NAMASTE ,How have you been?

Namaste, I am great,thank you.

When did you come?

I just came the day before yesterday.

When was the first time that u visited Nepal?
I was here for Study Abroad Program in 1994. That time, I joined Tribhuvan University – Kirtipur for Anthropology. I still remember, Ganesh Gurung and Saubhagya Shahwere the anthropology professor.

Where did the name Gajab Bhahadur Gurung Lama came from?

Oh, it was just kept when I was in Shankhuwasava with my education project. Gajab was just kept as normal and the surname Gurung Lama was kept because I had my two close friends; one is of surname Gurung and another is of surname Lama.

How does it feel to be a first American Nepali singer?

I feel great. I never thought, it would happen in this way. I was just impressed but my Solti (Khem Raj Gurung) and the environment that favoured me to do it. It’s been ten years that I sung the song with Solti but still the Nepali people notice me and respond me like …Lambu dai..Namaste or calling me Gajabe dai..it sounds so good to me. The love that I get is a great, great gift. It’s more than anything to me.

Whose idea was this to sing a song ‘Lambu dai’?

Firstly, I met Solti in the school of Shankhuwasava. He was a music teacher and I went there as a teacher as well. I saw him singing a folk song so beautifully. Even, I sung there ‘Machi Marana’ which was the first Nepali song I tried. Than we both became close and he planned to sing with me hoping it would clicked in the media and with the people. But before this, his song ‘Wari Jamuna Pari Jamuna’ got a tremendous click. And my song came later.

How has your journey been with Khem Raj Gurung and any new project for uopcoming future?

It’s like working with your closest friend. We’ve been together from my starting days of Nepal and we’ve been through a lot. Solti respects my needs to diversify and he is fun loving. I would like to work with him in near future. And truly, he is one of my favorite Nepali singers. These days, I find him doing great work.

Tell us something about your family?

My father just passed away this January. He was sick from long time. Now - in states, I have my mother and sister with my Bhanja.

And in Nepal – I have my Solti, Mitju, Mit Aama which I made when I was in Nepal. I feel very lucky to have such family.

You just talk about family. Are you married?

(Smile..) actually not yet. But thinking about it. I became busy with my study, school and my father has been sick for long time.

So, whom do you want to be your life partner – Nepali girl or native girl?

Not fixed. I don’t know either. But anyone could be. It all depends on time. You know ..Nidhar maa je lekheko huncha..hehe

What are you currently busy with?

Oh, I am here for summer vacation. I am the principal of Sequoyah School, Pasadena – California. I am also about to finish my PHD. I am also involved in an education project here.

How do you manage your time to be here every now and then?
Oh yeah! It’s too far from my country but still I tried to be here every year during the summer vacation. I just find peace, and humanity here. People are really wonderful. I feel like I have my two lands and two families.

Are you planning any new venture musically?

Still not. This time also I will be staying for a month only and I am busy with my own education project. I am just staying Kathmandu for two or three days because i will have to go Shankhuwasava. I am here to open a library in the memory of my father. And than,have to get back. Next year, I could think about musical venture.

Any last words for your fans and the viewer of Fursad.com?

Thank you Susma for this wonderful interview. It’s been great speaking with Fursad.com as well. More than anything, I really want to thank every Nepalese for their beautiful and warmth love and support.