Entertainment
He’s still got it: Dhiraj Rai
Dhiraj Rai has been active in the Nepali music scene for more than two decades now.You have tried your hand at many things. Which do you enjoy the most?
Actually, I enjoy all of them because they are quite related. They all need imagination and creativity, so I don’t find a single dull moment in any of these professions. But since it is through music that people recognised and loved me, I enjoy it the most and will always continue doing it.
You seem to have a busy schedule. What is your normal day like?
My day usually starts at 5 in the morning. After going out on a walk for about half an hour, I immediately leave for college. After finishing the classes, I get back home, have my lunch and then leave for my office. I get busy in planning the entire day. Then after 5, I make sure I have some time for myself so that I can meet friends. Also, I leave some time for music. Even though composing music depends entirely on my mood, I practice something or the other every day.
Is there any particular place that you like to hang out with your friends?
I am a nature lover, so I love going to places where there is a river or to some scenic place. I’ve been to most places on the outskirts of Kathmandu and I never get tired of visiting them again and again. I like Nagarkot, Fulchowki and Lele, among others.
What about your other interests? Say, films, books…
I love watching films, especially the ones with superheroes. I’m really fond of Captain America and Spider-man. I thoroughly enjoy watching sci-fi films as well. Other than films, I like to watch documentaries. I also enjoy watching the programmes on National Geographic.
As far as books go, I usually like to read novels. I’m not really fond of reading poems. Other than the books related to the course materials, I like to read any interesting book that I can get a hold of. I recently finished reading Seto Dharti by Amar Neupane. I also loved reading Karnali Blues by Buddhisagar and Palpasa Café by Narayan Wagle. At present, I’m reading Rajan Mukarung’s Damini Bhir. It has been an interesting read so far.
What kinds of music do you prefer?
Even though I’ve been singing pop songs, I love listening to rock music. I’m a huge fan of Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Jimi Hendrix. Their music has inspired me a lot. Other than that, I like listening to Led Zeppelin, the Doors, Gun N’ Roses, Queen, Pink Floyd and the Beatles as well.
You are known for your style. You must be quite up-to-date about fashion trends?
I do keep myself updated about fashion, and at the same time I try to bring variation in what I wear and how I perform. I think an artist should keep changing his style and adapt to all kinds of situations. So I usually buy what I like and what I feel comfortable wearing. I don’t even mind buying from random places if the material is good enough. I’m brand conscious only when it comes to shoes. Bossini, Nike and Reebok are some of my favourite brands.
One habit that you don’t like about yourself?
That would be procrastination. I always keep my works pending and I have to rush through them later. I hate that habit and would like to change it if I could.
Are you a gadget freak?
Not at all. My cell phone and laptop are the only gadgets that I cannot do without. I do like to buy guitars, though. Every time I go to new country, I like to get one. The last one I bought was a Gibson guitar, in Canada. I have managed to collect four guitars so far.
What do you think is your biggest nightmare?
Losing my voice would be the biggest nightmare. And yes, I like to perform, interact with the audience and enjoy singing to the crowd. So if somebody would ask me to just sit and sing, without performing, that would also be a nightmare.
What kinds of food do you like to eat?
I love Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Newari dishes. I love spicy food and don’t prefer sweet stuff much. There’s this place in Basantapur where you get very good momos, and I have been going there for a long time now; I never get tired of eating those momos. Even though I love trying new food, I hate cooking. Except for making tea and coffee, I cook nothing.
Is there anything you want to do in your lifetime?
I have always wanted to promote Nepali music in the international market, and finally I have got that opportunity. BVBA Records from Belgium has been releasing albums by international artists, so I’m also doing an album Buddha Was Born in Nepal with them. It consists of six songs, which are all sung in English. I’ve only released the title song so far and the entire album wi ll be releasing in Dashain.
What are your upcoming plans?
I’ve been busy with musical tours. Actually, I’m on a world tour promoting the theme ‘Buddha Was Born in Nepal’. I recently came back from a tour of Canada, South Korea and Qatar. Now I’ll be going to the UK and the US. I’m also planning to release a book Mero Bishwo Bhraman: Nepali Pop Sanga. The book, which is based on my experiences, will also be out in Dashain.