Veteran lyricist, singer, and composer Ganesh Rasik passed away on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at Nepal Cancer Hospital in Harisiddhi, Lalitpur.

Rasik had been suffering from prostate cancer and was undergoing regular chemotherapy.

His body will be kept in the freezer at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital until Sunday, as his daughter is flying in from London, said musician Bulu Mukarung.

Born in 1947 in Chhinamakhu, Bhojpur, Rasik was a multifaceted figure in Nepali arts. His timeless songs include O Yangji Nana, Nunjasto Bilne Jindagilai Dhakarma Bokera, Dherai Samjhe Dherai Hunchha, Hamro Gharbata Tyamke Danda, O Shunyata, Gharbeti Nani Anganima Deu Na Malai Bas, Nakhelnu Juwa Ra Tas, and Rato Bhale Kwanya Kwanya.

Rasik’s literary contributions include Kshitij Lai Chhuna Khojda (short stories), Rasikka Geetharu (lyrics collection), Aakashgangako Otmuni (novel), Dashgajama Ubhiyera, Jaba Sisnuharu Tekdai Hide, and the five-volume memoir Perungo.

He held various leadership positions in the arts sector, including as general manager of Ratna Recording Sansthan and the Rastriya Naachghar.