How did it all begin?
I was fond of singing even as a child. I used to sing and win the praise of my family and friends.
As a kid, I even participated in the reality program, “Ko Bhanda Ko Kam” which was broadcast from NTV. After my SLC examinations, I came to Kathmandu and was training at the Do Re Mi Institute.
From the suggestion of my sister, I auditioned for Nepali Tara season one and got selected. After that, there was no looking back.
I was one of the top five finalists and the only female in the lot. The show gave me an exposure as a singer.
After the show was over, my real struggles began. Then I trained under Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Ishwor Amatya and Gurudev Kamath.
Now in the sixth year of my singing career, I’ve sung more than six dozen songs and I still have a long way to go.
Could you describe life before Nepali Tara and after the show?
When I participated in the show, I was very young and any lacking as a singer that the judges pinpointed would make me cry.
I learnt a lot from participating in it. After the show was over, people recognized me wherever I went.
They assumed that I was a star but I was just like everybody else.
Traveling by local bus or in a tempo, people questioned me or told me that my face was similar to a well known singer.
It was hard for people to believe that a singer could use local transportation.
I understood that it wasn’t easy to make ends meet as a Nepali singer.
Has being in the limelight affected your personal life in any way?
Yes it has, I have very few friends, and people seem to be hesitant to interact with me.
They assume that I’m too haughty to open up. But that’s all wrong. Although I’ve chosen a singing career I’m a down to earth person.
I also believe in being educated and have continued my studies.
I completed by Intermediate from People’s Campus, then I obtained a Bachelors degree from Shanker Dev Campus and now I’m currently an MBS student at Golden Gate International College. Whenever there’s a function at college, I always like to get involved.
How supportive has your family been to your career choice?
We’re seven siblings altogether. I’m the fifth daughter in the family.
I’m the only one who has pursued a singing career. Although my father and I shared a cold vibe initially over the choice of my career, he’s come to terms with it.
My mother and sisters have always encouraged me to give my best in whatever I do.
I’ve always been too independent to ask for financial help from them but they encourage me nonetheless.
Artistes who inspire you?
My ipod is filled with national and international artistes. But the ones I truly admire are Alicia Keys, Shakira, Amy Winehouse, Nora Aunor and Fiona Apple.
Your daily life was photographed by Liz Lance in 2009 as part of her photo essay, Fair and Lovely (Beauty Lies in Nepal).
How was the whole experience?
When she was photographing me during my tour with the Nepali folk band Kutumba in Butwal, Pokhara and Palpa, I never realized that I would get such a huge exposure, or that the photographs would be exhibited widely.
It was a pleasant surprise. I was able to discuss my fears of being a dark-skinned girl and how I’ve come to terms with it. It also showed how important it’s become to be presentable along with being talented.
Since you have a nice figure and a pretty face, do you get roles offered in Nepali films?
I can’t deny the fact I get offered roles in Nepali films more than singing dates.
This really turns me off and I tell the ones who do so that I’m a singer at heart and that’s all I want to do. As a woman, I like to accentuate my beauty and I believe there’s nothing wrong in doing so.
People still don’t believe that I can sing. They mistake me for the model of my own music video and I must confirm with them that I’m the singer.
Thinking of taking up acting?
No, acting in Nepali films doesn’t appeal to me.
I’m currently busy with my first studio album, “Dance with Me.” I’ve already recorded eight of the songs in the album.
It’s a pop album filled with dance numbers. Since I love to dance, I’ve named the album so. One of the songs in the album,“Rato Ghagara,” has already been made in to a video by director Prasanna Poudel.
Your views on surviving as a Nepali singer?
I believe life as a Nepali singer is hard without stage shows. I couldn’t call myself a singer if I didn’t have the money from performing on stage. It’s the love of the audience that keeps me going.
I’m also a columnist for the weekly Page 6 and often give my voice to jingles.
I truly enjoy performing on stage. I’m also thankful to my backup bands, The Heartbreakers and The Treasure Band, who help me put on memorable shows.
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