Page 3 People’s Choice Award nominees announced

BY A STAFF REPORTER, Kathmandu, May 24: The fifth edition of the Page 3 People’s Choice Award announced its nominees on Saturday, recognising contributions to the Nepal Bhasa entertainment industry.

Speaking at the programme, organiser and CCO of Page 3, Darshan Bir Shakya, said that the award was established to honour individuals working in the Nepal Bhasa field and those contributing to its promotion and development. He said that Page 3 Fortnightly, which has been published for more than two decades, first introduced the award in Nepal Sambat 1130, and this year marks its fifth edition.

According to the organisers, the award comprises 42 categories, including 12 in music videos, 14 in music and 16 in films. A total of seven films, 81 songs and 71 music videos were registered for this year’s edition. From the submissions, the top three entries were selected in each category.

Chairman of the Film Directors Guild of Nepal, Arun Kumar Pradhan, said that the cultural identity of the Newa civilisation plays an important role in representing the nation. He said that culture and tradition are integral parts of society’s identity and can be effectively reflected through films.

During the event, organisers announced that the Lifetime Achievement Award would be presented to Ram Krishna Duwal, a veteran Nepali composer, singer and cultural researcher. Likewise, the Jury Mention Award will be given to the song ‘Aila Aila Aila’. Special recognition awards will be presented to Karen Shakya for her contribution to the Nepal Bhasa field and Sanyukta Shrestha for directing the Nepal Bhasa animation movie Lakhey Aaju. In addition, music director and composer Jugal Dangol will also be honoured for his contributions.

Former Provincial Minister Shailendra Man Bajracharya congratulated all the nominees and wished them success. He said that such award ceremonies help recognise contributors to the Nepal Bhasa entertainment sector. He also pointed out that despite the presence of Newa indigenous communities around the world, promoting and commercialising Nepal Bhasa programmes remains challenging due to limitations in language use. However, he said such programmes could provide valuable opportunities for exposure and recognition. He also stressed the need for research and studies for the development of the Nepal Bhasa entertainment sector.

Managing Director of Elohan Publications, Naresh Bir Shakya, said that the publication has been publishing nine sister magazines in Nepal Bhasa, and that the award aims to recognise and honour individuals involved in the Nepal Bhasa entertainment industry. He added that winners will be selected through a combination of 60 per cent jury votes and 40 per cent audience votes.

The first edition of the award was held in Nepal Sambat 1130, followed by subsequent editions in 1133, 1137 and 1142.

According to the organisers, works released between Nepal Sambat 1142 Kaulaga Chauthi and Nepal Sambat 1146 Bachhalaga Paru were eligible for submission.

The award ceremony will be held on June 13 at Kirtipur Cineplex.