“I don’t crave publicity, I don’t want to be on telescreen, I just want to be me doing what I want – sing!”

Veteran singer Tara Thapa, who shuns media attention, might pass unnoticed but one listen to her voice, the voice with a legacy, and you’re hit with the sense of déjà vu.

Considered the pioneers in Nepali folk music, Thapa got into singing some 40 years ago. “It was in Chaitra 28, 2028 BS I recorded my first song, a duet, with Purna Singh Nepali.”
The song in question was “Mahi Dai”. Written by Saroj Gopal, music by CK Rasaili, the song was an instant hit and Thapa was a new star in the Nepali music scene, quite befitting her name – Tara.

A rare species of female singers in then male dominated music scene, the singer reveals that work poured in from all direction. “You name it, and I’ve done it all - folk, religious, adhunik to nationalistic songs. We, Meera Rana and I, even sang Ghazals and Hindi songs in Hotel Soaltee for 10 years, such was our demand,” reminisces the singer.

A music graduate from Padmakanya Campus, she met veteran musician Gopal Yonjan during her college days; he was a teacher of folk music. The alliance proved fruitful, Thapa went on to record 30 folk and 20 adhunik songs with him and later went on to become a part of the entourage led by Yonjan.

“The group consisted of Kalyan Sherchan, Purna Singh Nepali, Bimala Rai, Shashi Rai, Mithila Sharma, Chetra Gurung,” shared Thapa who credits the experience for shaping her as an artist.

The singer known for her hit folk numbers “Kattar Kattarma” and “Aha Kalilo Tamalai” claims that the group played an instrumental role behind elevating folk music to mainstream level, “Lok-geet was looked down upon and it was the research, work put on by our group that brought general acceptance to the genre that was considered inferior.”

The singer revealed she’ll be releasing a folk album in a couple of months but as if now she’s completely focused on the upcoming Paleti concert, scheduled for July 29, Friday.

“My dream is about to come true, I always wanted to do a solo show and this is my first ever solo performance in my 40 years of singing career,” gushed the “Majhi Dai” hit maker.

Thapa revealed to have prepared 20 to 22 songs for the event and might also tackle one of the classics of Aruna Lama.

“The biggest incentive for me is to sing for a crowd that truly appreciates music,” said Thapa who’s humbled by the audience’s devotion towards music. “I’ll get to highlight some of my personal favorites; need not be hits but they are beautiful, nonetheless. I’m sure the audience will love.”

Currently in its second season, the Paleti series commences every last Friday of the English month at Nepa~laya. The mini concert series are meticulously put together by singer and music composer Aavas.

The session with Tara Thapa is scheduled for July 29, Friday at R-sala of Nepa~laya, Kalikasthan. The tickets are priced at Rs 1000.