Given the lack of scope and support from
the government, Nepali singers and musicians have started migrating to
neighbouring Nepal with the hope of reaping benefits, both financially
and in name.
The 1960s-70s, also considered the
golden era of Nepali music, was when numerous renowned and legendary
singers and musicians from Darjeeling and Sikkim – Nepalis of Indian
origin – started focusing their sights in Nepal. Time bears witness as
they accumulated further fame and success in that country.
The exodus of musical talent has
continued down the years although the quality and genius may not have
retained their exalted status, but some newcomers or rather, new-goers,
are worthy of praise. For instance, Pushpan Pradhan, the vocalist of a
band called Vaani, has become quite popular and bagged several awards in
Nepal. He says his band had to endure quite trying times to come to the
top in that Himalayan nation.
Pushpan comes from a middle-class family
from a remote tea garden in the Dooars, while band member Uttam Gautam
(rhythm guitar) is from Bagdogra and Sonam Pappu Lepcha (lead guitar) is
from Jalpaiguri. Vaani was formed in 2012 and has since worked its way
up quite commendably.
The Nepali-Sufi fusion song ‘Dhin Dhina’
by Vaani won the prestigious Image Band of the Year award this year at
the Star FM Music Awards. The song continued to remain a hit and topped
the charts in the Kripa Unplugged Season One aired on Terai Television
last year. Vaani is now shooting for Season Two and it will be aired in
Nepal’s premier channel, Kantipur Television.
Pushpan said, “No one cares nor bothers
about Nepali singers and musicians in India, but once such people gain
fame in Nepal, they express pride and go about boasting they are
Darjeeling or Sikkim boys and girls. I feel encouragement and support
should begin at home.”
Another upcoming playback singer in
Nepal is Banika Pradhan, whose original home is in Longview Tea Garden
of Kurseong sub-division. Banika said neither the West Bengal government
nor the local administration took notice of her singing talent even
when she was clinching awards at a number of local functions.
Incidentally, Banika is winner of the Himalayan Idol singing competition
hosted in Darjeeling.
She has already sung more than a dozen
of songs in Nepali movies and has several music albums to her credit.
Unfortunately, a lot of money needs to be to invested to gain popularity
in this field, says Banika.
Some Indian Nepali musicians and singers
from Sikkim and Darjeeling who have attained legendary status are Aruna
Lama, Gopal Yonzon, Binod Syangden, Hira Devi Waiba, Ranjeet Gajmer,
Tulsi Ghimirey, Danny Dengzongpa, Suresh Kumar Chhetri, Uday Sotang and
Manila Sotang and Prashant Tamang.(EOIC)