Young, talented and enthusiastic Puja Rai is the rising rocking Diva of Nepal. Her first debut album ‘Basanta’ is hitting the charts of all TV channels and FM stations these days. Her voice suits for being a rock-star. Enthusiastic syllabus start flying around as she talks with sound effects. She warns us at the outset,’ I am little bit lazy, so, you will have to cope with me’. No problem’, she has a lot to talk about. At the moment, the singer is excited about her concerts, career, and life in general.

‘My debut album has done me a lot of good’, she begins,’ suddenly, I find myself getting popular and I am glad people have liked me’, more in her own words………

Interest in music
From the very beginning of my life, I was interested in music. So, from my childhood days or lets say from class four, I used to perform on the stage in school and even at colleges. But I had not thought that I would opt this as my career, even now, I have not thought about it. I will be involved with music throughout my life but I would have to think to take it as my profession.

Related training
I have not taken any particular formal training but I learnt music from one of my relative brother Bhuvan Rai. He used to visit our home and I used to get training from him and further I practiced myself.

Why rock?
I personally like to sing other kinds of songs as well but for now my voice suits rock pattern. In the near future, I would definitely try other patterns too.

Family support
I am very lucky to have a family who supports me in whatever I do. My sisters are very much passionate towards music. Even one of my sister has contributed her lyrics ‘Aadha Sansar’ for my album. The song is about feelings of those Nepalese who are away from their native place. They always advice me and encourage me to be a rock star. So, they are very supportive.



PUJA RAI POSING FOR THE PHOTOGRAPH ON HER NEW SCOOTY PEP+

While choosing a song
To tell a fact, at the beginning, I was not conscious about lyrics but I was sure that I would not sing any love songs. Now, I focus on reality based theme, day to day happenings life and above all no fantasy.
I love to listen to slow rock songs. So, I like the songs of Alanis Morisette and Sabin Rai.

Western influence
Not only music but everything is being westernized. We have to change with the demand of time and the taste of new generation. There is no harm in being influenced. There is a trend of accepting a new one and forgetting the old one. Same is applied in music also. So, there is no big deal in being westernized.

Struggle
I first recorded my song when I was in grade eight. That time, I was unable to give continuity because my financial condition was not so good. Even during the release of ‘Basanta’, I had to face loads of problem. Being new in the industry, I was blank about studios, people and music companies. Without any specific reason, I had to wait for hours and hours at studios. People used to underestimate me. Tolerating all these was a struggling period for me.

Life after Basanta
My life has somewhat changed after the release of Basanta. Being a public figure, people recognize me. Now, other music companies also like to work with me. I have known that peoples concept changes right after we come into the limelight.
Talking about my personal life, I am conscious about my dress-ups and my attitude. Now, I can’t freak out like before. But no complaints as I have struggled to get this status.

Response from Basanta
Basanta is doing well in the market. Right after the release of album, it took its market easily. After a month, the order for new CD’s also came and we had to redub the whole album because of its craze. So, I am getting positive feedback from my listeners.

Experience while watching own video for the first time
My video was premiered in Channel Nepal but my bad luck I was unable to watch my video as Channel Nepal was not available in my cable. But my friends watched it and called me to inform about the video. I got a chance to watch it when it was aired through other channels. At that time, I felt really good and wished if it would be played repeatedly and I felt nice when others used to dedicate for my song.

Reason behind less number of female rockers in Nepal
Talking about Nepali scenario, female rockers can be counted in fingers. The reason may be insecurity, inflexibility and less freedom for females rather than males as our society is male-dominated. Being a female, whenever I get offer to perform outside the valley, I cannot give quick decision. I have to think twice to say ‘OK’. I cannot go alone without a support because of the security problem. So, its difficult for females to give continuity to this industry.

Kalika FM Award 2063
It is my first award, so, I was really very excited. To tell you the truth, I was more excited and enchanted by the people out there as they were chanting my names now and again when the nominations were announced. There I was awarded with 'The Best Female Vocal'. Even if I had not won the award there, I would have gone home happily as I was satisfied with the response of my fans. I was really supported there.

Message for the upcoming new talents
Never compromise with anything. Choose the right studio and move on. Take your time for a quality product.

At last
Thank you all for your support. Because of your support I am here. Please do give me suggestions and comments.

Interview by Sunita Gurung and Rojina Sthapit