Salina BK is a Nepali singer who first came into the national spotlight through ‘Nepal Idol’ and ‘Nepal Star’. Known for her powerful vocals and expressive performances, she has since continued her musical journey through live concerts while pursuing a Master's degree in Music, deepening her understanding of Indian classical traditions.

The Post's Shrinkhala Chand Thakuri sat with BK to talk about lifelong learning, finding inspiration, the role of emotion in music, and the books, films and musical traditions that continue to shape her as an artist.

What has been occupying your mind lately in terms of music?

Musically, I've been spending a lot of time exploring different raags and trying to understand their depth and emotional expression. I'm also constantly working on improving my understanding of classical music because I believe learning never stops.

Do you actively seek inspiration, or do you wait for it to find you?

I don't think inspiration comes only by waiting. The more you learn, observe and keep yourself connected to music, the more inspiration naturally finds its way to you.

Are you a regular reader? What kind of books do you naturally gravitate towards?

I would say I am more of a listener. But whenever I do read, I naturally gravitate towards books related to music, musicians and the art of learning music.

When you're preparing a song, what do you focus on first—the lyrics, the melody or the emotion?

For me, it always begins with emotion. Once I understand what the song is trying to make people feel, the lyrics and melody naturally come together to express that emotion.

Outside of singing, what have you been reading, watching or listening to recently?

Lately, I have been listening to a lot of classical music, especially different raags and traditional compositions. Since I'm pursuing my Master's in Music, most of my time outside singing also goes into studying and understanding music from different perspectives.

What's one song you wish you had written yourself?

Honestly, I do not look back and wish I had written someone else's song. I'd rather hope that one day people will say they wish they had written one of my songs.

Has your relationship with music changed since ‘Nepal Idol’ and ‘Nepal Star’?

Absolutely. Those experiences helped me understand where I stand as an artist and showed me how much more there is to learn. They gave me clarity about the direction I want to take and how I need to keep growing as a musician.

If you weren't a singer, what creative field do you think you'd have ended up in?

Honestly, I've never really imagined myself doing anything other than music. This is what I've loved and worked towards for as long as I can remember, so it's difficult for me to picture myself in any other creative field.

Salina BK's book recommendations

Siddhartha

Author: Hermann Hesse

Year: 1922

Publisher: S. Fischer

This is a philosophical novel about a man's quest for spiritual enlightenment. I love its portrayal of a seeker's journey towards self-discovery and inner peace.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
Author: Deepak Chopra
Year: 1994
Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing

Its simple yet powerful principles show how inner awareness, purposeful action and harmony with life can lead to personal fulfilment and lasting success.

Autobiography of a Yogi
Author: Paramahansa Yogananda
Year: 1946
Publisher: Philosophical Library

Yogananda’s spiritual memoir details his spiritual journey. It offers a beautiful perspective on self-realisation and the search for a deeper understanding of life.

The Alchemist

Author: Paulo Coelho

Year: 1988

Publisher: Rocco

Its inspiring story about following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart reminds me that the journey towards a goal can be as meaningful as the destination.

The Power of Now
Author: Eckhart Tolle
Year: 1997
Publisher: Namaste Publishing

Its emphasis on living fully in the present moment has helped me understand how inner peace begins by letting go of unnecessary worries about the past and future.

Salina BK's music recommendations

Pokhiyera Ghamko Jhulko
Singer: Narayan Gopal

Narayan Gopal's voice carries an unmatched warmth and sincerity. Every time I listen to this song, I discover a new emotion hidden within its melody.

Tan Man Bachanle
Singer: Bhakta Raj Acharya

This song is a beautiful expression of devotion. Bhakta Raj Acharya's honesty and depth of feeling remind me of the emotional power that music can hold.

Timra Pau Haruma
Singer: Tara Devi

Tara Devi's voice has a rare grace and purity. This song is timeless, and I admire the way it expresses love and reverence with such simplicity.

Eklai Basda
Singer: Arun Thapa

Arun Thapa had an extraordinary ability to make loneliness sound beautiful. This song always takes me inward and reminds me how powerful honest music can be.

Tada Tada Januchha Sathi
Singer: Prem Dhoj Pradhan

This is one of those songs that stays with you long after it ends. Its melody and sense of longing capture a feeling that words alone cannot express.