Indira Joshi is well versed in the art of captivating her audience. Her presence never fails to excite concert crowds. It’s this kind of reaction that has helped her carve quite a niche for herself in the Nepali pop mainstream. So The Week caught up with the singer to discuss her current music status as well as the most played tunes on her playlist. 

You started out on the music scene back in 2005. After striving all these years to establish a singing career, how do you feel?
I may have started performing more than a decade ago but it feels like I’m just getting started. I look around and I still have so much to do. So I’m still taking every day as an opportunity to learn and grow. I’m always working on new tracks. I’m not a technically trained composer or producer but I try my hand at it every now and then. I also enjoy collaborations. For example, I wanted to work on projects featuring traditional Nepali instruments so there is a song with Kutumba in the works. I have many such ideas and projects that I want to get started on. Perhaps, that’s why I still feel like a student and I don’t mind it at all. Music has always been my most favorite thing so I feel blessed that I can pursue it every single day. 

Along with your hits what sets you apart is your performance. Many fans appreciate your dance routines especially at a time when it seems most Nepali singers don’t prioritize putting on an entertaining stage act, what do you have to say about that?
The way I choose to stage my performance is my personal decision. I simply can’t stand still when I’m singing an upbeat song. I wasn’t expecting the dance routine to create such a buzz among the public or the media. But I’m glad that people enjoy my performances. It’s important for a singer that her audiences have a good time. 
However, lack of proper stage management could be a reason performance centric shows are still not that common among our Nepali artists. Often there are plenty of things to worry about when we are on stage. From the sound, to the lights and costumes, unlike international acts, we don’t have a team at our disposal to take care of those things. That’s why I believe as performers Nepali acts stick to the basics. 

Has it been easy to deal with all the attention and talk surrounding your glamorous image?
I don’t exactly see myself as glamorous. However, in a way, with my performances I ended up breaking some kind of a glass ceiling for female Nepali singers. I had something different to offer the fans, though I quickly learned that there were a lot of stereotypical expectations. You hear a lot about how singers should perform and what sort of activities they should or shouldn’t do. But I don’t believe in putting such restrictions on myself. I don’t think there is anything wrong with my interests branching out away from singing alone to dancing or photo shoots. If it interests me, I’ll do it. Some people still wonder if it’s necessary for a singer to participate in these activities but again I think if you have the attitude and the ability to carry it off, why not? 

You clearly enjoy your time on stage. Which has been your most memorable performance of them all?
Unfortunately, I haven’t had any flawless performances in Nepal. As I mentioned, we have to struggle with many technical difficulties. I particularly think we need to start by focusing on the sound arrangements at concerts. That’s very important. I ‘d rather have few but quality gigs. We really need to invest on the technical aspect of shows.
This is a difference that is really evident when we perform abroad. I have had experiences representing Nepal at various international music festivals and they are so professional. It’s the reason they have been some of my best performances. From the distance of the microphone, extra visual effects to the sound system, they are set to certain standards. As a singer, I felt these factors really helped me up my performance.

What sort of reception do you get when you perform your songs abroad?
I have learned that the crowd is very receptive to your energy. So regardless of where you are, if you enjoy performing, the crowd will enjoy it with you. Honestly, if you smile, they smile back and if you groove, they groove back. I was once asked to do an encore at a festival in South Korea so language isn’t really a barrier. Good beats and energy prevail.
Similarly, performing for Nepali communities abroad is also always a pleasure. I have traveled to 30 countries for the sole purpose and it’s always been fun to put on a show for them. As singers, this is an amazing perk of the job.

 
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