I just cannot believe this. I am stunned and speechless. I saw him only three weeks ago, on Saturday on X-mas day, at his show at Thamel's Buddha Gallery. Together with Dhrubesh Dai, Atul, as always, gave an inspired performace. Afterward, we talked about doing a show with another tabala player -- Sarita Mishra -- to raise funds for Kirateswor Sangeet Ashram. Atul -- an abstemious and a deeply religious man with strikingly good features -- looked as healthy as ever, and had recently started his doctoral studies in tabla in Benaras. All I can say is that Nepal has lost a fine and an intensely talented classical musician. My condolences to his family, to colleagues at Kirateswor Sangeet Ashram at Pashupati and to the band members of Sukarma. I just don't know what else to say. oohi ashu ************************* Tabala Maestro dies Tabala maestro, Atul Gautam Photo source : Kantipur daily Celebrated tabala maestro, Atul Gautam, died of internal haemorrhage early Sunday at the age of 32. Gautam was admitted at a private hospital in Kathmandu last week after haemorrhage. A member of ?sukarma? band, Gautam had acquired masters degree in music from Allahabad seven years and stood topper all over India. A resident of Jai Bageswori in Kathmandu, Atul was inspired by his grandfather, Kabi Prasad. Other members of his band include Dr. Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi (sitar) and Shyam Nepali (sarangi). Last rites of Gautam were performed at Aryaghat, Pashupati in the capital this afternoon. nepalnews.com by Jan 16 05