Breaking the monopoly of Indian singers in playback singing in Nepali films, and becoming a favourite among producers, directors and music directors, Rajesh Payal Rai has completed twenty successful years in musical industry.
 Jagat Ambu Gurung |
In his two decade long singing career, Rajesh Payal Rai has faced one obstacle after another to reach where he is now- at the top, leaving behind many other singers in the race. Having sung more than 300 Nepali film songs alone, Rai has also lent his voice to many folk, contemporary, and pop songs pushing the total number of songs to around 1200. The versatile singer has been awarded everything from Hits, Image, Annapurna and Kalika FM awards to the Narayan Gopal Sangeet award and Chinalta music award. 15 years after the release of his first album 'Murchana', Rajesh Payal Rai touched new heights by singing in films. Off late, he has been in the news for turning into a music composer, actor and releasing albums in different languages. Rajesh Payal Rai has composed music for nine films and a dozen other contemporary songs and turned into an actor with the movie 'Gundaraj.'
In April this year, Rai released four albums simultaneously, a feat that according to him, only he has achieved and also released a book titled 'Voices of Rajesh Payal Rai'. "Guinness World Record has sent me two letters already. If I get the third, then I will be considered for a nomination in the Guinness. Once I get the nomination, I hope to see my name make it to record books," he says.
His four new albums comprise of 'Made in Nepal', a patriotic album, 'Murchana 2', a contemporary album, 'Jadau 3', a fusion- collection of folk songs, and 'Aa Sewaro' a Limbu language album.
From 'Gau' to the city
Rai came to Kathmandu when he was 14 and fulfilled his dream of seeing Radio Nepal, which he often listened to in his village in Khotang. A keen singer, Rai didn't hesitate from giving a voice test during his visit to Radio Nepal which he passed. A ninth grader at the time, Rai was ecstatic when he got to sing on the radio and returned home, overjoyed. After finishing his SLC exams from his village Bhuipa, Rai shifted to Dharan.
While in Dharan, Rai found plenty of opportunities to explore his talent. His first song 'Samjhana ko kura nagara' was recorded in this eastern town. "My dream to make a big name for myself was born during an event in Mahendra Campus in 1990 where I was singing in front of ten thousand people," he says. Soon he started getting offers to sing at musical events. His first solo concert was also held in Dharan in 1994. The same year he released his first album 'Murchana' which saw his popularity soar. His other albums 'Purwa ma rang Chadecha', 'Just for you', 'Baiguni raichau mayalu', 'Love letter', 'Nigaha', 'Jadau,''Kamana', 'Darshan namaste', 'Rai is king', 'Made in Nepal' soon followed.
It seems Rai loves setting records. Nine years ago, he set a record by recording nine songs in one day. After setting another one this year by releasing four different genres of album simultaneously, Rai is now gearing up to create an album where he will be singing in all the major languages of Nepal. At the moment, the singer is busy preparing for the release of his Newari album 'Jojo Lapa.' After Newari, he plans to make albums in Gurung, Rai, Magar, Maithili language. Rai has been asked to record a Bhojpuri album 'Sheela K Jawaani' by Indian music company T- Series which he sees as an immense opportunity.
"The reason why I am doing well is because I can sing all types of song," says Rai. A straightforward, no-nonsense guy, the veteran singer doesn't believe in buttering people. Because of this attitude, he has often been called arrogant. "I don't see myself that way. I always say what I think and don't know how to please people. I am successful and have reached this stage because of my talent and that is why I don't fear anyone," he says.
Recording more than dozen songs a month, Rai charges Rs10, 000 for a song and says he is busy almost every day recording different types of songs.
I won't make the same mistakes
Three years ago, news about Rai suffering from paralysis rocked the industry. His condition was critical, but after undergoing physiotherapy, his health improved significantly. Even though he had trouble moving his hands and legs, he recorded songs for 'Hifajat', 'Badshah', 'Dhoka', 'Mard' and many other Nepali films during this time. After this major health crisis, Rai decided to change his lifestyle, and quit alcohol and cigarettes. Even now, Rai goes for physiotherapy every day. "I used to get together with my friends, eat, drink continuously and this would go on for the entire night. While our gatherings used to be fun, they were very harmful for my health. I have learnt my lesson. I will never smoke or drink again and won't make the same mistakes," he confesses.
Remembering those wild times with friends he says, "I was a very relaxed guy. If I earned Rs 15,000 a day, I would spent it all on the very same day. Looking back, I think I must have spent around 60 lakhs just eating, drinking and treating my friends."
In search of a partner
With a house in the capital and a successful career, the only thing missing from Rai's life is a life partner. "For the next one and half year I will be busy with my albums and events. After that I have promised my parents to tie the knot. I haven't found a girl yet so it might be a love marriage or an arranged one, who knows?" he admits.
Asked what he is looking for in a spouse, he explains, "I want somebody who will understand me, my music, my emotions, and someone who thinks of marriage as a lifelong commitment. I don't care about her caste or background."
As a singer, he must have a lot of admirers, I tell him. "I don't have a girlfriend but if somebody likes me and we get along, I am ready for marriage. If there is someone, then they can use WAVE as a medium to contact me," he concludes with a grin.
Musical journey
Started in: 2048 BS
Number of songs: more than 1200
Films: More than 300 (composed music for nine films)
Albums: 16
First album: Murchana (2052)
Latest albums: Made in Nepal, Murchana 2, Jadau -3, Aa Sewaro (2068)
Book: Voices of Rajesh Payal Rai, a chords collection
