Tell us something about your upcoming album.

I’m planning to call the new album Jeevan Ma Dherai Khola Tarnucha, which was also the name of my first song. So this album will be more like a collection of memories from my musical journey. The recordings are done with. I think this is going to be different from my previous albums as I’ve tried to incorporate more modern musical instrumentation and technology.

How has the music scene changed in Nepal?

I think the Nepali music industry has become more commercial nowadays. Earlier, singers wanted to become popular by delivering good music, whereas today they are rather focused on quantity over quality. Despite that, the industry is improving a lot in terms of technology. There are lots of opportunities for those wanting to make a career out of the art.

What are your interests apart from music?

I work on my music almost all the time. Other than practicing music regularly, I’m doing some playback singing as well. I’m also planning to open a music school. However, it is just a preliminary plan. But whenever I find some time out of all this, I like to travel. It is the best way around a monotonous life. I also like to go for treks occasionally. I think it is important for everybody to travel once in a while. It refreshes you and has health benefits. At the same time, it provides people with an opportunity to see the real Nepal.

Among the places you’ve visited, which did you like best?

I often go to my birthplace, Solukhumbu. It is a rich place in terms of natural beauty. Apart from Nepal, I liked Moscow it’s a very historical city. The environment is so clean and I found the setting and people to be completely different from other places I’ve visited.

Are there any fond memories you’d like to share with us?

I got an opportunity to perform at a concert organised by Saregama Events in London.

I think that was one of the most memorable performances of my life. Singers from all over the world were present at the show. I got to perform alongside internationally acclaimed singers like Jagjit Singh, Mehdi Hassan, Anuradha Paudwal and Sonu Nigam, among others. It was quite an honour to be a part of that show.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

I prefer songs with good melodies. Life is already full of sorrows, so I like listening to happy songs, rather than sad ones. That is the main reason that I choose to sing romantic songs most of the time. I really admire singers like Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar and Sonu Nigam. In the Nepali music scene, Udit Narayan Jha is my all-time favourite singer. Among the newer generation, Milan Amatya, in my opinion, is doing a great job.

What about your interests when it comes to films?

I enjoy watching films and often go to the theatre with my family and friends to catch up on new releases. Even when it comes to movies, I enjoy watching comedies as they are refreshing. I also like reality-based movies and the ones that are underpinned by moral values. Akshay Kumar is one of my favourite actors and I try not to miss any of the movies directed by David Dhawan.

Looking back at your career, do you regret anything so far?

Sometimes I feel that I’ve not been able to contribute enough to the industry. I’ve not been able to find musical compositions that aptly suit my vocals. Also, I rejected a few offers that I got from the Indian music industry in the past as I wanted to do something for my own country. Looking back, I sometimes feel like my career would have become better had I accepted those offers. But no feeling is better than singing for one’s own country. However, artists don’t get much respect here. Even the government is indifferent towards them, and over time, English and Indian music has been taking over the market.

Is there an unknown side of you that fans are unaware of?

I like to get involved in social work. At present, I’m associated with the Art of Living and Rotary Club of Jawalakhel. So whenever they organise musical programmes for charity, I perform there. I also like to participate in fund-raising activities, and whenever I come across an event with a social cause, I’m always ready to do my bit. I’m also planning to organise concerts, along with other artists, in the rural areas of Nepal so that we can promote Nepali music, and at the same time leave behind something for the people there.

Are you superstitious?

I am a religious person and I believe in the power of god. I also have faith in astrology and no new journey I undertake starts off without praying to god. That is the reason that I enjoy singing bhajans. I think it requires both hard work and god’s blessings to achieve something in life.

Finally, if not a singer, what would you have become?

I was interested in music and sports from my school days. I used to play football and cricket.  So, maybe I would have become an athlete.