced by the digitization of identity, from phishing and malware to identity theft, and offers practical tips to protect personal and organizational digital assets.Sanjeev emphasizes the importance of trust, verification, and continual education in maintaining secure online environments. His work advocates for embracing evolving technologies and security protocols to stay ahead of cyber threats, ensuring a safer digital future for everyone.

Shakshi Lamsal is a dynamic and multi-talented figure in Nepal’s creative and business landscape. With an impressive career spanning acting, hosting, modeling, and entrepreneurship, she has established herself as a powerhouse of talent and ambition. As an actress, she captivates audiences through emotionally rich and diverse roles. Her magnetic presence and communication skills make her a highly sought-after host, bringing vibrancy and charm to any event.In the world of fashion and advertising, Shakshi’s poise and elegance have made her a standout model, representing top-tier brands like Samsung, Berger, Ncell, DishHome, and Everest Bank. Beyond the limelight, her entrepreneurial ventures reflect her sharp business acumen and drive to innovate. Shakshi continues to break barriers and inspire, embodying excellence across every industry she touches.

Yubraj Gurung is a 21-year-old Bharatnatyam dancer and choreographer whose journey began under the guidance of Guru Shree Venkateswara in Telangana, India. With over 15 years of dedication to the classical dance form, Yubraj has performed at major platforms including Mr. Teen International 2019 and the Asia-Pacific Cultural Festival. Currently teaching across Kathmandu Valley schools, his art blends heritage, grace, and a deep spiritual connection that transcends cultural boundaries.