ON AIR WITH SANJAY SILWAL GUPTA

In this episode of On Air with Sanjay, we sit down with Udaya Shumsher Rana, Joint General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, to discuss the economic impact of the Rasuwa flood, Nepal’s tourism challenges, and what’s happening inside the Nepali Congress.

In this episode of On Air with Sanjay, we sit down with Ujjwal Shrestha, Executive Director of Panchkanya Group, to discuss the realities of doing business in Nepal, employment challenges, private sector–government relations, and what it takes for businesses to thrive.

Binod Prasad Parajuli is the Executive Director of Climate Risk and Resilience Lab, while Abhishek Shrestha is a climate policy expert and researcher with 15 years of experience in climate negotiations, finance, and loss and damage.

Binayak Shah is the President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) and owner/Managing Director of Airport Hotel, while Deepak Raj Joshiis a tourism expert, consultant, and former Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

In this episode of On Air with Sanjay, we sit down with Bikash Gurung, President of the Robotics Association of Nepal (RAN), andChirag Goyal, Executive Director at Goyal Group, to explore how technology and drones shaped the response to the Rasuwa flood and what Nepal needs to do to prepare for disasters of the future.

In this episode of On Air with Sanjay, Jenjen Lama, Dorjee Sherpa, and Ashish Gurung, Nepali climbers and rescue specialists who joined the Rasuwa flood rescue, share what they witnessed on the ground, how they prepared for the tunnel rescue, what it takes to rescue people trapped inside, and the emotional realities of saving lives during a disaster.

In this episode of On Air with Sanjay, Jack Dai, a British travel creator and vlogger based in Nepal, shares his unique perspective on the country he now calls home.

Anjan Shrestha, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Executive Director of Laxmi Group, joins us to discuss the private sector’s response to the devastating Rasuwa flood.

In this episode, we sit down with photojournalists Skanda Gautam, Suryams Upreti, Abhishek Maharjan, and Dipendra Dhungana to discuss their first-hand experiences documenting the Rasuwa flood from ground zero, rescue efforts, frontline safety, the mental toll of reporting from disaster zones, and Nepal’s road infrastructure.

In this episode, we sit down with Sagar Shrestha, Director of the Disaster and Crisis Management Department at the Nepal Red Cross Society, to discuss disaster response, humanitarian assistance, the Red Cross’s core principles, and how support reaches communities during times of crisis.

In this episode of On Air with Sanjay, we sit down with Dr. Prakash Pokhrel, Geologist at NDRRMA, and Pradip Khatiwada, Founder & Executive Director of Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab), to discuss the Rasuwa flood, geological risks, disaster preparedness, satellite technology, and building resilient infrastructure for Nepal’s future.

Umesh Shrestha (Salokya), Chairperson of Press Council Nepal and founder of MySansar, joins leading mental health experts Dr. Sagun Ballav Pant and Dr. Rachana Sharma Basnet for an important conversation on the stress of constant news consumption, coping with mental distress amid the tragic floods, the need to reduce screen time, and the importance of sleep in maintaining our overall well-being.

Anil Pokhrel is the former executive chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)

Binod Parajuli is the Chief of the Flood Forecasting Section at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) in Nepal.

Ramesh Bhushal is a prominent Nepali environmental journalist, writer, and the South Asia Coordinator for the Earth Journalism Network. He is widely known for his acclaimed 2024 travelogue-cum-memoir Chhalbato.

In this episode of On Air, we sit down with Dr. Sandeep Raj Kunwar, Head of the Digestive Disease Center at Norvic International Hospital, to break down common digestive issues, acidity, diet myths, and simple lifestyle fixes for long-term health

H.E. Veronique Lorenzois the EU Ambassador to Nepal, and Patricia Fernandez-Pacheco is UN Women’s Representative in Nepal.

Bikey Agarwal and Shraddha Prasai are Nepali comedy creators, directors and producers best known for Comedy Darbar and their work across TV and comedy shows. Their new comedy film Ka Kaa Ki Kii is releasing on September 4, 2026.

ST MAN (Sangay Tamang) is a Nepali rapper, songwriter and music producer who rose to prominence with “Muse Ko Chora” in 2021. He is now a well known name in Nepal’s rap scene.

Priyanka Karkiand Simran Khadka are notable Nepali actresses known for their work across Nepali cinema.They come together on screen in their upcoming thriller Masterni.

ShreeGo (Shreejal Bikram Bhandai) is a Nepali singer and songwriter, best known for hit songs like Khoj, Maya Marideu, and Malai Tei Keti Chahiyo.

Henry Bao Hoang is the Founder and CEO of Miss Cosmo, an emerging international beauty pageant. Joining him are Miss Cosmo 2025 Yolina Lindquist of the United States, First Runner-up Chelsea Fernandez of the Philippines, and Miss Cosmo Nepal 2025 Deepshikha Nepal.

Saugat Tamang is a Nepali muralist, street artist, and founder of Saugat Arts Nepal. He is known for pioneering large-scale airbrush murals and transforming walls across Nepal into vibrant public art that celebrates culture, identity, and community.

Deepmala Dhakal(Miss Nepal World 2026), Kashis Subba (Miss Nepal Cosmo 2026), and Arya Nishaant (Miss Nepal International 2026), the three winners of Miss Nepal 2026.

Krantishikha Dhital is a Nepali politician and Member of Parliament representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). She also serves as the party's official whip in the House of Representatives.

Arabinda Subedi and Jayanta Bhattaare the co-founders of Kavach, a Nepali motorcycle riding gear brand. They started the company to design and manufacture protective riding gear that meets international safety standards for riders in Nepal.

Rajan Sakya is the CEO and Director of the KGH Group (Kathmandu Guest House Group) and Founder of the Museum of Nepali Art (MoNA).Aneel Shakya, Suman Shakya, and Sunny Shakyaare the artists and sculptors behind the iconic Guhyakālī sculpture.

Nasty (Abhishek Baniya) is a Nepali rapper, record producer, and label founder, a known figure in Nepal's Nep-hop scene.

Raj Gyawali is a Nepali tourism entrepreneur and the founder of Kathmandu Kora Jatra, with over two decades of experience in Nepal's travel industry.

Bipin Kumar Acharya is the General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and a Member of Parliament.

Aman Pratap Adhikary, popularly known as “The Don Director,” is the creative force behind hit Nepali shows such as Himalaya Roadies, Ko Banchha Crorepati, and The Poet Idol. Joining him is Sanjeeb Shilpakar,a veteran sports commentator, entrepreneur, and one of Nepal’s most recognized television personalities.

Shri Ram Neupaneis a Member of Parliament from Tanahun-2, representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and serves as the party's Chief of Energy and Water Resources.

Prof. Dr. Gandhi Pandit is a Nepalese Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, law professor at Tribhuvan University, and founding partner of Gandhi & Associates.

Biraj Singh Thapa, a Nepali mechanical engineer and Associate Professor at Kathmandu University, is known for his work in green hydrogen and renewable energy.

Prof. Dr. Ashok Kumar Banskota, co-founder of B&B Hospital and founder of HRDC, is one of Nepal's leading orthopedic surgeons and a respected figure in healthcare.

Narottam Aryal, educator and entrepreneur, joins us to discuss AI, education, and Nepal’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

On May 20, 2026, Mike Harker became the first American diplomat to stand atop Mount Everest.

Rohit John Chettri, singer-songwriter, joins us to talk about Nepal’s evolving music and culture scene.

Jitu Nepal, actor, comedian, and producer, joins us to discuss his upcoming film I Am Jit Bahadur, releasing nationwide on June 19.

Dipak Kumar Sahis a Member of Parliament from Mahottari–2, representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

Nima Rumbais a renowned Nepali pop singer, songwriter, composer, producer, and actor known for defining Nepali pop music with hits like Ms. Catwalk and Huri Batas.

Director Abinash Bikram Shah, actors Pushpa Thing Lama and Jasmine Bishwokarma, and producer Anup Poudel came together for Elephants in the Fog, winner of the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

Former AIGMeera Chaudhary, the first woman to head Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police, joins Ukaalo editor-in-chief Amod Pyakuryal and senior investigative journalist Kiran Dahal.

Gaumaya Gurung, Pashupati Rai, and Janaki Kadayat come together to discuss Shape of Momo (Chhora Jastai) a Nepali-language drama exploring the lives of three generations of women as they navigate identity, family, and social expectations.

Kami Rita Sherpa, the legendary high-altitude guide from Thame, Solukhumbu, holds the world record for the most Mount Everest summits.Disclaimer: This episode was filmed on May 30, 2025. Some information or perspectives shared may have changed since the recording date.

Shashan Devkota, a Nepali agripreneur behind Nepal Agrovine Pvt. Ltd., a Chitwan-based strawberry farming, research, and agro-tourism venture.

Bikki Gurung is a singer-songwriter known for hits like “Mari Jau,” “Kewal,” “Khali,” and “Dar Lagcha,” continuing to make waves in the Nepali music.

Priyanka Karki, Desal Lama, and Surabhi Raj Bhandaricome together with Loveface Beauty to shape a fresh new era of Nepali beauty brand.

Malvika Subba is a Nepali media personality, trainer, host, and former Miss Nepal 2002.

Aman Pratap Adhikary, known as “Don Director,” is a Nepali television director and format creator. Abiral Pratap Adhikary is a Nepali actor working in theater and film.

Darshana Shrestha, President of FWEAN and founder of Nature Nepal, Roja Kiran Basukala, Deputy Director at Nepal Telecommunications Authority, and Rewati Gurung,Entrepreneur and founder of Kokroma.

Aakriti Ghimireis a Nepali policy professional and civic-tech advocate, founder of How to Desh Bikas, focused on governance, transparency, and youth engagement in Nepal.

Aanchal Kunwar is the Managing Director of Daraz Nepal, Nepal’s largest e-commerce platform.

Shreya Upadhyay and Kritika Lamsalare the founders of Sweet Fix, a homegrown Nepali popsicle brand established in 2018.

Luna Luitel, Miss Nepal World 2025 and Nepal’s representative at Miss World 2026. Pramod Ratna Kansakar, Director and founding figure of The Hidden Treasure, and a long-time administrator of the Miss Nepal.

Dr. Nikunja Yogi is a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Head of Department of Neurosurgery at Upendra Devkota Memorial Neuro Hospital.

Medin Lamichhaneis a Nepali educator and the founding principal of Ullens School, currently serving as its Chief Academic Officer.

Abhimanyu Dixit, a Nepali filmmaker, alongside Usha Rajak and Aanchal Sharma, Nepali actresses, came together for their upcoming film Ek Mutthi Badal, releasing on May 15.

Diwiz Piya Lama, Nepalese Muay Thai & Jiu-Jitsu fighter, host of Guff Guff Pass, founder of Nepal Warriors Championship and coach. Rabindra Dhant, professional MMA fighter, known for his debut win at ONE Championship in Thailand and on the path to the UFC.

Anil Keshary Shah, a banking professional with over 30 years of experience, currently serves as Director at Nabil Bank. He became the bank’s first Nepali CEO in 2004 and has contributed to its growth over the years.

Deepak Thapaliya, General Manager at Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt Ltd, Rupesh Sharma Bhatta, Vice President at SPG Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, and Sunil Bahadur Chhetri, General Manager at Paramount Motors Pvt Ltd.

Rakshit Bhimsariais a Director at the Bhimsaria Group, overseeing Genxt (Generation Next Communication Pvt. Ltd.), the authorized distributor and service providers for Apple, Dell, and HP.

Dr. Dhananjay Regmi is a Member of Parliament from Syangja-1 and a glaciologist by training.

Shiva Prasad Ghimire is a Nepali Businessman, the Founder and Chairman of SG Group, a conglomerate spanning energy, automobiles, media, and infrastructure sectors.

Prof. Dr. Manish Pokharel, Dean of the School of Engineering at Kathmandu University.

Manoj Gyawali is a Nepali Chartered Accountant and banking executive, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Nabil Bank Limited.

Tulsi Ghimire is a veteran filmmaker who defined mainstream Nepali cinema, renowned for blockbuster family dramas including Kusume Rumal, Lahure, Chino, Deuta, and Darpan Chhaya.

Shivanee Thapa Basnyat is a Senior News Editor at NTV specializing in politics and foreign affairs. Shree Pandey is a Senior Sub Editor, anchor, and producer at Image TV.

Yodda aka Shanam Gurung, is a Nepali rapper and an active voice in Nepali hip-hop (Nephop), known for songs like Kharab Bani, Goppey and Agnipath.

Alok Khatri, AI educator and co-founder of Tangible Careers is helping non-technical professionals master AI skills, Amit Timalsina,founder of Blintic AI and Algentech, building AI systems in his early 20s, Aayush Shrestha, stand-up comedian, engineer, and full-stack developer.

Hari Bansha Acharya is a legendary Nepali actor, comedian, director, singer, and writer. Joining him is Achut Sitaula,a Nepali neurotherapy practitioner associated with LMNT Neurotherapy.

Hon. Anil Kumar Sinha serves as a Minister in the interim government, overseeing the portfolios of Industry, Law, Tourism, and Energy, and is also a distinguished lawyer and former Justice of the Supreme Court.

Utsav Sapkota and Kshitiz KC are the hosts of the popular podcast Chill Pill, bringing laughs and fun conversations every episode. Joining them is Aayush Shrestha, a multi-talented stand-up comedian, engineer, and full-stack developer.

Sonia Awale,Editor and Science/Environment Correspondent at Nepali Times, Enna Mool, environmental researcher and consultant focusing on air pollution and climate change, Shakriya Pandey, CEO & Co-Founder of VayuDrishti, Nepal.

Dr. Hemu Kafle,Scientist at the Center for Water and Atmospheric Research (CENWAR), specializing in extreme climatic conditions and air pollution. Bhushan Tuladhar, Chairperson of Teach for Nepal, with over 30 years of experience in sustainable urban development and air quality advocacy.

Dr. Bhagawan Koirala,Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Chairman of the Kathmandu Institute of Child Health, and Dr. Rakshya Pandey, Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist.

Hon. Ram Prasad Bhandari, the Acting Election Commissioner at the Election Commission Nepal, overseeing 2026 electoral administration and safeguarding transparent democratic processes.

Chiri Babu Maharjanis a veteran Nepali politician from the Nepali Congress who has been serving as the Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City since 2017. He previously served three terms as a ward chairperson in Lalitpur.

Prof. Avi Rivkind is Head of the Department of General Surgery and the Trauma Unit at Hadassah Medical centre in Jerusalem.

Hon. Shradha Shresthais Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens and Chairperson of the Social Welfare Council, and a former senior manager at the Nepal Tourism Board with expertise in tourism, gender, and social welfare.

Suvash Chandra Joshi is a Nepali administrator serving as the Executive Director of the Pashupati Area Development Trust since 2024. Appointed through an open selection process, he manages the overall operations of the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu sites in the world.

Sony Ghale (Miss Nepal Earth 2025), Urusha Bhandari (Miss Nepal International 2025), andDeepshikha Nepal (Miss Nepal Cosmo 2025)came together for a conversation beyond the crown, covering advocacy, identity, purpose, and what it truly means to represent Nepal on a global stage.

Creators’ मेला 2026: From Vision to Venture features Nepali content creatorsElena Don, Shrishes Manandhar (Beman Baccha), and Anup Chau.They are known for their comedy skits and cultural commentary on Instagram and TikTok, with collaborations highlighting everyday Nepali life and youth culture.

Dr. Badri Rijal and Dr. Anil Bikram Karki are leading figures in Nepal’s medical leadership. Dr. Rijal, a trauma surgeon and NMA Senior Vice President, is known for strengthening trauma care and advocating doctors’ safety and rights, while Dr. Karki, NMA President and Nepal’s first DM Clinical Hematology graduate, leads national medical advocacy and advances specialized blood-care services.

Siwangi Pradhan, a fashion designer celebrated for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern bridal couture, and Priyanka Karki, one of Nepal’s most loved actress, filmmakers known for her impactful work in film.

Creators’ मेला 2026:From Vision to Venture brings together Ekata D. Tandukar, Nepalgunjiya,and Sabin Magar,representing ethical influence, community storytelling, and creator-led entrepreneurship, showcasing how purpose-driven ideas evolve into sustainable ventures shaping Nepal’s creator economy.

Binod Chaudhary is Nepal’s first billionaire and chairman of CG Corp Global. He is a philanthropist, author, and politician, recognized for the Kalinga International Living Legend Award and his contributions to business, education, and disaster relief.

Shibir Shakya, Director and technical leader at International Sound Service (ISS), Rabin Shrestha,Owner and Director of Events at LOD (Lord of the Drinks) and Rajat Das,Founder of RA Designs and Business Head at VF Sets & Space. Together, they represent a new generation of creators and business leaders shaping Nepal’s global entertainment and experience-design platforms.

Sudeep Bhaju is a Kathmandu-based filmmaker, best known for his documentary “Dimag Ghochne Manche” a powerful documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Ujjwal Thapa. Joining him is Aalok Subedi,a Nepali legal-tech entrepreneur and the CEO of MeroAdda, Nepal’s leading legal platform which provides free legal Q&A services, practical legal guides, and compliance tools for SMEs.

Dr. Pramod Jaiswal is a Nepali geopolitical and strategic affairs expert focused on South Asian politics and Nepal’s foreign policy. A JNU-trained international relations scholar, he is the Research Director at NIICE and is widely cited for his analysis of Nepal–India–China relations and regional power dynamics.

Asmi Shrestha,Miss Nepal World 2016, andMike Harker,Public Affairs Chief at the U.S. Embassy Nepal, are joined here to talk about Creator's मेला by U.S. Embassy Nepalto celebrate the power of creators, explore the future of digital storytelling, and highlight the impact of content in Nepal.

Utsav Rasaili is an online media personality, best known as the host of the popular YouTube channel “Ramailo Chha,” where he interviews celebrities and discusses entertainment news from Nepal. He began his career in journalism and TV before starting his own platform. He has built a significant social media following through his digital content.

Pradip Paudel is a Nepali Congress politician and Member of Parliament for Kathmandu-5. A former president of the Nepal Student Union and central committee member since 2014, he served as Minister of Health and Population (2024–2025), implementing health-sector reforms, expanding public cancer care, and rolling out nationwide vaccination programs.

Hon. Bablu Gupta is a Nepali politician and activist who became Nepal’s youngest Minister of Youth and Sports, symbolizing a generational shift in governance. Known for youth representation, transparency through live-streamed meetings, and social activism, he also leads the volunteer group 100’s Group.

Biraj Bhakta Shresthais a Nepali politician from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), elected to the House of Representatives from Kathmandu‑8. He serves as Deputy Leader of the RSP Parliamentary Party and previously held the position of Minister of Youth and Sports. Shrestha is known for his focus on legislative strategy, party coordination, and reform-oriented politics.

Ranju Darshana is a Nepali politician and social activist, known for making history as the youngest female mayoral candidate in Kathmandu in 2017. She served as General Secretary of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, which formally merged into the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in late 2025 as part of a consolidation of alternative political forces ahead of the 2026 elections.

Dr. Chandra Kant (CK) Raut is a Nepali politician and former secessionist leader, best known for founding the Janamat Party and advocating for Madhesh rights.A former engineer and academic, he rose to prominence through the Free Madhesh movement before renouncing separatism and entering mainstream politics in 2019. Raut is regarded as a controversial yet influential figure in contemporary Nepali politics.

Naresh Bhattarai, popularly known as “Mic Jibi,” is a prominent Nepali media personality, radio broadcaster, television producer, lyricist, and actor, with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. Widely acknowledged for his influence in Nepali media and entertainment, he has written more than 300 songs and has hosted and produced numerous impactful radio and television programs throughout his long and active career.

Aayush Shresthais a stand-up comedian, writer, and content creator. He is a co-founder of the comedy group Comedy Tuk Tuk and has played a key role in developing the Nepali stand-up scene, including organizing open mic events. Shrestha first gained wide recognition through his viral YouTube comedy acts and appeared in parody shows like Baaki Samachar.