How do you find the Nepali lok-dohori scene?

The Nepali lok-dohori scene is improving gradually, but it’s difficult to make a living by selling albums alone. There is so much piracy going around. So, we (folk artistes) mostly release one or two songs at a time. If they are liked by the audience, we are invited for stage performances. That’s the only way to survive in the industry. It all depends on how many musical programmes one gets.

What kinds of music do you listen to?

I mostly like to listen to lok-dohori. Raju Pariyar and Bishnu Majhi are two of my favourite singers. I also listen to hindi music sometimes.

What inspires you to sing?

I was interested in music since childhood. Both my parents sang at home and even taught me how to play the maadal and harmonium. They encouraged me to get into music, eventhough I never considered doing it professionally. So I’d say my parents are the biggest source of inspiration for me.

What do you do apart from singing?

When I’m not recording, I like to compose or write songs. Other than that, I also have a keen interest in drawing. In fact, I run Jay Arts Centre, where we design signboards and background scenes for shooting. So, throughout the day, I am involved in art and music.

I’m also a taekwondo player. Even though I do not get to practice regularly these days, I do it whenever I can, as a form of exercise. I am also fond of acting and have lent my voice for a few documentaries.

What kinds of films do you prefer to watch? Any favourite actors?

I like to watch all kinds of films, but mostly prefer ones that are based on real life. I usually go for biopics and reality-based films as I find them to be quite inspirational.

Regarding my favourite actors, I really like Rajesh Hamal and Nikhil Upreti. They are such natural actors.

I think Shah Rukh and Salman Khan are two immensely talented actors in Bollywood.

Are you fond of travelling?

I like to travel around a lot and have visited around 54 districts of Nepal. I love going to rural areas mostly. Among the places I’ve been to, I really like Pokhara, Surkhet, Dailekh and my birthplace Rukum. I’ve not been to the East as much, but I’m looking forward to going there sometime soon.

Are you a superstitious person?

I do believe in God, but I’m not superstitious. I think it requires both luck and hardwork to become successful. But in order to achieve something, one has to keep trying and work hard without depending solely on luck itself.

What do you think is your biggest strength?

I think I’m a determined person. I am always eager to learn new things. Even as a kid, when I saw my father making dokos, I used to sit beside him and try to learn the techniques. I even learnt how to knit sweaters from my sister. Moreover, I believe in living a simple life and being happy with whatever you have.

Do you have any regrets so far?

I don’t have any regrets, but it was very difficult to make a living by singing folk songs a few years back, especially during my struggling period. I was really frustrated. But now I’m quite satisfied with what I have achieved. I get to do a lot of programmes and I have received much love and appreciation from the audience through time.

What are your upcoming plans?

As of now, I’m planning to record fast numbers for the sake of performing on stage. I will continue singing lok-dohori songs. I also want to further explore the Nepali folk-music so that I can compose songs in various local languages and flavours. I think it is the only way to preserve our culture and tradition.