Kathmandu:

There are very few who can write, compose and sing equally well, and Manjul is one such person. He is popular in the Nepali literary circle as a poet, but few have heard him sing. Better known as a lyricist, he does not have a recorded track of any vocal performance but has sung many times.

Born in an orthodox Brahmin family, Manjul was not encouraged to take up singing as a career. “I was a born lyricist. I feel I was a singer and music composer in my past life too. But my father never encouraged singing unless it was some kind of bhanjans,” says Manjul, who is also a Nepali professor at Bhiswa Bhasa Campus.

He brought out his love for music through his writings — poems and even lyrics for songs. After completing his school in Bhojpur, he came to Dharan for further studies. “Though I did not have a musical background and the proper atmosphere to boost my innate talent, coming to Dharan was kind of a boon for me. I met Sangeet Sangh Samuha and began to write lyrics for them. Hearing them sing so melodiously, I wished I could as sing like them. I listened hard, very hard and began to pick up the raagas and taal. Seeing my enthusiasm, they taught me music and that is how the singer in me surfaced,” explains Manjul.

In the 60’s, young Manjul became part of a musical group called the Ralpha. His role was writing songs and making announcements during performances. When one of the members, Ganesh Rashik, had to leave, Manjul was asked to fill in him for him. Thus began Manjul’s performing career.

With his group, Manjul travelled throughout Nepal during 70’s on foot and they are probably the most travelled musicians of the country. Their goal was not only to perform, but had a political mission. “Politics is a part of life like love and I am an optimistic person and believe a lot in struggle. This can be seen in my work. There are very few poems and lyrics which does not speak about struggle as life is all about struggle,” adds Manjul.

The people’s poet will be performing his songs from 60’s and 70’s — songs that he used to sing with his fellow Ralphalis — at nepa~laya’s Paleti Shrinkhala series on April 28 at 5:30 pm at r-sala. “Altogether I will be performing 16-18 songs which will include my creations too. Some old and some new.”

Aavaas, Paleti series coordinator says, “Manjul is a heard name in the Nepali music scene but he has not been heard by people for a long time. This Paleti will be an effort to re-introduce Manjul’s musical side.”