Phatteman's strong singing gladdens fans

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: The numbers Jiwan Huri Ko Geet, Fulna Janina, Banai Khayo ... enveloped and pulled everyone at the venue into the feel of the songs. The feel was of remorse and the same emotion became the charm of Phatteman Rajbhandari, which he expressed through his powerful singing at the second day of Paleti Utsav on August 10 at Buddha Hall, DAV School, Jawalakhel.

As if like nothing had changed, Rajbhandari sat with the harmonium to present his sugam sangeet; backing him up were the Paleti musicians. He had once reigned the hearts of music lovers and once again he bonded with the audience through the songs Kasto Maya, Yati Chot, Milan Pani Dekhi Sake and Timro Ek Ek.

It was melancholic but the crowd was enjoying it thoroughly to which Rajbhandari stated, “I like sad songs,” adding in humour “Do I sing romantic numbers at this age?”

Then there was another sad yet touching number Marna Baru after which Rajbhandari took a short break. People couldn’t get enough of the song that the instrumental Marna Baru was played.

With the song Yesto Pani composer and singer Aavaas joined him on the harmonium and Rajbhandari opened up. The submissiveness in the singing before the break was not there. His voice had taken the flight of freedom with

modulation.

Reminiscing about Yesto Pani, he shared, “It is a 45-year-old song” and “good old songs never get old but become younger and younger”. And definitely his songs are evergreen.

Then giving a young and lively feel, “It is the only romantic number I have ever sung”, he performed Sannani followed by Batas Le Talau Ma, Marchu Ra Ma, Raat Ko Sapana, Ghintangma Ghintang and Rato Ra Chandra Surya. “Thank you for listening to me with love,” the singer expressed and ended his performance with Sannani again at the audience’s request while the crowd clapped to the beat.

To every popular song of his, the audience applauded in the beginning as well as the end. And some people were singing the songs as well. People had come to see Rajbhandari, who is known for his strong singing; in return he made them glad.

Banker Govinda Gurung stated, “It was fantastic. He sang beautifully and in tune. He sang all the songs that we had come to listen to.”

According to him, “the natural tone of Rajbhandari had changed but he has maintained the modulation of his singing which he did in accurate scale and timing”.