The headmaster of Nagri Tea Estate Primary School in Darjeeling says that he is looking forward to retirement after 28 years as a teacher. “I’ll be free to do what I want,” he smiles, as if relishing the days already. The singer/composer/lyricist, popular for songs like ‘Ma Ta Satya Satya Bhanchhu’ and ‘Timilay Bhaigayo’ is renowned for songs that carry a socio-cultural message.[break]
How has your musical journey been so far?
I started off as a class seven student singing Hindi film songs. My uncle was the musical one in the family, but he would hide it from me as he didn’t want to encourage me. I got into music professionally when I was 20-years-old and doing my teacher training in Kalimpong. Without question, music is a basic necessity for me. So, despite encountering situations like a concert in Damak where the organizers ran away before the concert began, I’ve been positive. I’ve got to work with great artists like Gopal Yonzon, Ashok Rai, Deep Shrestha and more recently, Anupama Pradhan from Darjeeling. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
How would you define your musical preferences?
Dire Straits have remained one of my favorite bands. I can’t say the same for Hindi songs. These days, I find Sufi songs are mostly loud. Jagjit Singh’s gazals are soothing and I like listening to them. When it comes to my own songs, I don’t usually focus on romantic ones. I believe my songs should connect with a larger audience, not just the youth. The cultural and political environments of my hometown have always inspired me. However, I am as susceptible as the next man and I end up writing love songs when I feel deeply.
What are your expectations from the Paleti series this Friday?
I’m not nervous about performing, but I am apprehensive about the kind of audience that will be present. I’ve had drunken unruly crowds at some of my shows and they do irritate me. Forget the loud hooting, a drunken person came up on stage and offered me rum!
Anything up your sleeve at the moment?
I’m working on my new album ‘Impression’ which is almost complete. I also have plans to do a concert here in Nepal with other artists. But, no concrete plans yet!
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