HOT PROPERTY: RAJU LAMA

The singer with boyish charms is back in the country to serenade his fans with a new album.

by PRAVAT J GURUNG

FROM ISSUE # 156 (December 2008) | IN THIS ISSUE
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ANUP PRAKASH

Raju Lama is back in town! Fans and media have been going gaga over Raju Lama as he returned home some weeks back. This proves how popular he was and that's what he thought as well. He said "We were tagged as celebrities back then but really didn't feel like one. But when I went to the US and spent time there, I seemed to have been the topic of discussion here, which felt good in a way, knowing that you are famous but then the media was, I think, too harsh on me without knowing the truth and published stories of me going underground and all."

He justifies and gives answer to all those speculations by saying, "I had no plans of staying back but I had to for a reason, which I did, but in a legal way. I was in no way an illegal immigrant." So what brought him back home? "Making music is my passion and that's the reason why I came back, to create music," he says adding, "of course there is no place like home." Currently busy with his album, which is being marketed and produced by Music Nepal, concerts and promotions, he plans to release the album in March or April next year. He also has plans to do shows in the Big Apple, New York and tour Europe after which he will head back home again and release his much anticipated album.

When inquired what all he did in the US, Raju said his most memorable moment was when he performed at the Capitol Hill and performed in front of Dalai Lama, Richard Gere, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi and many other known figures. He was proud to have represented Nepal there and was content when the Dalai Lama bestowed a dhaka  topi on him (in the picture). He said, "Whatever happened in the past has happened and I don't regret it. In fact, I am happy to have represented Nepal in such a venue where no one has till date got a chance and who knows if other Nepali ever will?" Artists disappearing saga in the US was all high some years back and to that Raju answered back saying that he can't state why other artists disappear in the US but his situation was completely different and difficult. "It's not easy living in the US but yes, money can be a factor."

He seemed very happy returning home and was overwhelmed by people's appreciation. He was also happy to find out that he was among the top 3 singers in the Caller Back Ring Tones (CRBT) list. Raju Lama's next leg of his tour is at Jawalkhel Ground on 6 December and in Dharan on 20 December. Swing by www.rajulama.com.np for information and updates.