With a borrowed handycam, she shot the video of her song “Mann” from her debut album, Yo Mann, in 2005. With her ‘contralto’ voice and soulful expression, the video wooed the audience and was an instant hit. Ever since, she has gone on to win many awards, and appreciation has flown in from various quarters.

Born in Kurseong, Ciney Gurung did her schooling from Dow Hill School, where her mother worked. Very quiet and shy as a child, she was nicknamed “Lady” by her teachers, and her friends used to call her “delicate darling”—rather apt for such a warm personality. Growing up, she says, even visiting the town once a month was a treat that she used to look forward to eagerly.

It was in her tenth grade that music took centre stage—listening to bands like Beatles and Eagles and even singing a song or two with her brother’s band at concerts. After she completed her Bachelor’s from Kurseong, she packed her suitcase for Kathmandu—not to test the waters in music, but to make a living by teaching. She taught at Galaxy Public School and Triyog School. She says her students used to make her sing during substitute classes. “I miss teaching and sometimes I dream about teaching again,” says Ciney.

In 2000, to earn some extra cash, she started singing at Shangri-la Hotel with the Prism band while still continuing teaching. Till then, she says, she did not have any plans to release an album. But when Anand Tuladhar of Opel International approached her, she agreed. Life, she says, hasn’t quite been the same since.

Her voice has a unique subtlety and simplicity that draws you in. Her latest hit number, “Mero pyaro manche”, which has swept almost all the music awards for the Best Female Pop this year, is a testament to her strength as a singer. “I feel blessed. I thank God and life itself. Sometimes, I question if I deserve all of this at all, but I’ve always worked towards improving myself and I feel that my potential is yet to be discovered.”

This month VOW sat down with Ciney Gurung to talk about her life, music and many things else…

So how has your journey been so far?
Lots of ups and downs. And of late, I have started to do a lot of charity shows as well. I’m one of the ambassadors for Children for Green New Nepal (CGNN) along with Nima Rumba, Sugarika KC and Dawa.

What were your early days in the music industry like?
It was very difficult. I didn’t even know what I expected when I started out. I did not have any dream of recording an album, but when I did come out with an album, I had a lot of expectations. I hoped for ‘overnight stardom’ like in the movies. Today, I am happy with what I have going for me—doing shows and singing live around town every week with my band, Tatwa.

You perform every week. How is it different from recording? Which do you enjoy more?
I find joy in both. While recording, you get to listen to each and every detail. It encourages you to correct and fine tune your voice. You can even hear yourself inhaling. It’s very beautiful. But performing live is spontaneous. You get a lot satisfaction seeing your audience appreciate your music.

Do you wish that the Nepali music industry was any different to what it is?
Yes. I think there is something missing. I feel it should be a little healthier. We don’t lack talent, but sadly most don’t continue their work in the industry. I think singers should continue making good music and we should help each other through thick and thin. I’m of course thankful to the media. They’re the ones who support us.

How different would your life be if singing didn’t happen?
I’d still be a teacher. I really miss teaching. I think I will get back to teaching in the future.

Do you regret being a singer?
No, I’m enjoying it right now, but there will come a time when I will stop singing.

What’s the craziest thing that has happened to you?
When Anju Pant won the Best Adhunik Female Singer title during the Image Awards 2009, I got so excited that I got up and clapped for her. But because of the folding seats, when I sat down I fell right on the floor and I couldn’t get up. It was dark and my legs were under the front seat and I had to ask a young boy sitting beside me to help me get up. After a few moments, I won the Best Female Singer award and an elderly gentleman sitting beside me kept looking at my award. He reminded me of my father, so I let him have a look at it. The award being quite heavy, the gentleman tried to keep it on the floor, but he lost the grip and it broke into four pieces (laughs).

Favourite singers…
Abhaya, Astha Tamang Maskey, Sabin Rai, Nima Rumba, Cobweb, Shiva Pariyar, Ani Choying Dolma, Nhyoo Bajracharya, Pratima Rajbhandari, the list goes on….

All-time favourite song
Songs of Om Bikram Bista, Deep Shrestha, Narayan Gopal. Reason by Hoobastank

A song that I listen to when I’m….
Sad: Reason by Hoobastank
Happy: Mero pyaro maanche
Alone: Perfect Stranger by Deep Purple
Romantic: Kehi meetho baat gara by Narayan Gopal
Stuck in traffic: Mama mia by ABBA
Bored: Any song by Lamb of God

You can listen to Ciney live on….
Wednesday at Bourbon Room, Lal Durbar from 8 pm to 11 pm
Friday at Shambala Garden at Shangri-La Hotel with Tatwa from 7 pm to 10 pm
Saturday at Moods Lounge from 7 pm to 10 pm