He was felicitated with the award amidst a gathering of musicians and literary figures.[break]
Bairagi Kaila, Chancellor of Nepal Academy, cultural expert Jagdish Shumsher Rana, and social worker Khanuprude (Rambabu) honored him jointly.
He was also handed a cash award of Rs 20,000 on the occasion. Praising Rai’s contributions to Nepali music, littérateur Narendra Prasai said, “Dhiraj’s music has created its own market.”
Actor Madandas Shrestha discussed his creative endeavors as a writer and said that he was both a good singer and a writer.
Cultural expert Rana shared his experience of going to watch Rai perform live and being impressed.
While a humbled Rai mentioned that the award had encouraged him to contribute more to the field of music.
Singer Rai has released 12 albums till date. He has also written two books and made a documentary about veteran singer Om Bikram Bista.
He himself was a major protagonist in the much acclaimed documentary entitled “Itihas Jitneharuko Lagi,” produced a few
years ago.
Dhiraj’s recently released album was titled “20 Years.”
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