Celebrating Excellence in Nepal Bhasa Entertainment: Page3 People’s Choice Award 1146

Kathmandu – The Page3 People’s Choice Award 1146 brought together the finest talents of Nepal Bhasa cinema, music, and music videos, recognizing artists and creators whose works have significantly contributed to the growth of Nepal Bhasa entertainment. The awards highlighted outstanding achievements across music, film, and music video categories, honoring both established names and emerging talents.

Organized by Page3 Fortnightly, a publication dedicated to Nepal Bhasa entertainment, the award has been promoting and honoring contributions to the Nepal Bhasa creative industry for the past 16 years. This year marked the fifth edition of the award ceremony.

Veteran folk singer and researcher Ram Krishna Duwal was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the preservation, collection, study, and promotion of Nepal Bhasa music.

Speaking at the event, Award Director Darshanbir Shakya said that the public voting system has helped bring together both emerging and veteran artists on a common platform, creating a healthy balance between generations in the industry.

Chairperson of the Film Development Board, Dinesh DC, stated that awards are not only about winning or losing but also about promoting Nepal Bhasa films, songs, and music videos nationally and internationally.

The event was chaired by Nareshbir Shakya, Managing Director of Elohan Publication. He highlighted the importance of recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Nepal Bhasa arts and culture. Chief Guest Kulbhakta Shakya, a member of the Federal Parliament, noted that the Intangible Cultural Heritage Bill, which aims to preserve the country’s cultural traditions, has recently been passed by Parliament.

Music Awards

In the music category, Mathura Maharjan won the award for Best Male Vocal Performance for the song Jitah Yahmh, while Kabita Joshi was recognized as Best Female Vocalist for Waigu Nugalay. The awards for emerging singers went to Rozman Maharjan, who won Best Emerging Male Singer for Jimi Hera, and Bhintuna Joshi, who received Best Emerging Female Singer for Bhara Bhara Mina. In the modern song category, Bijendra Chawal won Best Male Vocal Performance for Maa Lumna Wai, while Deepa Maharjan received Best Female Vocal Performance for Mhagasa Jigu. The award for Best Duet Song was presented to Rajkumar Manandhar and Nisha Deshar for Chhangu Matina. Similarly, Ratnasambhav Shakya and Suman Manandhar won Best Modern Duet Song for Nhile Then Nhile Then. The award for Best Emerging Duet Performance went to Sama Dangol and Allen Shahi for Yachugu Jigu Mana. Lyricist Amrit Ratna Shakya received the Best Lyricist Award for Nugah Lise Nugah, while Rajkumar Manandhar won Best Composer for Dilmaya. Jeevit Jalmi was honored as Best Music Arranger for Kheluita. The prestigious Best Song Award was presented to Sah Jigu, by Surendra Shrestha, while Sanubabu Maharjan’s album Nugahya Mikhan was named Best Album of the year.

Film Awards

The movie Jhigu Karma, secured several major acting awards. Suraj Byanjankar won Best Actor for his leading role in the film, Prabhat Kumar Khen received Best Supporting Actor. Shashikala Manandhar was honored as Best Supporting Actress, and Pawan Joshi won Best Villain Performance, all for their roles in Jhigu Karma.

The award for Best Actress went to Ashishma Nakarmi for her performance in Lakhe Aju, one of the most celebrated films of the year.

Emerging talents were also recognized. Manoj Maharjan won Best Emerging Actor for Tibah: The Support, while Simrik Shrestha received Best Emerging Actress for Indira Dhime Maincha.

Behind the scenes, Rohiya Maharjan won Best Choreographer for Indira Dhime Maincha. Sohan Manandhar received the Best Editing Award for Bahidar Babu.

Director and writer Surendra Tuladhar had a remarkable year, winning both Best Screenplay and Best Director for Indira Dhime Maincha. The award for Best Dialogue went to Bigyan Pakka for Galay Wana.

Laxman Century won Best Action Direction for Bahidar Babu, while cinematographers Sushant Prajapati and Dipen Basnyat received Best Cinematography for Lakhe Aju.

The award for Best Original Soundtrack was presented to Man Chhanke Sulachwan from Tibah: The Support.

The Best Film, went to Lakhe Aju, recognizing its artistic excellence and popularity among audiences.

Music Video Awards

The music video category showcased the growing creativity and technical excellence within Nepal Bhasa visual storytelling. Sudit Shrestha won Best Male Model for his performance in Chikulaya Tahkha, while Rojina Suwal was awarded Best Female Model for Nhennyapa Jhya Ya Darbar. The awards for emerging models went to Manoj Maharjan, who won Best Emerging Male Model for Nakkalimha Mayju, and Shritika Shrestha, who received Best Emerging Female Model for Waigu Nugalay. Rajin Maharjan was honored as Best Music Video Cameraperson for Waigu Nugalay, while Dinesh Maharjan won Best Music Video Editor for Maa Lumna Wai. The award for Best Choreography went to Nanumaiya Maharjan for Yajju Chha Bala, demonstrating excellence in dance direction and visual presentation. In technical categories, Rupa Manandhar received the Best Makeup Artist Award for Gansi, while Yajju Chha Bala won Best Costume Design. The Best Conceptual Music Video Award was presented to Jigu Garva, recognizing its originality and creative vision. Director Ram Krishna Khadgi won Best Music Video Director for Nakkalimha Mayju, while the prestigious Best Music Video Award went to Yenya Punhi.

The ceremony also honored the producers of the video films Nipah Khwapah, Chipanip, Charitra, and Nhilah Nhilah Hun. The song Ayla… Ayla… Ayla… and the animated film Jaya Lakhe received Jury Mention Awards.

Additionally, Japan-based Karen Shakya was presented with the Page3 Hapa Award, while renowned musician Jugal Dangol received the Page3 Honor Award for his contribution to Nepal Bhasa music.

The event celebrated the achievements of Nepal Bhasa artists and reaffirmed the growing recognition of indigenous language cinema, music, and visual arts in Nepal.