Friday, September 13, 2019

Biography of Aruna Lama

This website is dedicated to Narayan Gopal. To make this website complete, biographies of other artists who had worked with Narayan Gopal are also being added. Here is the biography of legendary singer Aruna Lama:

BIOGRAPHY OF ARUNA LAMA 

Personal
Date of birth: 9th September 1945
Place of birth: Darjeeling,India. 
Spouse/ Partner: Sharan Pradhan
Father Name: Surya Bahadur Lama
Mothers Name: Sanmaya Lama
Education :
Mungpoo Primary School, Jalapahar, St Teresa’s 1956. Completed Graduation in Arts from Darjeeling Govt. College
Occupation :
Worked as Assistant Teacher in St Alphonsus (1965),Worked as Inspector of The Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare till 1997
Achievements/Awards :
Sangit Puraskar (1966)
Sur Sringar Sammelan Puraskar (1966)
Mitrasen Puraskar (Asam Nepali Sahitya /Sanskritik Parisha,Dibrugarh (1975)
Dishari Puraskar (Kolkata 1980)
Bhanu Academy Puraskar (Darjeeling 1982)
Nepali Chalchitra Puraskar (Maiti Ghar 1983)
Chinnlata Gett Puraskar (Kathmandu-Nepal 1992)
Urvashi Rang Puraskar (Kathmandu-Nepal 1992)
Mitrasen Sangeet Puraskar (Gangtok-Sikkim 1995)
Gorkha Dakshin Bahu 4th (Kathmandu-Nepal 1996)
Sadhna Puraskar (Kathmandu-Nepal)
Nightingale of the Hills-Hindustan Recording Sangsthan-Kolkata
Swar Kinnari-Sitaram Sahitya Pratisthan ,(Kathmandu-Nepal)
Swar Samagri-Arunanjali Programme(Kathmandu-Nepal)
Accolades and Programmes : Raag Rajat(Rajat Jayanti) Gorkha Rangamanch - Darjeeling 1981
Arunanjali- Pragya Bhawan-Kathmandu-Nepal
Aruna Lama Swarnim Saanjh-Pragya Bhawan-Kathmandu-Nepal
Biography of Aruna Lama

Biography Summary

Aruna Lama was one of the most renowned and talented singers of Nepal. Because of her popularity and her voice, she is also known as “Swar Samraagi”. She is most popular for her sentimental songs than romantic ones. She has chosen songs that touch the heart and help the listener reflect on their sorrow. Like her songs, Aruna Lama's own life was full of sorrow and mishaps.

Early life of Aruna Lama:

Aruna Lama was born a daughter of Surya Bahadur Lama and Sanmaya. She was born on September 9, 1945 (2002, Bhadra 24 B.S) in Darjeeling, India. Because of her voice, she became quite popular in the in the locality. She charmed her listeners and soon she became known as the Nightingale of the Hills. 
Aruna was inspired by her uncle CB Lama to start singing in her early life. She started singing at the early age of seven. She won a Music Competition organized by the Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sangh in the year 1956 at the age of 11. Later, renowned singer Ambar Gurung groomed her from 1958.

Middle Life of Aruna Lama:

Aruna Lama got married in her teens to Saran Pradhan a musician, lyricist and composer. After getting married on on 9th July, 1963 she became so busy with her married life. She had little time to devote to singing. Musicians and artists requested Aruna to get back into singing. She sang to the music composition by Karma Yonzon, Gopal Yonzon, Ambar Gurung , Shanti Thatal, Narayan Gopal, Mani Kamal Chettri, Dibya Khaling and others. Soon se became one of the most sought after female singers of all time.
But, at the midnight of 1974 May-4th she lost her beloved husband. She was left alone to to support herself and her two children. She struggled through the difficulties in her life. She started to work at the Chit fund from where she soon found work at The Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare Office. She served the office till the end of her life in 1998. 
Being a strong willed person, Aruna Lama continued her musical journey along with her job. 

Later Life of Aruna Lama:

Aruna Lama passed away on the 4th February, 1998. Although she is no longer with us, her voice lives on and her memories remains in the hearts of the Nepalese people.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Biography & a rare interview of Narayan Gopal

This is a report about a rare interview of Narayan Gopal and his biography. It has already been almost 30 years since the death of the legendary singer. The video also features artists at the time of last goodbye of the singer.

You can see how young the popular artists were at the time. Noted artists include Madan Krishan Shrestha, Hari Bamsha Acharya, Nir Shah, Suryamala Sharma and others. 

Monday, June 24, 2019

Albums of Narayan Gopal and the start of his music career

Main albums of Narayna Gopal:

  • Geeti Shrandanjali Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 & Part 4 (4 volumes) 
  • Swarnim Sandhya - Part 1 & Part 2 (2 volumes)
  • Priyasika Yaadharu
  • Premko Mala
  • Manchheko Maya
  • Malai Nasodha
  • Laligurash Bhayachhu
  • Aljhechha kyare
  • Timro Manma 
  • Giti Yatra - Part 1
  • Narayan Gopal Ka Aadhunik Geetharu (Part 1 to Part 9 - 9 volumes)
  • Malati Mangale (Lyrical Play)
Narayna Gopal started singing while he was studying in Trichandra College. On the 40th anniversary of the college, Narayan Gopal performed for the first time in a public program. He didn't sing in the program - he was the Tabala-player in the performance.

The first person who identified his singing talent was his friend Manikratna Stapit. Manikratna used to live in Pyukha Tole, near Kilagal where Narayan Gopal used to live. Nearby, in Bheda Singh, Prem Dhoj Pradhan used to live. These three talents used to meet and sing together.

Narayan Gopal used to sing Hindi songs by changing the words, for fun. He was more into Tabala playing. Manak Ratna's uncle, Siddhi Ratna was a musician. His house was like a music school. They could experiment all types of music in Manik Ratna's place. But, Narayan Gopal's home was more into classic music. Narayan Gopal's father, Asha Gopal Guruwacharya has banned modern music in his home. He used to consider the modern music too light and lack-luster. But, Narayan Gopal liked modern music.

Prem and Mank had started to compose their own songs and had started singing. Narayan Gopal wanted to do a new style of singing. He asked his friend Ratna Shumsher Thapa to write six songs for him. Out of them he sang, four songs alone and two were duet songs. These were the songs:

  1. Sworgai Rani 
  2. Aankha ko Bhakha Aankhalile
  3. Bho bho malai nachheka
  4. Madhumashma yo dil 
  5. Bichod ko Pida
  6. A Kanchha Thattaima Yo Baish 

These songs were recorded in Calcutta of India. These songs established Narayan Gopal as a credible singer of Nepal.

At the time when the East-West highway was undergoing construction - Narayan Gopal sang "Jaga Jaga Chamka He Naujawana ho ..."

That was how Narayan Gopal started his singing career.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Full List of songs by Narayan Gopal

Narayan Gopal is known as one of the few singers in Nepal who had gained popularity by singing a very few songs. It is reported that, he had only sung a couple of hundred songs and most of them are hit songs.
Here is a list of songs I have collected so far by the singer. There are 120 songs in the list so far (out of 136 songs he had recorded - please comment which are the missing 16 songs, so that I can update the list). Although Narayan Gopal had given voice to more than 500 songs, only 137 songs were recorded. He was considered the first singer who took singing as a full-time career.
  1. Aaja Bholi Dukhdaina Goda Maine Kando Teke Pani (Malati Magnale)
  2. Aaja Bholi Harek Saajh
  3. Aajai Ra Rati Ke Dekhe Sapana
  4. Aakhako Bhaka Aakhaile
  5. Aama Timilai Jangalbhari
  6. Aljhechha Kyare Pachyauri
  7. Ankha Chopi Na Rou
  8. Aparadha Gare Anjanama
  9. Bachi Dinchhu Timrai Nimti
  10. Bahini Ko Daya Chha Bhane
  11. Basi Ramro Deurali
  12. Bho Bho Nasodha
  13. Bichhod Ko Pida Nasaki Khapna
  14. Bipana Nabhai Bachidine
  15. Birahi Maya Adhuro Rahayo Birsanu Kasari
  16. Biratao Chino Bira Ko Santan
  17. Birsera Jau Kasari Aaja
  18. Birsera Pheri Malai Nahera
  19. Bujhanai Sakina Timile
  20. Chhoriko Janma Hareko Karma
  21. Chinari Hamro Dherai Purano Bhaye
  22. Chumera Pana Bhari
  23. Duita Phool Deurali Ma
  24. E Kancha Thattaima
  25. E Malai Maya Garchu
  26. Euta Mancheko Mayale Kati
  27. Galti Hajara Hunchhan
  28. Ghar Ta Mero
  29. He Chyanti Nani Kasto
  30. Himal Sari Ma agli Rahechhu
  31. Janmanu Parchha Hareka Manisa
  32. Janmera Kokhama Kasaiko
  33. Jeevan Dekhi Dherai Dherai Nai Thakera
  34. Jhareko Pata Jhai Bhayo Ujada
  35. Jharyo Jindagi Phutyo Jindagi
  36. Jhutha Pani Yati Mitho Bolera
  37. Jindagani Goretoma Ghama
  38. Jiwan Dekhi Dherai
  39. Jiwanako Hareka Modama
  40. Jun Phool Maile
  41. Kahile Kahi Ma Haschhu
  42. Kasari Ma Bhule K Ma Ma Bhule
  43. Kasturi Hai Basa
  44. Kati Ramro Desha Hamro
  45. Kehi Chotale Gyani Hunchha
  46. Kehi Mitho Baat Gara
  47. Kina Naboleko Laula Maya Bhaneko
  48. Lau Suna Ma Bhanchu
  49. Luku Luku Lagyo Malai (with Tara Devi)
  50. Ma Kasari Bhanu Yo
  51. Ma Mare Pani
  52. Ma Ta Lali
  53. Madhumasako Yo Dilako Baga
  54. Maile Gayeko Gitama
  55. Malai Chodi Mero
  56. Malai Jindagi Yo Lagdachha
  57. Malai Maf Garideu Mera Lobhi Nazar
  58. Malai Na Sodha Kahan
  59. Manchheko Maya Yaha Kholako
  60. Mandirma Chha Ki Murtima Maya
  61. Mata Lali Gurasha Bhayechhu
  62. Mauna Chhu Aashu Pie
  63. Maya Garneko
  64. Mayako Aadharama Samjhauta
  65. Mera Gita Ma Ubheko
  66. Mera Sabai Rata Aba
  67. Mero Aakha Bhijaune
  68. Mero Aakhalai Rakhane
  69. Mero Behosi Aaja Mero
  70. Mero Geet Merai Paratibimba Hoina
  71. Mero Jowana Laijau
  72. Mero Katha Khali Pinjadama
  73. Mero Yo Gitama Juna
  74. Mohani Lagla Hai
  75. Paap Punya Kasale Garyo
  76. Pahada Ko Mathi Mathi
  77. Pahadako Mathi Mathi
  78. Parkhi Base Aaula Bhani
  79. Parkhi Basen Aaula
  80. Pipalaile Paluwa Pherana
  81. Piuda Piudai Jindagi
  82. Piunda Piundai Jindagi Yo
  83. Pokhiyera Ghamko Jhulka
  84. Premako Mala Pahirai Diye
  85. Preyasi Ka Yaad Haru
  86. Priyasika Yaadharu
  87. Sabaile Rijhau Bhanda
  88. Sagara Bhari Chhati Chirai
  89. Sanai Hurima Baishako Sapana
  90. Sandhai Bhari Ma Hasi
  91. Sara Dina Arulai Bade
  92. Saunako Jhari Bani
  93. Shikhara Bhane Kaha
  94. Siri ma siri
  95. Sraddhako Phool Chadai
  96. Swargaki Rani Mayaki Khani
  97. Timi Deu Ya Nadeu
  98. Timi Ek Phool Hau Bhane
  99. Timi Jun Rahar Le
  100. Timi Jun Rahar Le Mama
  101. Timilai Bhulda Akalo Bhayechhu
  102. Timilai Dekhda Rahara
  103. Timilai Ma Ke Bhanu
  104. Timile Malai Samjhane
  105. Timile Pani Ma Jastai
  106. Timile Vaneka Sara Deva Chhoyera
  107. Timro Jasto Mutu
  108. Timro Jasto Mutu Mero Pani
  109. Timro Maanama Lukeko Kura
  110. Yaha Bachne Hara Jiwanalai
  111. Yasai Gari Bitaidinchhu
  112. Yati Chokho Yati Mitho
  113. Yati Dherai Maya Dee
  114. Ye Kanchha Thattai Yo Baisa
  115. Ye Malai Maya Garchhau
  116. Yeti Dherai Maya Diyee
  117. Yo Kasto Byatha Ho Maanama
  118. Yo Mausam Yo Hariyali
  119. Yo Mutulai Kasari
  120. Yo Samjhine Maan Cha 
More songs - Malati Mangale Musical songs - Jaga Lamka Chamka He Nawajawan Ho Narayan Gopal would hardly sing in films but when he did the film would be a blockbuster. - Hijo Aaja Bholi (1968) - Parivartan (1971) - Man Ko Bandh (1974) - Sindoor (1980) - Badlido Aakash (1983) - Lahure (1998) - Chot (1990) - Kosheli (1990) - Chino (1991) - Maya (1991) - Kanchhi (1991) - Dakshina (1994) Narayan Gopal was awarded several national honours which include (all dates in Bikram Sambat): -Best Composition (Radio Nepal) – 2023 B.S. -Best Singer (Radio Nepal) – 2024 B.S. -Ratna Record Award – 2039 B.S. -Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Fourth – 2033 B.S. -Indra Rajya Laxmi Award – 2040 B.S. -Chhinalata Award – 2044 B.S. -Jagadamba Shree – 2045 B.S. -Urbashi Rang Award – 2047 B.S. -Trishakti Patta, Third – 2048 B.S. (posthumously) -Narayan gopal singing award-1969 -Maha Ujwaol Rastradeep awards from the President of Nepal on 2021 (posthumously)

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

'Malai Nasodha ...' was written on a cigarette packet found on the street

According to musician Deepak Jangam: Lyricist Hari Bhakta Katuwal wrote the lyrics of 'Malai Nasodha Kaha Dukha Ghau' on a cigarette packet paper found on the street at Kamaladi. The well known lyricist then handed over the paper to Deepak Jangam, Narayan Gopal, Ambar Gurung and Shanti Thatal to compose the music. Later, Narayan Gopal decided to compose the music to the song and sang it in his own voice. The song is one of the most popular songs of Narayan Gopal.

Jangam says Hari Bhakta Katuwal was one and the only lyrics who used to write lyrics in consideration with the meter of music and the tunes. He told, he hasn't met another lyricist of that level yet.

It is going to be the 83rd birth anniversary of Lyricist Hari Bhakta Katuwal in July 2, 2018. He had died in his 40s (in 2037 BS).




Katuwal is popular for his simple but meaningful poems. Songs like Daali Daalima, Pokhiyera Ghaam ko Jhulka and Malai Nasodha Kaha Dukchha Ghaau are some of the most popular songs of the lyricist.

Baa!
Pathshala janna ma
Itihaas padayienchha tyaha mareka dinharuko


translates into:

Dad!
I won't to to school
they teach history of the days that have already died.

***
Mann ta phalamkai bhaye asal hunchha
Na ghaat pratighaat
ma runchha
Na sayapatri ra babari le mann chhunchha
Mann ta phalamkai bhaye asal hunchha

Born in Assam, India, Katuwal migrated to Kathmandu because of the flooding in Assam.

Katuwal’s some famous works include — Yo jindagi khai k jindagi, Badnaam mera ye aankhaharu (collection of poem and songs), Spastikaran (story collection), Hari Bhaktaka Rachanaharu (poetry, songs and muktak collection). Apart from the written works, 36 of his songs have also been recorded.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

27th remembrance day of Narayan Gopal held

On December 5, 2017 the 27th remembrance day of Narayan Gopal was held in places all over the world. The fans of the singer listened to his songs and remembered the greatest singer of Nepali music industry.

Born on 1996 BS in Kilagal, Kathmandu, Narayan Gopal died on Mangsir 19, 2047. He had given voice to about 135 songs in his lifetime. He had also given voice to some of the well known film songs of his time.

Narayan Gopal was shy about his singing and he was forcefully taken to do the vocal test in Radio Nepal. It was Manikratna Sthapit and Prem Dhoj Pradhan who created the music for the song he sang for the test. He had passed vocal test on 2020 BS.

Although Narayan Gopal had given voice to very few songs in his lifetime, all of his songs are special in their own way.


A rare photo of Narayan Gopal

Friday, December 1, 2017

Narayan Gopal, a tabala player

Vocal Test at Radio Nepal

Before starting singing and being established as a well known singer, Narayan Gopal used to be a Tabala player. He was really shy about singing. His close friends Manik Ratna and Prem Dhoj Pradhan knew his singing talents. So, they secretly submitted a vocal-test form to Radio Nepal. When it was time to go for the test, Narayan Gopal wasn't willing to go to Radio Nepal. Manik Ratna and Prem Dhoj had to forcefully take him to Radio Nepal.

That was the incident of around 2013 BS. The identity of Narayan Gopal changed as soon as he passed the vocal test.