The first and second runners up were Indra Bahadur Lama, 28, and Sakriya Maharjan, 23, respectively. Both were handed a cash prize of Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 each. Minister for Culture Dr Minendra Rijal, the chief guest at the event, awarded trophies and certificates to the winners. Sharing his joy after the win, Chakrabir said that he is willing to take up the guitar professionally.
The 10 finalists battled it out in the finale in a mesmerizing sequence of guitar tunes. The finalists were chosen to perform randomly on stage. Taking the stage first was Satya Raj Gurung who set the bar high for the other talented guitarists. Besides the contestants strumming their guitars, the interlude performances by a slew of other stars made the event memorable. Jyoti Ghimire and Raju Singh among others had the audience hooked.
Termed as a first of its kind musical contest by the organizers, Binod Sharma, director of the program said, “We will be giving continuity to the program. It has helped create a platform for talented youngsters and a new breed of Nepali guitarists.”
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges comprising of Hari Maharjan, Dev Rana, Prabhu Raj Dhakal, Jyoti Ghimire among others and SMS voting. The second season of the show is slated to begin in March, 2011.
Jeff Beck, guitar god who influenced generations, dies at 78