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| Bipul Chhettri in Gangtok |
Chhettri is a singer and songwriter from Kalimpong who currently heads the Art Department at Vasant Valley School, New Delhi.
He recently launched his debut album ‘Sketches of Darjeeling’ and to promote the album, he is officially on his ‘lai bari lai’ tour. Sikkim is second on his itinerary and before coming here Chhetri performed in Kathmandu and soon plans to do so in Delhi and Kolkata as well.
Interacting with media persons before his show, the singer said his connection with music is since his childhood. His father NM Chhettri is a musician and CM Ghishing, Chhetri’s music teacher, supported and helped him throughout.
“I am very deeply rooted with my culture and therefore, I chose folk music as the genre for my first album. However, I am looking forward to explore other genres as well,” said Chhetri.
The response to his new album was overwhelming all across the world and Chhetri is very thankful to everyone for loving his songs. He also said Nepali music has a good future as Nepali culture has a lot of potential in terms of expressions.
“Music is not the source of income for me, rather it is my passion. My aim is not to become famous. I sing because I love to and I feel music is the journey of my life and it’s this that inspires me to sing,” explained Chhetri.
If he gets a chance, Chhetri would love to work with AR Rahman besides local artistes such as Albert Gurung, Girish and the Chronicles and Still Waters.
“Don’t keep yourself limited; come outside and explore your talents,” is his advice to all up-coming talents.
The story behind Chhetri’s debut album is pretty interesting. During the first months of last year, a song titled ‘Dadhelo’ (wildfire) had gone viral on the internet. The awesome response gave birth to his ‘Sketches of Darjeeling’. The album comprises six songs inspired by life around the hills of Darjeeling. It has a blend of Nepali folk music and contemporary Western elements.
Source: EOI
