KATHMANDU: Sarada Dongol, 29, Rojina Dongol, 24, and Sujina Bajracharya, 21 had witnessed Women in Concert on March 8, 2015 from the other side. That, made them want to be a part of the concert on the stage. Since then they pledged to reach in this platform. And this year their wish got a step closer to becoming a reality when auditions for Talent Hunt of Women in Concert 2016 was held on January 23 at Club 25hrs, Tangal.

These three young girls, who are the band members of two-year-old Shretara, got through the first round of becoming one of the top 10 finalists with their Nepali music of sarangi, maadal, and flute. They impressed a panel of judges that included rockstar Abhaya Subba Weise who is behind Women in Concert, guitarist Bikrant Shrestha of Underside, and singer Shreya Sotang.

“We are happy that we got through. It was fun and unexpected,” flute player Rojina informed after the triumph. “We presented instrumental and just wanted to give it a try. We thought that we didn’t stand a chance against others who were singing.”

The trio was one of the seven women finalists selected in top 10 finalists among 109 participants. Other three finalists are yet to be selected. After the selection of top 10, they will go to another round of auditions where top eight will be shortlisted, who will perform at Women in Concert on March 8. Among them, top three winners will be announced at the event. The winner in the first position will receive cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with other perks, and the two winners will also get prizes.

“I have realised that there is lack of platform for girls. The main thing is that we need to have a role model whom other women and girls can look up to. That’s what we are trying to create for this year,” expressed Subba Weise.

Diverse music was presented by women who were seen in solo or duo or bands or with the guitar. English and Nepali numbers as well as original numbers were performed. It was an overflow of talent.

Sotang was expecting something like that. “Watching the performances by young girls, I have been inspired to work even more. It was a pleasure seeing those girls on the stage,” expressed Sotang.

Even Shrestha was “glad to be a part of it”. He shares, “They are talented and this is a good platform for women.”