Bikram Shrestha is a banking professional with over 25 years of experience in online innovation, banking, and regulation. Throughout his career, he has focused on sustainable development, digital inclusion, and building strong internet policies that help communities grow.
He is currently the Head of Deposit Management Retail at Sanima Bank Limited, where he works to grow the bank’s retail deposit base. At the same time, he serves as President of the Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF), promoting internet access and digital transformation across Nepal.
Bikram’s work isn’t limited to Nepal. Through his involvement with APNIC, ICANN, and the Internet Society (ISOC), he represents Nepal in global discussions about the future of the internet. His efforts aim to close the digital divide, modernize banking services, and ensure a safe, open online environment for everyone.
His Musical Journey
Bikram Shrestha was born into an environment where art and culture were as natural as the air he breathed. Music and performance ran deep in his family’s roots. His mother, a graceful dancer, often lit up prestigious gatherings with her elegance so much so that she was personally recognized by His Majesty King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. From those early days, Bikram grew up surrounded by rhythm, melody, and artistic passion, an influence that would quietly shape his destiny.
The Spark of Inspiration
Bikram’s love affair with music began when he was just fourteen. One ordinary afternoon, as he passed by his neighbor’s house, he heard something that made him stop in his tracks the soulful guitar melodies of his teacher, Victor Moktan. The notes seemed to drift through the air and wrap around his heart. In that moment, something inside him stirred. The sound wasn’t just music; it was a calling. He found himself lost in those tunes, imagining what it would be like to create something that could move people in the same way.
Becoming a Musician
Bikram mustered the courage to ask his mother for a guitar. She agreed, and that simple act changed the course of his life. Without formal lessons, Bikram taught himself watching, listening, and practicing for hours until his fingers ached. Each chord carried not just notes, but emotion.
He started as a guitarist, but soon discovered his own voice a voice that could weave together the soul of Nepali pop, the energy of rock, the romance of Western slow rock, and his own heartfelt interpretations. Over time, he began shaping a style that was unmistakably his own.
Suskeraa Band – The First Big Step (1994)
Opportunity knocked in 1994 when Bikram joined the Suskera in Hetauda alongside talented musicians like Shailesh Shrestha and Surendra Thakuri. As a vocalist and bassist, he performed in stadiums, colleges, and schools, bringing his energy to audiences big and small.
Chinari – A Musical Breakthrough
Bikram’s real breakthrough came with the album Chinari, created with his friend Surendra Thakuri under the guidance of mentor Bhim Birag Guru. Encouraged by Tularam Thapa Sir, the project became a milestone for Hetauda’s music scene.
The album’s launch was graced by Minister Kamal Thapa, and included Bikram’s first-ever recorded track, Aadhyaro Yo Raat Ko…, produced at Cine Sound Studio. While the album received mixed reviews, it was historically significant it was the very first music album to come out of Hetauda. For Bikram, it was proof that his place in Nepal’s growing music industry was real.
Going Solo – “Preeti Ka Geet” (1996–1997)
Bikram topped financial obstacles as a student to release “Preeti Ka Geet” and transition to a solo career. Wave magazine said, “Bikram Rajbanshi mixes pop and folk well, offering diversity with eight tracks for everyone,” in reference to the smash song “Jeevan Hamro,” which ruled the charts for months. In Nepal’s music scene, this record cemented his distinct sound.
“Preeti Ka Geet is not strictly pop. Bikram Rajbanshi mixes pop and folk well. With eight tracks, the album offers diversity, with something for everyone.“
This album confirmed my place as a solo artist with a unique voice in Nepal’s music scene.
Continuing the Journey
Bikram has worked as a vocalist, composer, and lyricist, contributing to compilation albums such as Hetauda Hits Collection and Hedambi. With the help of both new and experienced collaborators, his most recent album consists of ten soulful, romantic, and experimental compositions that appeal to a wide range of listeners.
Gratitude & Looking Ahead
Bikram’s supporters friends, family, mentors, fans, the media, and music enthusiasts have shown love, passion, and adversity along his quest. With his musical legacy still developing, he is thankful and dedicated to writing songs that touch people’s emotions and convey deep meanings.Bikram’s supporters friends, family, mentors, fans, the media, and music enthusiasts—have shown love, passion, and adversity along his quest. With his musical legacy still developing, he is thankful and dedicated to writing songs that touch people’s emotions and convey deep meanings.
