Imagination Bunu Rai Manandhar | Feature

Micros and local buses are playing her songs. Almost everyone in the country is singing along to the chorus of 'Korera Prem Patra'. It can only mean one thing. Bunu Rai Manandhar's debut album, Imagination, is taking the charts by storm. Who would have thought a Darjeeling native who came to Kathmandu to pursue a singing career, would, 20 years later, release her dream album?

'Imagination' has all the elements of what Nepali pop music used to be until remixes dominated the industry. Though there are hints of experimentation, Imagination stays true to its roots and portrays Bunu as a matured artist with a 'never give up' attitude. 'Korera Prem Patra' featuring Kamal Khatri (who penned and composed the song) has to be the best song from the album and can be summed up in one word. Catchy. When the song was played in the office, anyone who walked past the cabin were going "Timro maya ma, maya ma. Timro chaaya ma, chaaya ma." Another track worth mentioning is 'Kalpana Ma'. The song, together with the direction of the music video, is simple and fuss-free. Bunu's tone of voice has magic in it and doesn't irritate a listener like other nasally Nepali female singers do.

If you need convincing when it comes to Nepali music, then 'Imagination' is the album to start with. It is as genuine as it gets.

4 stars