Causes of death remain unknown, but police suspect suicide. Police have recovered a suspected two-line suicide note from his possession, that reads, “I would rather live for a day and die instead of living a life of death.”

Nembang, originally from Panchthar district, came to public attention in 1998 when he hosted a Nepali pop countdown show in Image Channel. He was adored, especially by the youths. However, the real splash came when a year later, dressed in black pants with braces and a white shirt, a nimble Nembang swirled then recently crowned Miss World Nepal, Jharana Bajracharya, to Navin Kumar Bhattarai’s music video “Lakhau Patak”. As Nembang himself twisted and turned emotionally to a fusion of ballet and contemporary moves, it was clear he was a performance artist. Most importantly, he had directed the video.

“He was very professional and talented music video maker,” remembered Bhattarai, whose song debuted VJ Nembang as a music video director. Later, he teamed up with the latter to make 10 other interesting works for the Nepali music lovers. “He will be remembered as a compassionate friend of mine with whom I shared around 16 years of friendship,” Bhattarai said.

This professionalism would allow Nembang to direct more than 500 music videos, including “Na birse timilai, na paye timilai”, “Purano Hudaina Maya”, “Dubna Deu” which are some of his great works with renowned artists. With blockbuster Sano Sansar, a directorial debut that focused on modern-day love, friendship and romance, Nembang forayed into the film industry in 2009.

His second directorial movie, “Kohi… Mero” was released in 2010 and the third and last movie “Ajhai Pani”, which Nembang directed after a gap of five years, is slated to be released in February next year.

His works were well received and recognised. In 2000, he was awarded with

San Miguel Award for the

Best Music Video, Image Award for Best Video and Direction in 2003 and Hits FM award for Best Music Videos in the same year, among many others.

Though an iconic and talented filmmaker, Nembang led a very private life. A devout animal lover, he had five pets and wanted to one day build an animal shelter. In his facebook page, Nembang has mentioned being a big animal lover and would love to build a shelter for homeless animals and fight against animal cruelty.

Known in the film circle as a jolly, passionate person, the suspected suicide shocked everyone. “His death comes as a big shock to me. Nembang who helped me get over my suicidal tendency after I was paralysed from spinal cord injury, ended his life in a suspicious manner,” said Prabin Shrestha, a film director.

After conducting autopsy, Nembang’s body was kept at the Nepal Academy hall on Friday afternoon for offering last tribute. His body was cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat according to Kirat tradition on the same day. Nembang is survived by a mother and a sister.