Still going strong at 94, Ghimire manages to maintain a wonderful sense of humor and is all set to become a part of the three-day Paleti Utsav, which starts on August 30.
The inaugural Paleti with Ghimire will witness the celebration of his lyrical journey as Paleti singers Meena and Suraj will sing his timeless creations like ‘Phoolko thunga,’ ‘Gaunchha geet Nepali,’ ‘Basi ramro Deurali’ etc.[break]
Republica catches up with him for a brief tête-à-tête.
What keeps you busy these days?
I’m too old to keep myself ‘busy’ in the real sense, but I’ve been working toward completing my epic. I’ve been working on it for more than five years now. It takes me a long time to finish writing because I only write when feelings appeal to me from within. I then delve deeper into the emotions and compose lines as and when it pours out of my heart. I make amendments later. I’m towards the last chapters, so it should be finished soon.
How excited are you about the Paleti Utsav?
I’ve kept myself away from public events for quite a long time. It’s not that I don’t want to attend events, but my health doesn’t let me. Four months back, while strolling in my garden, I fell down and slightly fractured my shoulder and pelvic bone. I took a complete bed rest for one and a half months, and I’ve recovered quite well, too. But I get tired very soon, and I also want to invest more time and energy into completing my epic.
I’m really excited about Paleti Utsav. The inaugural day is going to be a sort of celebration of my lyrical journey, and I just couldn’t say no to this one.
What is it that you mostly look forward to at the Utsav?
Thankfully, I don’t have to do anything during the event other than sit and listen to the Paleti singers. Each of my lyric is like a child to me, so I would be really upset if the singers didn’t give justice to the feelings and appeal of the song. I guess I’ll also be entertaining a few questions for the audiences. I’m hopeful that the event will refresh me.
What’s your favorite song penned by yourself?
Like I told you, my compositions are as precious to me as my own children. No favoritism.
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