After the release of G-Major four years back, Bhattarai, who holds many credits for giving Nepali pop music a new direction, did not come up with any other album. Now after four years, Bhattarai has made his comeback with Nakshetrah, which certainly holds many expectations.
No, he never felt like taking retirement from music and he was into it, says the 35 years old singer.
During these many years, Bhattarai kept himself busy in musical tours and performed in different places of the USA, Bahrain and Thailand. And for the first time in his musical career he accepted directing music for upcoming Nepali feature film Challenge, which is being directed by filmmaker Shyam Bhattarai.
“To be very honest, I wasn’t staying idle. I was working to record songs for this new album for the last four years. I understand how people are able to come up with an album in two months time in today’s fast-food generation. But I never followed such trend and I took my time to bring one worth listening album under my belt,” informs Bhattarai and adds that he will keep himself free for some years so that he can first concentrate on the promotion of Nakshetrah and can continue his upcoming projects.
A collection of nine songs, Nakshetrah, a production of Reeyaz Music, mainly has the lyrics of Manoj Acharya, Bijay Shiwakoti and Ram Sitaula under the vocal and music composition of Nabin Bhattarai. Manoj Acharya is the same person who wrote one of the most popular songs Saanjha Pakha Ekantama for Nabin Bhattarai’s Avash.
One of the main reasons that made Bhattarai take time to release the album is the state of Nepali music industry, which in his words “has transformed into video industry.”
“It’s sad but true that people no more listen to music; they judge songs by the music videos. Today styles fall in priority than substance,” he explains modestly.
Bhattarai says this is why many prominent singers like Karna Das, Mohan Bhusal and Deepesh Kishore Bhattarai are no more into Nepali music consistently. They all have settled in America.“Though I’ve come out with an album now, I however have to admit that at times I really feel tired. I question myself why I’m still hopeful that something good will happen, why I still expect the scenario to change. And later, I try to answer myself that music is an art form and there can be ups and down in it. To be able to take a stance in any circumstances in itself is an art,” he enunciates and adds, “I’ve come to a conclusion, I’ll never give up. It’s already been fifteen years and I believe I can still do more.”
Tête-à-tête with Nabin Bhattarai
What’s so special about Nakshetrah which will make it a box office thriller?
It’s one more album of Nabin Bhattarai in his style with more research on music and lyrics.
With many singers trying to experiment genre/s in terms of their singing, why are you following the same pattern?
How will it sound if Paul McCartney sings like Britney Spears? When we listen to Metallica’s songs, we can recognize the numbers because we love their flavor. I hope you got the answer.
Are you trying to say that experimenting is not healthy for singers?
Please don’t get me wrong. We have to admit that we are blatantly copying someone else’s style and calling it experiments. There’s no harm trying out new things but one should do what suits him best. I’ve seen many in recent times calling themselves a rock band or a rock singer. Massive use of lead guitar doesn’t define what rock music is. Many are trying to change their vocal tone so that they can sound husky and different. But that can’t happen by spoiling the pronunciation of words. A “dog” can’t be called “daooogh.”
When can we see the music videos of Nakshetrah?
Halla Nagara from the album is already done. I may do some more. But my priority is not making music videos, my priority is to sing. Don’t expect me to come out with remixes too.
Tell us about Nepali music industry of today…
I see only Lochan Rijal and Anju Panta to look up to. Look at the lyrics! It’s degrading and disappointing. Look at the melodies, they hardly click. By the way, I hardly know the names of new singers and musicians.
Lastly, you know what we’re about to ask…
Oh, not again! Fine…fine…I’m getting married in April. I guess this will make many happy for everybody’s complaining.
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