Kathmandu, Jan 8: As is the case with each Nepathya concert, everyone always has their own pick of ‘the classics’ that they hope to not only experience live but also sing along to their heart’s content. With this sense of excitement and anticipation, the Tundikhel ground swelled up to capacity with fans on January 7, 2017. The occasion was the grand finale of Nepal’s first ever bike reality show, Pulsar Dare Venture season II. The concert also planned to announce the winners of their 10 bikers who had completed the daring journey from Kathmandu, all the way to Takasindu, Solukhumbu on their motorbikes.
But before the prize distributions ceremony, Nepathya set out to warm the crowd on the cold January evening. The band chose to kick off their set list with Poet Sarubhakta’s song Kuroop Anuhar ho… Yahan kohi Saathi Chaina, and that, sort of, set the tone for the rest of the concert. Front man Amrit Gurung, seemed keen to help connect his fans with the essence of our local sounds as well as evoke the Nepali spirit in them. And the band’s iconic hits, supported by videos of people and landscapes from across the country, lend very well to the cause indeed.
The fusion between rock and folk, Nepathya’s signature sound, had the crowd going from the get go. It didn’t take long for the Tundikhel ground to be engulfed in dust as the crowd started jumping, cheering and singing to Nepathya’s beat. (FYI: never forget to take a mask to a Tudikhel gig.) The fans were absolutely feeling the vibe and both, the head bangers as well as those looking forward to bust out some typical Nepali dance moves got their fair share of chances.
Nepthaya also debuted their latest release Rama Rama and Gurung even had the crowd chanting at one point but inevitably, the loudest cheers of the night was reserved for the ultimate classics, Taal ko pani and Resham. The two tracks made for a fitting end of the evening as Ram Bikram Thapa bagged Rs. 10 Lakh and a Pulsar NS along with the title of Nepal’s best rider. The second and third runner up of Pulsar Dare Venture season II were also awarded five lakh rupees and a Pulsar NS each, respectively.