Kathmandu: The musical tribute evening titled ‘Farki Aau Shanti Timi Unnati Sheela Musical Tribute Evening–2083’, dedicated to the six-decade-long literary and musical journey of renowned lyricist and literary figure Pragya Unnati Bohara ‘Shila’, concluded successfully in a grand ceremony.

The event was organised by the Unnati Bohara Sheela Geet Puraskar Manch on Sunday, Kartik 15, at Nepal Police Club, Kathmandu. The programme was held under the chief guestship of renowned Mundhum culture scholar and former Chancellor of Nepal Academy, Bairagi Kainla. On the occasion, distinguished music composer Shambhujeet Baskota was felicitated with a cash award of Rs. 151,000 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Nepali music.

The event marked a significant milestone in the artistic journey of lyricist Sheela, who has dedicated nearly 60 years to literature and 54 years to Nepali songwriting.

Addressing the audience, Sheela expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming presence of music lovers, noting that her life has been devoted to literary and musical creation. She dedicated the evening to her husband, Deepak Bohara, and daughter, Chandani Bohara, and presented 25 of her compositions in a special solo musical programme.

Hundreds of her songs have been recorded to date. The evening featured 25 selected compositions written by Shila, with memorable musical arrangements by Shambhujeet Baskota and Deepak Jangam.

The songs performed included Janani Janmabhumishcha, Kahin Kata Ladkhadaaye Bhane, Farkaideu Mero Prempatraharu, Baandha Baandha Malai Mayale Baandha, Tyo Din Yaad Gara, Bhool Bhayo Mabat, Farki Aau Shanti Timi, Kasle Po Dekhchha Ra, Yati Gahiro Chot, Simal Ko Phool Sari, Ma Jharanasanga Jharjhar, Badnaam Huna Deu, Sangai Jiune, Prakriti, Yo Lamo Jivanma, Mero Aashaktika Bhawana, Malai Ujaad Banayera, Seti Khola Sangasanga Taroula, Ke Bhool Gare Maile, Dandakanda Dhakamakka Dhaki, Aankhako Parelimā, Timi Mero Prem Kahani, Ae Nil Gaganma Udne Pankshi, Timi Nabhaye Yo* and *Guransko Rang Rato, among others.

The songs were performed by an impressive lineup of popular singers, including Pramod Kharel, Banika Pradhan, Mandavi Tripathi, Prabin Bedwal, Jagadish Samal, Karna Das, Prashna Shakya, Anand Karki, Sangita Rana Pradhan, Nisha Deshar, Sanjay Tumruk, Bishwo Nepali, Tika Prasai, Sarita Shahi and Suresh Lama.

The performances were accompanied by a live orchestra of 21 musicians, conducted by senior music director and arranger Manohar Sunam. The evening featured compositions by Shambhujeet Baskota and Deepak Jangam.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the programme was its title, inspired by Sheela’s immensely popular and timeless patriotic song ‘Farki Aau Shanti Timi’. Originally sung by Karna Das with music composed by Shambhujeet Baskota, the song is regarded as one of the significant works in the history of Nepali music.

Naming the entire musical celebration after one of her own celebrated compositions was a testament to Sheela’s stature as a lyricist and the enduring power of her words in Nepali music.

During the ceremony, singer and composer Meera Rana, literary figure Usha Sherchan, film editor Narendra Khadka, senior singer Karna Das, art journalists Rajaram Phuyal and Dabbu Chhetri, music director and arranger Manohar Sunam, Amul Karki Dhali, photographer Manoj Shahi and dancer Pritisha KC were each honoured with a cash award of Rs. 21,000.

The event was attended by distinguished personalities from the fields of music, literature, cinema, journalism, politics and social service. Among those present were renowned composer Deepak Jangam, lyricist Rajendra Thapa, Shreepurush Dhakal, veteran actor Nir Shah, veteran actress Basundhara Bhusal, Literary Journalists’ Association President Radheshyam Lekali, Songwriters’ Association of Nepal President Basanta Bityasi Thapa, Film Artists Association President Uttam KC, senior singer Devika Bandana, singer Bimala Rai, senior composer Raju Singh, film producer Pradeep Uday, journalist Suman Pandit Bairagi, Jai Nepal Party Chairman Dhawal Shumsher Rana and RPP leader Bhuwan Pathak, among other prominent guests.

The programme was hosted by Hem Subedi and Sesemi Limbu.

Unnati Bohara ‘Sheela’ has published several literary works, including ”Koseli Usailai, Bhawanaka Taranga and Adrishya Ghau”, as well as the novel ‘Sikka Ka Dui Pata”. Some of her literary creations have also been translated into English. Her contribution to Nepali songwriting has been the subject of academic research at Tribhuvan University.

Sheela is also the founding president of the Women Songwriters’ Association and has remained actively involved in various literary and social organisations. In recognition of her contributions to literature and music, she has received numerous awards and honours, including the Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Music Khabar Sangeet Shila Samman and National Capital Lifetime Achievement Award.

According to the organisers, the musical tribute evening served not only as a celebration of Sheela’s remarkable creative journey but also as a meaningful initiative to recognise the contributions of creators working behind the scenes. The event is expected to inspire a new generation of lyricists while bringing together words, emotions and music in a memorable celebration of Nepali artistic heritage.