Santosh Shrestha

Composer

Santosh Shrestha (सन्तोष श्रेष्ठ), born on 3 February 1981 in Ghorahi, Dang, Nepal, is one of the most prolific and versatile figures in the Nepali music industry. A celebrated composer, singer, songwriter, and novelist, Shrestha has spent decades enriching Nepali music with timeless melodies that bridge folk, modern, and contemporary styles. His journey is defined by creativity, innovation, and a deep social consciousness that shines through both his songs and literary works.

Growing up in Dang, Santosh witnessed the struggles and social injustices faced by the indigenous Tharu community. These early experiences deeply influenced his worldview, inspiring him to use music and writing as powerful tools for expression, awareness, and cultural preservation. His debut years in the music industry quickly established him as a talented composer with a unique ear for melody and storytelling.

Over the years, Shrestha has composed 29 solo albums and written music for over 700 film tunes alongside countless folk songs, becoming one of the most recorded composers in Nepal. His popular creations such as “Timile Parai Thane Pachhi,” “Aauchhu Bhani Nisthuri Le,” “Timile Bhulna Sake Pani,” and “Timro Dilma Chot Lagda” remain evergreen hits, loved across generations.

One of his most remarkable achievements is his ability to compose in multiple languages. Santosh Shrestha holds Guinness World Records for creating music in 12 different languages and later in nearly 50 world languages, including Nepali, Hindi, English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Korean. This extraordinary feat not only brought him global recognition but also showcased the universal appeal of Nepali creativity on an international stage.

Beyond music, Shrestha is also a respected author. His social novel Faraina reflects his deep commitment to social justice, narrating the struggles of peasants and the resilience of Tharu women. He has also worked on literary-musical fusion projects, including setting music to a rare ghazal by poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota, keeping alive the legacy of Nepal’s greatest literary figures through melody.

Santosh Shrestha’s contributions have been honored with numerous national and international awards, including the Natikaji National Music Award, Music Khabar Awards, Dohori and Folk Song Competitions, and recognition from the European Book of Records. In 2024, he was further honored with the Padmanetra Kalashree Music Award, cementing his position as a cultural icon of Nepal.

 

Today, Santosh Shrestha stands not only as a master composer but also as a global ambassador of Nepali music and culture. His songs resonate with themes of love, loss, social justice, and identity, while his achievements inspire younger generations of artists. From the villages of Dang to international recognition through Guinness World Records, his journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the boundless power of music.