KATHMANDU, APRIL 27
Renowned singer Sangita Malla Pradhan made a memorable return to the Paleti stage nearly 18 years after her debut performance in 2007.
During the two-hour concert held on Friday and Saturday evenings at Nepalaya's r-Sala, Pradhan captivated the audience with more than a dozen carefully curated musical pieces.
The evening opened with a soulful Khayal performance in Raag Rageshree. She presented her own composition "Sab Sukh Diyo" in vilambit laya, gradually transitioning to madhya laya with "Uni Uni Rahichau Kina Ho Sangini," featuring lyrics by celebrated poet Madhav Ghimire.
In the second segment, Pradhan showcased thumri and dadra genres. A highlight was her thumri "Jharjhar Barkha Ritu Aayo," based on Raag Majh-Khamaj and performed in Nepali-fulfilling her long-held dream to sing classical forms in her native language.
Paleti coordinator Aabhash penned the Nepali lyrics, along with the dadra "Maun Basi Bityo Raat" (Raag Pahadi). Gopal Yonjan's adaptation of "Kathin Samayama, Ek Mero Ghanshyam" was also performed.
In the final phase, Pradhan revisited contemporary and classic Nepali songs, including Kaliprasad Rijal's "Kun Paapile Kun Nishthurile" and "Jau Feri Man Yo Mero Dukhaayera Jau," the latter debuted at Paleti. Other performances included "Jeevan Chupchap Guzare Ta Ke Bho?" composed by Shanti Thatal, Ratna Shamsher Thapa's "Tirsana Chalkinchha," and Manjit Tamang's "Maile Preet Layein Layein."
Between songs, Pradhan shared nostalgic memories, recalling her early days in Kathmandu and her meeting with musical maestro Natikaji, arranged by her first guru, Manbir Singh. She also performed "Aanganma Aaja Mera Priyatam Aaye," her initial recording at Radio Nepal.
One of the evening's highlights was "Ekantama Phool Phulchha Ki Ma Phulchhu," a piece composed by Amrit Gurung of Nepathya for Pradhan's first Paleti appearance, which received an encore upon audience request.
Pradhan paid tribute to her mentor Manbir Singh with "Kin Ho Hajurlai Aafnai Bhanidina Manlagchha," penned by Aarati Neupane.
Paleti concerts are held on the last Friday and Saturday of every Gregorian month at Nepalaya's r-Sala in Kathmandu.
