Chirag Bangdel

by SUVECKSHYA SHAH

FROM ISSUE # 51 (March 2000) | IN THIS ISSUE
	REFER TO FRIEND		PRINT THIS ARTICLE

Chirag was born in July 9th 1971. He was educated in Lewis English School, Darjeeling, India. He was engaged in various forms of art and literature activities during his school days and has won many awards. He had a quiet childhood with his parents and his brother. He spent his time reading books and novels and developed his love for English language. He passed out from school in 1987.

After his schooling, he came to Kathmandu and studied in Amrit Science College. During those days, he was very much into music and wanted to be a rock star. Not surprisingly, he even had a band called Hell 'n Out. He also freelanced for many magazines during that time and also started writing poetry.

Chirag on His First Venture
"Once a person gets creative, he can create in any manner. Most of the artists I know are good musicians!" Chirag says. He feels he is a creative person and loves doing creative things. In 1997 he conceptualized, produced and directed a weekly television youth magazine called Just Anything aired on Young Nepal Television. Chirag himself anchored the show. He recalls, "This program was for the youth of Nepal, to promote, present motivate and salute young ideas." He says that had no idea about television, script, camera or sets, but he felt he had hit bulls eye in the dark as it was one of the first shows on Young Nepal Television. Since 1998, he has been producing television documentaries under World View Television.

Chirag - a Teacher
Chirag got into teaching after his ICSE. His parents had opened Alpine High School and he is now the Principal of this school and teaches English in classes 9 and 10. Chirag has been teaching for past 14 years. He says, "I don't believe in conventional way of teaching. I go to the class and begin with the latest happenings in town or with a guitar note and make my class enjoyable and interesting."

Chirag - an Artist
Chirag says his grandfather Lain Singh Bangdel has been a great source of inspiration to him. He was delighted in the splash of colors used by his grandfather on canvas. Most of his paintings are figurative, depicting Eastern motifs. Chirag loves the impressionists like Monet and Van Gogh. He is also inspired by painters like Picasso. He likes M F Hussain as well. He feels that Indian and Nepalese painters feel the same essence in painting because of similar lifestyle, similar pain and hunger they feel. Chirag wishes to portray Nepal and Nepalese culture in his paintings. His first painting exhibition titled Figures in Hues was held at Hotel De'l Annapurna on 29th to 31st October 1999. The exhibition was a success as he received positive comments and appreciation from all. Chirag is now working on his second exhibition.

Chirag - a Poet
"I like the poems of contemporary writers and I'm influenced by American writers and Indian English writers like Rabindranath Tagore." Chirag feels that many people can write but they limit it to certain people and do not expose it. He says, "Art and poems are meant to be shown for its critical appreciation." In 1997, Chirag published But To Dream - a collection of twelve of his poems. He says his poems are based on simple themes and simple language. The book was also featured in two poetry meets and one of the poems was published in Pen and Ink. Chirag is now working on his second book of poems. He feels that modern literature is coming up and takes pride in being one of many poets of Nepal.

Chirag on Air
Chirag has been working as an RJ in KATH 97.9 FM. "I feel FM is very local and via FM, I can reach to the whole of Kathmandu." Chirag feels that he can create a vibe between himself and his listeners. He does a show called Saturday Brunch, which comes every Saturday from 10 to 12 noon. "I get to experiment with the show," he says. In the first one hour of the program, he reads news and happenings and in the second half, he gets a guest who are usually other young achievers. Another show he does is KATH Carnival, which features top 20 Nepali, Hindi and English songs.

Chirag - as himself
Chirag, when asked to describe himself, says he is a creative, fun loving, nature loving and talkative person. He identifies himself as Chirag Bangdel and not as an RJ, an artist or a Principal. "Just because I am an RJ doesn't mean I cannot paint and because I have the ability and flare for it, why not?" He says that once in a while everybody writes down his feelings in a paper, he took a step forward and published it.

Chirag - A Singer?
Chirag, the man of many talents, says that one can still expect him to do anything creative. He also has great passion for music and has recorded a few songs. For him his happiness is of prime importance and his job, music and poem does give him happiness and sense of satisfaction. If he feels like doing something, he does not hesitate. He is a patriotic person. He wants people to clean our country and help people keep our country clean. "Since we live once, we must make the best of it and be content with what we do," he says. "If one thinks he enjoys doing something, he must go ahead and do it." For Chirag painting is like watching television, on a white sheet of paper he feels one can freak out and splash colors and create something. "If one is creative, he must show his creativity. If one feels he is not good enough, he is wrong. He need not hesitate to have his music recorded or have his poetry published or have an art exhibition, as it may be just a fine beginning to a better future."