Kathmandu:

Performing solo after more than four decades Prem Dhoj Pradhan gave an encore performance at the ‘r’sala hall of Nepa-laya during the first show of 2008 Paleti series on January 26. When he sang the ever-romantic duet Na mana laj yesari along with versatile singer Sangita Pradhan Malla the crowded hall filled with the chanting of “once more”, and the singer fulfilled the fans’ demand.

The way Paleti series has been working to promote and preserve contemporary music of Nepal by bringing veteran artistes to the forefront, these artistes from their respective fields are coming back to the limelight. Since its establishment in 2005 Paleti has successfully brought back the golden era of music through this cosy and one on one exchange of feelings and thoughts between the performer and the audience. Every last Friday of a month brings back the nostalgic feeling of belonging and living in a time when music was in its purest form. Paleti had tried to bring Pradhan on its stage in 2005 but things did not work out so after three years he made his appearance and mesmerised everyone with his flawless performance.

Prem Dhoj Pradhan during his two hours long performance not only sang some of his all time favourite classics but also shared his feelings with the audience. He rendered 18 of his well loved songs and Paleti coordinator Aavas said, “When we were deciding on the songs which he should perform at the event we could not come to a final decision so at last we decided on these 18 numbers that we thought all the listeners could relate to.” Starting the evening with his very first recorded song Maya namara mayalu, the 72 years old maestro proved that age has not taken away the velvety feel and the energetic magnetism from his voice. When the singer crooned Goreto tyo gaunko the audiences exclaimed “aaha!”. As all his songs are very romantic, when asked if they reflect his real life personality, Pradhan said, “I believe in giving feelings to all the songs I sing but as for being romantic the question should be asked to the lyricists who wrote the songs.” Ratna Samsher Thapa, one of the veteran lyricists of Nepal who has penned most of Pradhan’s songs said, “I did not find any difference in the quality of his voice. I have known him for a really long time and all that I can say is that he is a very humble person with great dedication towards his profession.”

His Tamang Selo flavoured Pari dekhi too was very much loved by the audience. But the songs that made the audience sing along were Para laijau phoolharu, Hasne rahar haru, Ghumtima naau hai and Tara matra haina timi lai. Sangita Pradhan Shrestha who sang along with the legend said, “It was a great honour to sing along with an artiste of his status.” All in all the evening brought back good old memories of love and romance.