Himalayan News Service

Biratnagar:

The ‘Lux Nepal Star’ selection event kicked off in Biratnagar on January 3 with a rendition by Bhoj Kumar Tamang, a blind singer from Damak in Jhapa. The number, “manchhe lai jastai timile malai mayako jalma phasayao chhanbharimai ruwai malai timile yes dunilai hasao…” set the mood for the event.

Of 1,509 contestants, 16-year-old Bal Krishna Das Chaudhary of Biratnagar was selected on the merit of his own creation of ‘hi-pop’ or ‘bhiti-giti’: “ghar chhaina bar chaina pariwar chain…” The event has been organised for the first time in Nepal by Nepal-1 Television and has attracted a large number of young singers in Biratnagar.

Member of decision committee Nima Rumba was effusive with his praise regarding the young singer. If Bal Krishna continues his practice, he will be one of the future singers in Nepal, he said. The event started at Ratna Hotel at 7 am and concluded at 12. Eighteen singers were shortlisted. Those selected were Kamala Khanal of Morang Urlabarai, Bal Krishna Das Chaudhary, Baburam Khawas, Shusma Thapa, Nisha Rai, Uttam Khadka, Rakesh Shrestha, Junu Rijal, Nisha Attal, Manisha Pokhrel, Subodh Subba, Nilesh Lama, Abhaya Neupane and Dip Mahara of Biratnagar. Subodh Subba, Bishnu Chemjong, Nilesh and Sushil of Dharan were also selected. Speaking to The Himalayan Times, event coordinator Neena Sharma said they had let the participants take part in the programme until 10 pm.