Kathmandu:

The guest we have today is someone most of us have never heard of, but he is someone you should hear at least once in your life time,” said nepa-laya coordinator Avash while introducing composer-singer Ashok Rai from Siliguri, India at Paleti on August 31.

This was Rai’s first solo performance in Nepal, and during the event he sang his own compositions which have been sung by top notch singers like Dibya Subba, Aruna Lama and many more.

Rai’s classic hit Baisakhi baan ma — those who had never heard the song could still enjoy the melody and words.

“Don’t judge me by my voice and my work alone, but also by the feelings with which I sing my songs,” said Rai.

Every song he sang was about and for Nepali. All had the folk-based melodies of the mountains and thoughts of those who have experienced love, betrayal, hardship and pain.

A big surprise of the evening was Rai’s granddaughter, Anuradha Koirala, who not only stayed as the audience throughout the evening but also sang the songs along with the singer. He also presented songs like Fula ko preet na deu malai, Sayarapatri (penned by National poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire) and Geetange dai.

Rai kept the evening light and fun filled with his humour and funny memories of his youth. His songs stirred up memories as everyone felt they have heard the songs somewhere before.