Dipti Sherchan

Kathmandu:

With a deep desire to be a famous singer, Jagdis Samal set off to Kathmandu from Illam in 1996. The fourth of five siblings, Samal’s childhood was full of fun. He always listened to music but had no favourites.

“I was always interested in singing. When I was seven, I decided that I wanted to make a name like Narayan Gopal. I was never nervous about singing even on stage. When I was in college, my friends used to encourage me. The encouragement really helped me become determined to make a career in singing.”In Illam, he had completed his Intermediate in Arts. After arriving in Kathmandu, he concentrated on music. Now, he has acquired a senior diploma in eastern classical music from Allahabad. For five years, he sang in Hotel Ghumti. “I sang according to the audience request but preferred ghazals. I had always wished to be a well-known singer. I enjoyed singing in the hotel but always reminded myself that there was a long way to go. Then I thought of coming out with an album.” After Ghumti, Samal sang in Mughal restaurant for a year. Then he released his first album ‘Lahar’.

‘Lahar’s success encouraged him to release his second album ‘Bulbul’ in 2002. After this, he became to be known more as a ghazal singer. Now he is preparing to release his third album but clarifies that in this there would not be any ghazal numbers. “The untitled album is going to be different from my previous albums. It will have more folk and modern songs.”

Jagdis has proved that dreams do come true if one works hard enough to achieve them. It wasn’t easy for him to turn his dreams to reality. He had to leave his hometown to seek for a better tomorrow but now he is happy that the sacrifice he made earlier has been fruitful. “When I visit my home, my friends, relatives and the people there appreciate what I am doing here. They listen to my songs on the radio and they are so proud that I am from Illam.”Samal teaches vocal music at Paragan School, Tilganga. With time he has changed and chuckles as he says, “Nobody knew me then and now people do; that is the only difference I find in myself. Now when I want to release any album, I don’t face any problem. I can easily find sponsors. I know I have achieved my goal but I know there is always room for improvement. I believe in trying!”Ghazals in Nepal are still in the formative stage and like pop and rock, has not gained much recognition but Jagdis has no regrets about being quoted as a ghazal singer. But he has a grievance: “There is no competition in ghazals in Nepal. If there was healthy competition, I would have had the chance to improve myself and judge.”