A music video from Nepal’s first animated feature film – “ShankhadharYaa Baakha” (The Legend of Shankhadhar) was released simultaneously in Nepal, U.K. and U.S.A. The movie is written, produced and directed by Sanyukta Shrestha. The animation team comprises of Sanyukta Shrestha, Anjana Shrestha, Niyukta Shrestha, Bigyan Prajapati and Pranjal Kakshepati. Music is by Bishwo Shashi and Ganga Thapa, while the vocal is by Nisha Deshar. The music video’s dance is directed by Sunita Rajbhandari ‘Junu’ and lyrics written by Sanyukta Shrestha. Subhash Ram Prajapati and Sunita Junu are the linguistic consultants for Nepalbhasha.
The music video was first released at Microsoft Innovation Centre, Nepal, by the movie director’s father Mr Shambhu Shrestha. The event was opened by Shataabdi-Purush Dr SatyaMohan Joshi who highlighted on the significance of the movie for Nepal and its cultural heritage. He added that it was a commendable attempt by a Nepali national currently living in the U.K.

While Sanyukta Shrestha interacted through live video from the UK, speakers of the event included Naresh Bir Shakya, Allen Bailochan Tuladhar, Niyukta Shrestha, Madan Das Shrestha, Darshan Bir Shakya, Ramesh Kumar Shrestha, Nisha Deshar, director RatnaKaji Maharjan, Pushkar Mathema, Shyam Krishna Manandhar, Hari Krishna Shrestha, Pabitra Kasaa and Juju Kaji Ranjit.
BOT President Mr Mahantha Shreatha expressed that it is not only a step forward for our culture but a massive step forward for Nepal as a whole. Mr Shashi Mahaju gave a passionate speech highlighting that it is imperative to continue making such steps forward in order to keep our traditions alive in society. He expressed his hope that this Film will unite our community here and in Nepal. Prof. David Gellner also invoked similar thoughts in his speech when he emphasised that the younger generation must be encouraged to get involved in the community and be immersed with the culture and language.

The event was graced by the presence of Satyabhama Mathema who is from the eldest organisation of the Newahs Chwosa Pasa. Ms Mathema stated that film is very evocative of the characteristics of Newah people. The idea of Shankhadhar helping people with their debt is a reflection of how caring and compassionate Newahs are. This was agreed by Mr Shashi Manandhar who also praised the video’s portrayal of our culture through various forms of symbolism.

In United States, U.S. presenter of the movie Newah organization of America (NOA) conducted the release at Arlington Central Library in Washington D.C., where NOA founding member Hari Man Shrestha enlightened the audience about Sankhadhar Saakhwa and Nepal Samvat. While Sanyukta Shrestha interacted with the audience through live video, speakers of the event included NOA president Ram Shrestha and secretary Pushkar Prajapati.

While the world-wide release of the music video was designed by Alok Siddhi Tuladhar of Impact Productions (Nepal), Ojesh Singh (UK) and Dr Roshan Lal Shrestha and Pushkar Prajapati (USA), the movie which is being made in Nepali and Nepalbhahsa with English subtitles, is slated to be released on the Nepal Samvat New Year 1137 i.e., November 2016.

The music video can be watched at www.yantrakala.com/animation/musicvideo

Photos from Nepal event are available at www.yantrakala.com/news/music-video-release-nepal
Photos from UK event are available at www.yantrakala.com/news/music-video-release-UK
Photos from USA event are available at http://www.yantrakala.com/news/music-video-release-USA