Entertainment
From Darjeeling with love
The upcoming edition of the Paleti music series will host singer/composer Shanti Thatal. Thatal, who has composed and sung classics such as Udi Jaau Bhane and Samhaalera Rakha, is one of the most prominent singers representing the early days of modern Nepali music.The upcoming edition of the Paleti music series will host singer/composer Shanti Thatal. Thatal, who has composed and sung classics such as Udi Jaau Bhane and Samhaalera Rakha, is one of the most prominent singers representing the early days of modern Nepali music.
Paleti series, which is being organised since 2005, is hosting the veteran singer for the fifth time now.
Besides composing and singing adhunik songs, many of which she collaborated with late Amber Gurung, Thatal, Nepal’s first female music director, has also provided score for a clutch of films and plays, such as Paralko Aago, Bachna Chahane Haru, Muna Madan, Kunjini and Mendo, among others.
Thatal also has to her credit a cantata—a medium-length narrative piece of music for voices with instrumental accompaniment, typically with solos, chorus, and orchestra—which was composed based on poet Ishwor Ballav’s creation, which she performed during the 2012 edition of Paleti. This particular rendition of cantata is no longer in existence, like many of Thatal’s other tunes.
Musician and co-ordinator of Paleti, Aavaas, regards this loss as unfortunate.
“It is unfortunate to see legendary works of legendary musicians remain unnoticed and cease to exist in archives. One of the foremost aims of Paleti has been to archive such creations and save it for the future generation. We hope Shanti didi recalls the tunes, and comes back to us to archive it,” says Aavaas. “Once she is ready, we will be happy to host another Paleti session with her.”
The upcoming session of Paleti is slated to see Shanti Thatal as a composer, with her compositions to be rendered by singers Meena Niraula and Sonu Rai, a Darjeeling-based singer.
Speaking about her comeback in Nepal and at Paleti, singer Thatal says, “I am glad to be back in Nepal. Paleti has reconnected the musical cord between Nepal and Darjeeling, which had remained abandoned for many years. I am glad that paleti has continued to do that.” Thatal adds, “After retirement, Paleti re-energised me to continue music. It was 2006 when I first came here to perform and each time it remains a challenge to perform something new.”
Speaking about the upcoming show, Paleti co-ordinator Aavaas says, “We are humbled to be hosting Shanti didi for the fifth time. Her dedication and contribution to music, for about six decades, deserves a celebration. This edition of Paleti will be that celebration.”
The Paleti team comprises of musicians Dinesh Regmi (on keys), Buddha Lama (on the flute), Sundar Maharjan (on percussions), Sandesh Maharjan (on the tabala) and Suraj Pradhan (on the guitar).
The upcoming edition of Paleti will take place at Nepalaya’s r-shala, on June 30..