The Nepalese community in Qatar celebrated the New Year in style, with Selfil Production presenting “New Year Bash” at Gulf Horizon Hotel recently.
Five national-level artistes from Nepal entertained hundreds of audience members as the organisers stayed away from the norm of having a chief guest or long and monotonous speeches that usually precede events like these. The performers were: Prashna Shakya, Anil Singh, Nabaraj Shrestha, folk singer Juna Prasai, and Nepali film actress Mamata Pradhan.  
The programme started off with a pop performance by Anil Singh, who sung four of his numbers. Performing for the first time in Qatar, Singh said he was happy with the response he got from the audience. Singh is one of the top Nepali singers, music composers and lyricists. He has more than 500 songs to his name and has performed in more than 40 countries.
Singh’s performance was followed by Prashna Shakya, who performed five songs. She was in Qatar for the second time and praised the audience for the respect they show to the artistes. Singing since 1999, Prashna has appeared in multiple films and won multiple awards.
Junu Prasai performed three songs. She said her voice suits folk music and she is happy to continue singing folk songs. It was her second time performance in Qatar. She has given her voice to more than 300 songs, and has enjoyed wide recognition in Nepal.
Nabaraj Shrestha performed two songs. A frequent performer in the country, he said Qatar is his “most favourite destination” and that he never tires of performing here.
The programme concluded with a performance by Nepali film actress Mamata Pradhan. She stepped onto stage and performed on two electrifying dance numbers from her movies. This was her first time in Qatar, but she said the setting felt familiar. “I have performed in more than seven countries, but today’s performance is one of my best,” she said.
The event was organised by Uttam Gurung, Nabaraj Shrestha, Sanjay Uprety and Arjun Prasad Timsina.