KATHMANDU: Shanti Thatal, one of the most prominent singer and musician representing the era of Nepali Adhunik music, will be gracing the Paleti concert series along with many other artistes. Paleti is a nepa~laya micro concert series organized every last Friday’s of the Gregorian calendar. 

Thatal, also known as the first female film music director, is known for her musical ensembles in Nepali films such as ‘Paralko Aago’ and ‘Bachna Chahane Haru’. In addition, she has also composed music for several Mahakabi Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s creations. She is also known for her vocal performance in Ambar Gurung compositions like ‘Samhalera Rakha’ and ‘Mero Dukhi Man’.

This Paleti session, Thatal is being represented as a composer, and her compositions will be performed by Paleti singers Meena Niraula and Sonu Rai.

 “I am glad that I will be performing in Nepal once again,” said Thatal. “Paleti has reconnected the musical cord between Nepal and Darjeeling, which had been abandoned for years. I am glad they continue to do that,” she added.

 “After my retirement, Paleti reenergized me to continue with music. It was 2006 when I came to perform here and each time I come here, it remains a challenge to perform something new,” she added further.

The event will be witnessed by singers of the younger generation like Meena Niraula and Sonu Rai along with the Paleti team of musicians with Dinesh Regmi on keyboards, Buddha Lama on bamboo flutes, Sundar Maharjan on percussion, Sandesh Maharjan on tabala and Suraj Pradhan on guitar.  “We are humbled to be hosting Thatal for the fifth time,” said Paleti coordinator Aavaas. “Her six decade long dedication and contribution to music is commendable and deserves a celebration. This Paleti will be a celebration of her six decades in Nepali music,” he added.

As of today, Paleti has hosted more than 45 artistes from Nepal and beyond. Paleti series with Thatal will be held on June 30 at nepalaya’s ‘r’ sala, Kalikasthan.