Pradhan started singing in Radio Nepal in 2027 BS after passing the voice test and moved on to film music later. He has sung for films like ‘Arko Janma’, ‘Samjhana’, ‘Jhola’ and ‘Jhuma’.[break]
What music did you grow up listening to?
I used to sing Bachhu Kailash, Prem Dhoj Pradhan and Narayan Gopal’s songs when I was in school. We used to go around singing Newari songs on ‘dabalis’ with Madan Krishna Shrestha, Ramesh Tamrakar and Raju Tuladhar around 2026 BS.
What is your favorite part of your music career?
During the Indian embargo when Marich Man Singh was the Prime Minister, Gopal Yonzon and I performed ‘Afna Afnai Ghau’ on Nepal Television. The song was contextual; the lyrics were relatable to the crisis the country was facing.
Similarly, Narayan Gopal hadn’t sung around 20 lines for the musical drama ‘Malati Mangalaey’. Composer Amber Gurung asked me to fill in and I did but it was not recognized. While that was disappointing, the pride of having lent my voice to one of Gopal’s song is overwhelming till date.
Tell us about your other ventures, from screenplay, direction to writing books.
In 2037 BS, I directed the first Nepali video film titled ‘Prayas’. I also wrote, directed and composed music for ‘Kasturi’ which is the first Nepali film to be shot outside Nepal.
I started Holy Garden Boarding High School with my father’s initiation in Balaju and I have been looking after it as the Founder Principal since then. Apart from that, I am writing books ‘Seto Pana’ which is a collection of songs for children, a novel titled ‘Napadeko Bhagya’ and a course book for music students called ‘Sangit Stambha’.
I have directed a 13 episode telefilm, ‘Samundrapariko Desh’ which features Rajesh Hamal. We are planning to launch it soon. It has been two years that I have started sculpting. I have made around 18 sculptures of singer Setu Ram Shrestha, Narayan Gopal, Aruna Lama, Tara Devi and other music icons I look up to.
How different is the Nepali music industry now compared to when you started?
Back then, we used to practice for about a month before recording a song because we didn’t have track system. Singers and musicians used to sit together and record it together. Other than situational restrictions while singing for films, we had space for musical creativity even when we were singing somebody else’s compositions.
Kiran Pradhan will be performing at Rastriya Nach Ghar at 5pm on October 10. Tickets are priced Rs 500, Rs 1, 000 and Rs 1,500; and are available at Holy Garden Boarding High School, Balaju and Name Restaurant, Putalisadak.
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