Profile (Spotlight Weekly)

NABIN KUMAR BHATTARAI
King Of Pop

With a different kind of touch in his music, Nabin K. Bhattarai has won the hearts of thousand of young Nepali pop music lovers

By THAKUR AMGAI

Bhattarai : Master of his art

Lovers of Nepali music had little choice before Nabin Bhattarai came out with his debut music album "Raharai Raharma" with the title song "Ankhama timilai" in 1996. When, his song "Ankhama timilai" was aired by the various radio and television stations, youngsters were taken by a sweet surprise. They were curious to know about the fellow who sang this song.

Today, Nabin has many contemporaries to compete with. With scores of other singers and artistes entering the music industry, dozens of highly sophisticated recording studios, and more than half a dozen radio stations in the valley alone (more than 2 dozen across the country), listeners have got a wide array of choices. They can discard, or embrace music they like or dislike as per their wish.

However, Nabin Kumar Bhattarai, with the uniqueness in his songs has left a deep imprint among the listeners. When singers are experimenting with different kinds of songs to woo the audience, Nabin has already earned an established brand name. His name alone is enough to push the sales of his new music albums.

Nabin was born on March 14, 1974 to parents Kalyan Bhattarai and Nirmala Bhattarai in Kathmandu. He did his initial schooling in Anandakuti School and joined Budhanilkantha School at Grade 4. As a child he was a shy person, a lover of nature who used to spend most of his time alone listening to music. His friends at Budhanilkantha School recall him as an avid music lover, who was good at listening but never sang. "He was an introvert who kept to himself. Outgoing nature and being frank and open was not his character," said a batch mate.

Nabin has, since 1996, brought out one album every year. The first album as the name suggests was released because he wanted to fulfill desire. The huge success of this album left Nabin with a legacy to follow. Over the years he has embraced professionalism. Nabin, who has set a different brand for himself, is confident that he can continue his identity. "It will not be difficult to give a different touch if I work hard," says a confident Nabin when asked how long can he continue to give different tastes to the audience.

He entered the music world after completing his undergraduate studies, when he formed a band named Steel Wheels with his friends. After his friends went abroad (for studies), he continued as a solo singer. Inspired by the English Band 'Pink Floyd' during his early adolescence, he started his singing career picking up sentimental numbers. The impact of the band can be sensed in many of his songs.

Nabin studied ethnomusicology from Kathmandu University. His songs in the latter days, have shown how he is quickly learning the esteemed craft of making music. He claims to have introduced Waltz in the song "Prayatna (Orchestral Maneuvers)" and organ (an instrument used in church) in the song "Khusi Umanga" both for the first time in Nepalese pop music.

His popularity among the Nepalese youths remain unmatched. Even those who accuse him of copying music from some English songs cannot help enjoy his music. The sale of Avash, his second album -which crossed 60,000- stands testimony to his popularity.

His contribution to the Nepalese music cannot be challenged. Says Ram Krishna Dhakal, another popular singer, "Nabin has created a different mark and has touched the hearts of all music lovers. He is one of the leaders (of pop music) as he has positively changed people's attitude towards pop music."

His contribution to the field of music has been acknowledged by a number of awards. He has received more than half a dozen awards so far including the famous "chhinnalata Puraskar". His very first album received an overwhelming popularity, which also led him to win the "Record of the Year Hits FM Music Award".

If singers like Nabin Kumar Bhattarai continue their efforts in good spirits, the audience of Nepali music need not turn to the English Songs just to get a different taste. The days ahead are also bright professionally for singers who can carve their identity among the audience. Gone are the days, when popular and talented artistes had to choose alternative professions to sustain their everyday life. A successful singer today need not worry about such concerns.