Kancha who was undergoing treatment at S L Raheja Hospital in Mahim, Mumbai was bedridden for the past several months after he had been left paralyzed from the waist down after a spinal cord operation.[break]
Confirming the news of his demise, music composer Alok Shree informed that he passed away due to a massive heart attack. Kancha’s final musical collaboration, “Saino”, which was also his first ever solo album, was composed by Shree.
“This is a huge blow to the Nepali music industry. We have lost a great talent,” shared Shree. Remembering Kancha for his sense of humor and love for music, Shree expressed, “I’m happy that I got to fulfill one of his last wishes that of releasing his own solo album, which is doing very well at the moment.”
“Naina Resham” and “Hasnu Pani Jindagi” are the last songs Kancha recorded. Shree added that he would like to forward the royalty earned from the album to the grief-stricken family.
The voice behind some of the most memorable hits in Nepali films like, “Aamai le Bhanthin Dhara Ko Pani” from Saino and “Batasale Udai Lyayo” from Chino, Kancha started his music career at the age of 11 from Kolkata.
After the video featuring Kancha pleading for financial help surfaced on YouTube, several initiatives were made from the media fraternity, Non Residential Nepali (NRN) and fans. Actress Namrata Shrestha recently organized “An Evening for Kumar Kancha”, and managed to collect Rs 328,000.
Shrestha, taken aback by the news of Kancha’s passing, said “I had talked to him only two days ago, and he seemed grateful for all the help.” She recalls him being down to earth and full of life. “He was full of praises for my work and his appreciation is something I’ll always cherish,” she added.
Having sung for more than seven dozen Nepali films, his musicography boasts over 18,000 songs in almost thirty five different languages. Kancha has worked with legendary Ranjit Gajmer, Gopal Yonjan, Shakti Ballav, Narayan Gopal to name a few.
Remembered by an incredible range of friends across generations, Kumar Kancha’s infectious personality, never failing humor and a voice, unique to him, will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
How they felt?
Meera Rana
The news of his demise brought back flashback of yesteryears. I vividly remember him calling me Didi every time he stepped into Radio Nepal. It’s sad how none of the organizations claiming to protect rights and life of the artistes in Nepal failed to contribute to Kumar Kanchha while he was in dire need of support.
Prem Dhoj Pradhan
I met Kumar during the recording of Jiban Rekha and Mayaulu at Ranjit Gajmer’s residence. He was a happy go lucky kind of guy. I loved his voice because it was unique and fresh. Truly dedicated to his craft, he was one of those few people who would rather stay at the studio perfecting music than spend time at home. Sadly, today so many ‘bathroom singers’ have become veterans and nobody has time to think about giving back to the ones who truly deserve.
Nhyoo Bajracharya
I met with Kumar almost fifteen years ago. I had heard a lot about him and at that time his song Dhalkena Dhalkena was very popular. He was to sing for my video film Sradhanjali. I had this preconceived notion that he would be someone really reserved. But to my great surprise he was funny and one of the most down to earth human beings I’ve met so far.
Two years ago when I met him, he had left his cheque book at my place and said he will take it back from me later. I still have it with me, and wonder if I could ever give it back to him. A true friend, I’ll miss him for sure.
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