By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 4: Various artistes working in the song and music field are facing a dearth of food due to the prolonging nationwide lockdown imposed by the government to control the possible spread of coronavirus in the country.
More than 200 artistes from the song and music field have so far requested the National Folk and Duet Song Academy Nepal for food after the academy on Tuesday announced that it would support the needy artistes with essential goods, said singer Badri Pangeni.
Prior to making the announcement by issuing a statement, the Academy had provided essential goods, including food to 40 artistes working in the country’s music industry, said Pangeni.
Pangeni further said that many artistes associated with the organiastion of Dohori Sanjh were facing difficulty to manage food in the lockdown period.
Talking to The Rising Nepal, popular singer Pangeni said, "I am busy managing eight to 10 quintals of rice and other foods to help the artistes who are in need of help.
Specifically, artists working in the Dohori Sanjh and others have requested the Academy to manage food for them.
The singers and dancers working in Dohori Sanjh restaurants have failed to get pay as all the restaurants and hotels were closed due to the nationwide lockdown, and they have no money to buy food, said Pangeni.
According to Pangeni, only a few artistes are wealthy in Nepal and many have to depend on the pay to feed themselves.
Pangeni has also donated Rs. 50,000 in the Coronavirus Prevention, Control and Treatment Fund.
He said he could provide further support in the days to come.