KATHMANDU:- The Bhim Birag Music, Literature and Fine Arts Academy Nepal, Hetauda, has conferred the Bijulimaya Wan Shrestha International Music Award to renowned lyricist Kiran Kharel.
The award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 100,000, was presented to Kharel amid a special ceremony held on Thursday. Academy Chairperson Keshavlal Shrestha handed over the cash prize along with a certificate of honour.
The academy honoured Kharel for his outstanding contribution to Nepali music, recognising his ability to vividly portray the diverse colours of Nepali society, human emotions and cultural identity through his songs.
Kharel began his songwriting career in 2014 BS with the song “Ae Dūrka Sitara…”. He has since written more than 700 songs, including modern and film songs. His compositions for the film Maitighar are widely credited with redefining the concept of film songs in Nepali cinema. Over the years, he has written songs for more than 100 films.
A lyricist with four published song collections, Kharel has also served as a programme producer and presenter at the then Royal Nepal Film Corporation and Radio Nepal. He has received several honours, including the Chhinnalata Song Award. His popular works include Maitighar, Jindagilai Jit Hoina, Himalako Kakhma Chha Mero Sano Gaun, Mandirma Chha Ki Murtima Maya, and Tara Matra Hoina Timilai, which remain popular even today.
The Bijulimaya Wan Shrestha International Music Award was established in 2064 BS by Hetauda-based entrepreneur Kanhaiya Krishna Shrestha in memory of his mother, Bijulimaya Wan Shrestha, to recognise significant contributions to the promotion of Nepali music.
Since its establishment, the award has honoured 16 distinguished artists, including Ambar Gurung, Prem Dhoj Pradhan, Bhakta Raj Acharya, Phatte Man Rajbhandari, Shanti Thatal, Deep Shrestha, Prakash Shrestha, Nhuchhe Bahadur Dangol, Meera Rana, Karma Yonjan, Chetan Karki, Dawa Gyalmo, Deepak Jangam, Kiran Pradhan, Rajendra Thapa and Neer Shah.