Entertainment
Aina Aafai Bolchha, a book on Deuda culture, hits shelves
Acclaimed Deuda singer Narendra Raj Regmi has now come up with a book, Aina Aafai Bolchha, a memoir.Basant Pratap Singh
Acclaimed Deuda singer Narendra Raj Regmi has now come up with a book, Aina Aafai Bolchha, a memoir. The memoir recollects Regmi’s sudden ascent to fame, in the year 1989, when the singer released the song Chaeer Musi Chaeer, which was a putdown of the Panchayat regime at a time when the People’s Movement to usher in democracy was beginning to pick up pace. The song helped Regmi forge a career in Deuda music, which is especially popular in and around the Far-western region. Regmi has so far recorded over 400 songs.
Although a memoir that it is, Aina Aafair Bolchha also explores the socio-political changes that the country has undergone since 1990’s movement and its impacts in the lifestyle of the Far-Western region. Moreover, the book also offers brief accounts on the social ills such as Chhaupadi and other malpractices prevalent in the region even today.
Categorised under 13 different sections, the memoir balances the author’s personal musings and his viewpoint on the socio-economic issues such as global warming and environmental conservation, education system and health.
Regmi, who is also a member of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, says the book is an attempt to preserve the Deuda song and tradition. “The youth of today don’t care about Deuda and other similar traditions that boast a long and treasured history. I hope the book will prove fruitful to those who want to know about the history of Deuda and its place in our culture.”
Poet Rajendra Shah BP, calling the book a portrait of an era, said, “The book has come along at a time when the very Deuda culture is in the verge of extinction. It will go on to contribute to the Deuda culture. Moreover, the book is a rare achievement, as it bears a testament to Nepal’s history recorded from a unique perspective.”
The songs which the book includes are soon slated to be released through audio and video platforms, Regmi informed.