Expressions Of Rhythm
A versatile musical talent, Dipabima has earned good name and fame
By KABI ADHIKARI
“Ke bhool bhayo priya ma sanga boldinau.” This song which keeps most listeners pondering for hours was composed by Madan 'Dipabima' Basnet. The song became very popular when it was aired through Radio Nepal .
With songs like these, Dipabima has earned popularity as a singer and a composer among the audience of Nepalese modern and folk songs.
Born in 1948 in Ilam district, Dipabima showed an inclination towards dance and songs since his early childhood. The fascination towards dancing and singing at school level contests, festivals, functions was instilled within him. These talents endeared him to all his community and also throughout his home district.
While studying at grade four, Dipabima, in 1956, performed for the first time on stage, where he sang popular songs sung by other singers. The passion for dancing and singing made him to stage various programs in Ilam. At a very young age, he became a dance director in 'Bal Kala Niketan Sanstha'.
Even though he was equipped with twin talents, he preferred to earn name and fame as a dancer and a dance director rather than a singer. But this did not mean he lost interest in singing. As a dance- director, Dipabima has worked in various colleges where he earned a big fan following and many of his students later on earned good fame also.
It was around 1963 that he first came to Kathmandu to take part in Zonal-level cultural contests. It is interesting to know that, Dipabima worked in various capacities in different government offices between 1963 and 1986.
'Ubho ta Sailung' was the first song that he sang in mid 1960s. The song used to be aired continuously from Radio Nepal . Following this initial success, he went on to compose 110 folk songs in different albums such as Chhalkana (folk collection), Maya Namare (folk songs), Maya Nirmaya (Dohori), Paisako Mamila and Juhari (satirical song). These albums released one after another earned him further recognition.
His immense popularity led him to visit many countries where he was invited to perform the songs.
The passion for singing songs stopped in 1989 after which he began concentrating on giving music composition. Dipabima has composed music for over 450 songs including modern songs and folk songs .Barsha Bitosh Yug Bitosh was his first composed song recorded in Radio Nepal with the voice of Shiva Basnet in late 2026.
As a singer and music composer, he has been associated with Radio Nepal till now since 1964. Similarly he is known as audio- visual director in Music Nepal . For his contribution to the music industry he has bagged the Chhinnalata Musical Award.
