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PANDAV SUNUWAR
Loss of a Master of Voice
Radio Nepal has lost a popular program producer whereas the nation has lost an illustrious singer in the death of Pandav Sunuwar
Many personalities come and go but departure of some personalities is painfully felt by the whole community. Such was the personality of Pandav Sunuwar that his death left a huge void in the field of Nepalese culture.
As a radio anchor and a singer, Sunuwar had worked hard and excelled in both field. Many youths aspire to be heard and be popular but only few have the real capacity to hold the audience spellbound by their verbal skills. Pandav had proved that he was one of those rare gems.
 Endowed with a typical voice that perfectly suited the tunes of Nepali folklores, Sunuwar had not only established himself as one of most popular radio program presenters but also as a popular folk singer. Nepali audience respected and liked him both as a singer and a radio anchor.
Radio programs 'Chautari' and 'Rodhi' that started in Radio Nepal almost three decades back were very popular. The programs embraced the concept of audience participation and were conducted in an informal manner reflecting the typical rural culture.
Sunuwar learnt the rudimentary skills of music through his participation in various cultural rituals of his village in Okhaldhunga district.
After passing high school in 2026 BS, he came to Kathmandu and applied to become a radio program presenter in Radio Nepal . Luck did not favor him in his first attempt.
However, after three years, on his second attempt he was selected as an assistant presenter in Radio Nepal . He used to conduct 'Gramin Karyakram' in those days. The same year he formally set foot in folk singing by recording the song 'Sapana Bhari Hansi Rahanchhu Bipana Bhari Runchhu'.
As a radio program presenter, he had started a number of new concepts to increase audience participation in Radio Nepal . He started the 'phone-in' program in 2041. The program is still running and very popular. The concept had become so popular in Radios that most of the programs of the FM radios that have spawned in the recent years follow the 'phone-in' concept.
Sunuwar had collected and sung about a hundred songs. Inspired by his birthplace most of the songs he had sung are 'maruni'- a folk genre popular in the eastern region. In addition he had also sung 'Samala', 'Ghatu' , 'Tamang Selo', among others. Similarly, he had collected typical folk tunes from the eastern region. He often felt that it is difficult to collect 'pure folk songs' these days.
'Hitaiko Maya Bhetai Bhayo' and 'Fikkalaiko Bazaraima' are some of his recently recorded songs. Some of the popular songs recorded earlier are' Narou Mayalu', 'Babari Phulko Bot', 'Bairodko Batoma Dhulo Udaundai' and 'Bhijyo Timro Rato Pachhyauri'. These songs are as popular today as they were then.
Born in Ragini Village of Okhaldhunga district in 1952 AD, Sunuwar breathed his last Saturday (October 7) morning while undergoing treatment at King's College Hospital in London . Sunuwar had been suffering from liver cirrhosis for the last several years. He was in a state of coma in the Hospital for a few days. Sunuwar is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
Sunuwar’s death has caused a setback to the music sector. His mellifluous voice, outgoing persona and creative talent will be missed for generations to come. However, he has left behind such an array of musical creations that he will live in the hearts of people for decades.
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