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 In this digital age, the success of a music artist is measured in terms of YouTube views and social media following. But there are still some old-school rockers who rule people’s hearts without having to resort to much virtual publicity. Mukti and Revival’s YouTube page might not have millions of views or hundreds of thousands of subscribers but ask any Nepali music listener if they have heard about the band and they will probably sing you at least a tune or two. Mukti and Revival’s music precedes YouTube, Facebook, iTunes digital MP3 players and all those technological gimmicks of today. The band’s early fans listened to their first couple of albums on cassettes—song after song, side after side, without skipping a beat. Their music videos are also simple, elegant and DIY most of the times.

Their debut album “Kalanki Ko Jam” released in 2000, followed by “Bujhai Deu” (2002), “Dekhdai Chu Ma” (2007) and “Sadhai Bhari” (2012) have all given us unforgettable hits. From the bluesy rendition of late Arun Thapa’s “Sanjhako Jun Sangai” to the balladic “Chaubandi Cholo”, the folkish “Dalli Resham”, the ethnic “Wochu Galli” and the politically charged “Kalanki ko Jaam”, Mukti and Revival’s jukebox has it all. And to watch them play live is a treat to one’s consciousness, as they churn out their best numbers one by one and evoke every kind of emotion in you.

Mukti Shakya—the renegade bluesman of Nepal who has been active in the scene since the 80s—leads the talented troupe of musicians that form MNR with his unique vocals and virtuosic guitar skills. The senior-most member of the band whose age is a matter of mystery (and he likes to keep it like that) plays every gig with the energy of a teenager performing at his school prom. Mukti is backed by an equally spirited team of Sunit Kansakar on guitars, Roshan Kansakar on bass and Nikhil Tuladhar on drums. All the musicians also sing backing vocals to give the band a harmonic edge.

MNR is all set to release their new album “Swotantra” on May 25 at the Patan Museum

MNR is all set to release their new album “Swotantra” on May 25 at the Patan Museum. The self-produced, self-financed album took them more than two years to complete in the studio itself, the band members inform. “The experience has been so long I don’t even remember half of it,” says guitarist Sunit, who also does the recording work and mixing/mastering for the band at his studio Rec Records. “It is always tough dealing with Mukti dai. He is a perfectionist.”

“We have been releasing a new album every 5 or 6 years but this time it took us longer than expected,” Mukti says. “It is because we took up many concerts and tours in the past couple of years,” Roshan adds.

For the new album, the band is trying new sounds and sub-genres, but as always staying true to their blues roots, the band members inform. Their music video of the song “Dal Bhat” from the album was released in January and with the experimentation on ska and some reggae, the peppy number is already a hit among MNR fans. “Dal Bhat” is a song about the favorite meal of the Nepalis, rice and lentils, which paints a picture of the Nepali lifestyle in general.

The 8-track album “Swotantra” is about the lives of the Nepalis and what influences them. “We try to keep our music simple and straight from the heart, with the happenings around us the stimuli for our songs,” Mukti says. About their politically influenced lyrics in the past as well as in this album, Sunit adds that political taunts come to them unconsciously as everyone’s life is affected by politics one way or the other.

“Swotantra means free and we’re told we’re free in Nepal but that’s not what we feel,” Mukti says about the name of the album. “The common people are not swotantra. Swotantrata is a luxury reserved only for the people with power and money.”

Always searching for new sounds and artistic collaborations, MNR’s “Swotantra” will also feature other young musicians and lyricists. The band’s album launch on May 25 will see the band collaborate with other talented musicians like Basanta Sunam (trumpet) and Inap Raj Shrestha (saxophone)—who have also played on the track “Dal Bhat”—as well as Manice Gandharva (sarangi), Milan Ghimire (flute), and a dhime group from Kirtipur.

The extravagant fares of the sultans, the rulers, the conquerors, and the emperors. That’s what you get to taste when you dine at the Mughal Empire restaurant in Lazimpat. Located on the main Lazimpat road (opposite the famous Trisara), Mughal Empire is a multi-cuisine restaurant which specializes in Asian food.

True to its name, the venue offers lavish seating arrangements, and the well-dressed service staff are always present to make you feel like royalty. You can get the best fine dining experience all day long at Mughal Empire. What’s more, it opens its kitchen till midnight. Now you know where to go for your late night cravings. They even deliver to nearby areas!

THE MENU

Chef’s Special:

- Murgh Mushallam

- Coconut Garlic Prawn

- Biryani

Opening hours: 11 am to12 am

Location: Lazimpat

Cards: Accepted

Meal for 2: Rs 1,500

Reservations: 01441567

 There has of late been a lot of talk about women’s empowerment and the record presence of Nepali women in law-making bodies. But who are these women? What are their personal and education backgrounds and what are their commitments to the society? If you are curious, there is now a handy tool at your disposal.

“Hamro Mahila Pratinidhi” is a project funded by the Norwegian Embassy and implemented by a not-for-profit civil technology company called Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab). The result is a web-cum-written profile of 301 elected female political leaders of federal and provincial parliaments. Besides this, through an interactive web portal, you can view profiles of 14,353 local level female representatives and access information such as their age, education level, ethnicity, contact details, and their political commitments.

Pradip Khatiwada, 28, the lab’s executive director, says that the goal is to foster facts-based conversations about politics. “There are countless female political leaders in Nepal whose stories have not reached the public yet. We are trying to change that,” he says.

“Hamro Mahila Pratinidhi” is a project funded by the Norwegian Embassy and implemented by Youth Innovation Lab

Khatiwada says that despite the proliferation of social media and modern technology, people still struggle to find basic information about their representatives.

YI-Lab first thought of this concept during the 2017 elections. Khatiwada says Nepali politicians make fancy promises during elections. But there is no body to keep track of whether they fulfill these promises. YI-Lab wanted to do something about it.

However, arranging funding was a big challenge, and they were also confused about where to start. Then they came across “Hamro Mahila Pratinidhi” project that an organization working on women’s issues, Sankalpa, had bagged from the Norwegian Embassy. YI-Lab decided to help Sankalpa implement it.

Some female representatives were hesitant to give their personal information and there were language barriers too as they went about collecting data of female representatives, says Khatiwada. “Some first wanted to take their husband’s permission,” he adds. He recounts the times when he had to personally contact representatives as they were not giving information, and he did not want any information missing from the website or the book.

After collecting data, the next goal was to make the collected information easily accessible and interesting. “This is the age of technology and this generation wants information at their fingertips,” says Khatiwada. “Kathmandu’s youth might know more about American politics than Nepali politics because information about American politics is fed to us in a handy and simplified way over the internet.” He wanted to create something similar in Nepal.

Through the web platform, you can compare data about women representatives, say between two provinces or municipalities. Khatiwada says this first-of-its-kind initiative is a “gold mine” for researchers.

“If you have documentation of one election, you can spot the trends in next elections too,” he says. Representatives will keep changing but because a web platform will be in place, more information can be added without additional investment. YI-Lab will even engage volunteers and encourage political representatives to alter or input (new) information on the web platform.  

Click the link to access 'Hamro Mahila Pratinidhi' website: http://mahilapratinidhi.com

The Belgian Waffle Co. Nepal 

This international company that has 300 branches worldwide entered Nepal market just a year back. But because of the rich taste of their waffles and affordable price range (Rs 190 to Rs 390), they have already made a name here. Not only do they serve their waffles in Thamel and Durbar Marg in Kathmandu, they also have an outlet in Lakeside, Pokhara. If you want waffles served at your event they will send their catering team, so that you get freshly baked, hot and crispy waffles. If you visit one of their outlets, we recommend you try their signature waffle Rocky Road, which is also their most-loaded waffle with an ice-cream base.

Waffle Love 18

If you are around Basantapur and want a quick bite, go to this place to also satisfy your sweet cravings. Try their King Croffle, Sinful Temptations, Sweetest Revenge or Kitty Katti Crunch which they say taste the best. You can get waffles here for just Rs 200 to Rs 300. Along with a great ambience in the crowded street of Basantapur, you will have friendly staff welcoming you. They also offer wide range of beverages to go with your waffle.

Mike’s Breakfast

This American restaurant in Lazimpat (next to Shankar Hotel) also serves fluffy waffles. The Healthy Waffle here is Rs 425 and served with seasonal fruits and yoghurt on the side. If you are health-conscious and want to have healthy waffles, you might want to try this one. As the name of the place suggests, go for some breakfast there for a good start to your day. The greenery and freshness of this place is sure to energize you.

Chicken Station

Yes, they also serve yummy ‘Great Belgian Waffles’. You can get a variety of mouth-watering waffles for Rs 130 to Rs 320. To cater to the growing demand for waffles, they now serve waffles from their Jhamsikhel, Thamel, Whitehouse, Shankhamul and Chakrapath outlets. If you visit these outlets by May 22, you get a free Belgian waffle for every Hot Wings you buy. So hurry!

World of Waffles

World of Waffles is a quick-service restaurant known among waffle lovers in Nepal and they claim to be the first ones to introduce waffles in Nepal. This dessert outlet has presence in City Center and Labim Mall in Kathmandu, Central Mall in Biratnagar and Mahendrapul in Pokhara. Price here starts from Rs 120, and varies according to the toppings of your choice (They have plenty!). You must try Nutella Nudge when you visit, which is also their best-selling waffle.

Coco Waffle Café

This cozy dessert shop in Bansbari looks straight out of an Instagram feed. The restaurant not only specializes on waffles, they also serve delicious bakery items. Especially their chocolate cupcakes will keep you coming back. Here, you can get waffles, which range from sweet to savory, for Rs 210 to Rs 340. They recommend their Roast Banana waffle with a scoop of ice cream. Give it a shot.