March 18, 2005

A young singer Rai has earned a distinct identity as a singer of melodious songs

By THAKUR AMGAI

As 'Payal' (Rai's affectionate name during his childhood) played in the villages and woods in the hills of Buipa, a remote village of Khotang district, he had little idea that one day he would become a prominent singer of the country in such a young age. As a son of a soldier, he was also influenced to join the British Armed Forces. However, he had an avid interest and thirst to sing, which he fulfilled by singing folklores and limited modern songs aired from Radio Nepal, in his villages.

Rai : Young achiever

Probably, destined to be a singer, he was praised for his melodious voice and encouraged to continue singing. He took a voice test from the Radio Nepal at the tender age of 13. To his surprise, he passed the voice test at his very first attempt and when he was just studying in grade eight.

This event added confidence to Rai and now he would think of taking up music as a profession. He recorded 'Failiyo Maya Dubo Sari' in 1992, after he came to Kathmandu on completion of his high school. The instant popularity it gained among the Nepalese audience raised him to new heights. He never had to look back ever since.

Instantly, he was requested to record new songs and perform live on stage programs. Offers of foreign trips for musical programs started flooding him.

"My happiness new no bounds when I was offered to travel abroad and also offered hefty payments for the same," remembers Rai. "I even felt very arrogant as a singer then."

But after one decade, Rai is a more mature and down to earth professional who does maintain his simplicity while enjoying the status of a celebrity. "I have become more mature and started to look after my nephew's studies," said unmarried Rajesh.

On his profession he continues to work hard and give better songs to the audience. He has already sung for one hundred Nepali movies, setting a new record in the cine history of Nepal.

Rai, who was known as a modern and a cine singer, has also ventured into folk singing with the release of his album 'Jadau' recently.

Rai had already proved his versatility in singing in the past ten years. From light songs like 'Malai Pani Angrejima Bolna Sikaideuna' to sentimental songs like 'Baiguni Raichhau Mayalu', Rai has fared well in all genres. Young singer Rai also exhibits a lot of sincere patriotism through his songs.

In the course of performing on stage shows, Rai has traveled to Hong Kong (13 times), South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Gulf countries, among others, to perform for the Nepali diaspora. In 2002, he also went for a Nepal tour singing in all 14 zones.

Rai's Accomplishments

More than 400 songs recorded including 158 for Nepali movies
Six albums - 'Murchhana', 'Just For You', 'Love Letter', 'Baiguni Raichhau Mayalu', 'Nigaha', 'Jadau'
Upcoming Album - Kamana (to be released in May)
Composed Music in over a dozen songs

Awards

First in Vocal from Radio Nepal in 1995
Best Play Back Singer in the Kollywood Cine Awards twice
National Vision Busy Award in 1998

Hit Filmy Songs

Malai Pani Angrejima (Sathi)
Kalo Kalo Kapalaima (Nayak)
Yo Ratai Ramailo (Chandani)
Jadu Mantar (Amako Ashirbad)

Hit modern songs

Failiyo Maya Dubo Sari
Baiguni Raichhau Mayalu
Khurpetoma Khurpa Boki
Yata Kulo Katda Kheri