Twinkling eyes and memories tinted with nostalgia, Thapa is full of anecdotes from the yesteryears. “Singing was revered and people went through great lengths to learn. I remember making long and arduous journey from my home in Balaju to Jawalakhel everyday to attend music class.There was this insatiable desire to learn.”[break]
Her first hit song, a duet with Purna Singh Nepali, was recorded in 1972. Penned by Saroj Gopal and music by CK Rasaili “Majhi Dai” was a real crowd pleaser and she was an instant hit.
One of the few, if not rare, female singers then, Thapa was the most sought after singer, as she puts it, “From folk, religious, adhunik to nationalistic songs, I have sung everything.
One of my fondest memories is recording the former National song “Shri Maan Ghambir” at Radio Nepal. There was a huge gathering of who’s who of music fraternity, it was magical.”
Thapa is a music graduate from Padmakanya Campus which also happens to be the place where she met veteran musician Gopal Yonjan. She went on to record 30 folk and 20 adhunik songs with him.
Led by Yonjan, the singer was a part of the entourage that comprised of Kalyan Sherchan, Purna Singh Nepali, Bimala Rai, Shashi Rai, Mithila Sharma, Chetra Gurung. The group performed regularly, says Thapa, who credits the experience for shaping her as an artist.
“Nepali folk music was once looked down upon and our group definitely played an instrumental role in promoting it to the mainstream level,” claimed the singer whose career highlights include folk numbers “Kattar Kattarma” and “Aha Kalilo Tamalai”.
So, what’s her take on current folk music scene?
“Disappointed,” said the singer who blamed the devolution to lack of research. “Everyone is after quick bucks, instant fame. Same old tunes get repackaged with fancy electronic beats, even incoherent English words.”
It’s this trend that is compromising the credibility of the folk music, mused the singer who is in the process of releasing her folk album in a couple of months.
Talk about her upcoming gig at Paleti and Thapa lights up, “This is the first ever solo performance in my 40 years of singing career. It’s a dream come true and I’m happy it’s materializing at Paleti.”
Recollecting the Paleti with Meera Rana, which she attended last year, Thapa was all praises for the gathered audience. “The devotion towards music was quite apparent, they all had their eyes closed and it was music and only music that prevailed,” she reminisced.
“It has been long since I performed in front of audience live, that too in such an intimate setting. I am trying my best and expect to get support from all my well-wishers.”
The “Majhi Dai” hit maker confided to have prepared 20 to 22 songs for the event and might tackle one of the classics of Aruna Lama as well.
“I’ll get to highlight some of my personal favorites; they might not be as successful as hits like “Katar Katarma” or “Sabai Lai Dine Ustai Huncha Maya” but they are beautiful pieces. I’m sure the audience will love.”
Currently in its second tenure, the Paleti series, a sit-in mini concert organized by Nepa~laya and put together by singer and music composer Aavas, commences every last Friday of the English month.
Paleti with Tara Thapa is being presented at R-sala of Nepa~laya in Kalikasthan on July 29, Friday. The tickets are priced at Rs 1000.
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