 ANUP PRAKASH |
My childhood
I was born in Kalabang village in Kaski district's Pungibhumdhi VDC. I have a younger brother and sister, grandmother, and parents. I loved isolation and always took a positive view of things. I'm still shy. I loved painting and had a bit of a reputation as an artist. For six years I was a boarder at Gandaki Boarding in Pokhara, then I came to Kathmandu, but went back to Pokhara's Amar Singh High School to sit SLC.
My music
I'm more of a music lover than a musician. Where there is music, people gather around and have fun. I've travelled a lot in Nepal and our folk music has had the greatest influence on me.
I used to help friends manage music programs. I love serious and modern Nepali music. When I was in college in the late 80s the trend was to form bands and cover English songs. I liked Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Doors, but I was more inclined towards Nepali music, which is why my friends and I formed Nepathya in 1990. I played guitar and began composing songs. I also play the harmonium and practice my vocals along with it. I never attended music school, but learnt to read notations from CB Chettri in 1990.
Love and family
Love happens inside. Physical relations aren't the big thing; love is understanding. It completes life. The heart does not get old. Whoever you love, do it with all your heart, don't be stingy with your passion. There's no mathematics involved, no calculation of profit or loss. I met my first love Nirmala Gurung at school. We dated for almost 11 years before getting married after finishing university. I have a six-year-old daughter.
Artists vs stars
You need devotion and honesty to be an artist. You have to be ready to sacrifice a lot too. It's difficult to be an artist, easy to be a star or celebrity. Art is about giving, not getting. If you are rewarded, good, but it isn't a business and you should have no regrets. Play commercially if you want money, but art is sacred. One life is not enough to be an artist. Nepal nowThere will be light after dark. We have crossed the worst phase. I am very hopeful. It will not change at once but it will take time. People accuse me of being too nationalistic, but I love my country. I've travelled all over Nepal and seen how beautiful it is, what potential we have. But you have to start with yourself, not depend on others to do something.
Future plans
The next album will be out in a year. It's been years since I wrote love songs. This time I'll compose romantic love songs.
