CyberSansar : Exclusive

Candid talk with Reeza Uprety
-By Preity

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When the song “Jhajhalko liyera ayecha saawan” was aired, Nepali audiences found a great combination of voice and talent. Some people also remarked that the voice resembled to “Asha Bhonsle”, the original singer of the song. “Reeja Uprety” with a tough remake, easily established herself in the music. The job was quite challenging for her to introduce herself with a slow song at the time, when the fast remixes had ruled the Nepali music industry.

Reeza, being determined to sing the song, after all, was able to make it. She accepted the challenge and now she is among the celebrity list of female singers, in the Nepali music industry. During an exclusive candid talk with Cybersansar, Reeza talks about the song, her debut album, the behind the stories of her musical career, her family and a lot more.

Here are some excerpts of the interview.

1. How was your childhood?

It was good. I had a simple, normal childhood. I was very mischievous as a child.

2. Would you like to talk with us about your family?

We are 6 of us. Me, aama, buwa, dai, bhauju, and my sis who’s already married.

3. You are not a permanent resident of Kathmandu, tell us where you are from. Have you permanently settled in Kathmandu now?

I am from Birtamod, Jhapa. I studied at the Bal Kanya School. Now I am in Kathmandu for 8, 9 years. My dai, bhauju and I are staying here but my parents are in Birtamod itself.

4. We heard that you are a fashion designing student......

Yes, I was. I left it in the middle because of lack of time. But I am planning to continue it.

5.What were you busy with? Why did you quit your education?

Actually, I didn’t quit studying. I joined the Padma Kanya Campus, PK to study music. From there, I did Diploma in Classical Music. As I was new to Kathmandu, I didn’t know that we get extra musical courses in different institutions, so I joined college to study it. But now I feel if I had taken the additional courses, it would have been better.

6. Did you take any extra courses after knowing about the additional courses? Whom did you take the music classes from?

Yes, I did. I learned music from Guru Dev Kamad for 2 years.

7. Are you planning to do masters in music also?

Yes, I will do that. I am planning to, but I am not sure when.

8. Let’s talk about your first album. Was it difficult for you as a debut artist?

It was not that difficult. “Jhajhalko Liyera Aayecha Saawan” had already come, so that was the plus point. Also I had a good family support financially, which is very important. Nhyoo Bajracharya sir guided me with it and my friends have also helped me a lot. So, I am thankful. Everything favored me.

9. Are you satisfied with your debut album? How did “Trace” do commercially?

I didn’t get the entire amount I had invested in the project. But to reach at this place is more important to me and it’s because of the album. So, I am fully happy and satisfied. It’s good to be appreciated by music lovers and especially by senior artists.

10. What do you think might be the reason behind the album’s less commercial response? Do you agree that female artists’ album are less saleable in the Nepali market?

Well that might be, but I cannot totally say I agree with that. I think it depends upon the need and requirement of the music at the specific time. Like now, it has become a necessity to keep fast tracks and a little bit of rap or remixes. So it’s according to the demand. If you are able to meet the trend, you will be saleable, otherwise not! Also, the music companies hunt for those types of songs.

11.Will you keep these things in mind while working on your second album?

Yes, definitely I will.

12. Why did you choose “Jhajhalko” as your introductory song? Wasn’t that a difficult thing?

Yes, it was. People were telling me that it’s a difficult song and moreover, it was sung by “Asha Bhonsle” so the job was quite challenging. I had to meet the song’s vocal requirement plus at the time fast tracks had ruled the music industry. So it was challenging and difficult as well. We made a remake of the song because it was really a slow, sentimental track.

13. Why that particular song? Any stories behind it?

I sang the song in memory of my granny. My grand mother loved me a lot. She expired during the month of shrawan and that song always reminds me of her. So, I chose that song.

14. How was the family support? Did your parents support you to be a singer?

Family support was ok. Actually my parents had a different dream for me but I wanted to be a singer. They did not totally discourage me but were not fully supportive also.

15. So how did the recording happen? I mean who supported you financially?

My grandmother had left some bank balance for me. I knew that after she had left. So, I told my parents that with that amount, I am not going to buy any jewelries or ornaments; instead I will come out with a record. So, that’s how I recorded “Jhajhalko” in her memory and then later on, I planned for the whole album. Nhyoo Bhajracharya sir helped me a lot for the album.

16. Why did you choose the name “Trace” for the album?

The name was kept by the music company. I believe in astrology. I was told that “Ta” alphabet (Nepali) was good for it. So, I chose the title starting from the alphabet.

17. What kind of music does “Trace” compiles?

It contains fusion, salsa, Latino music, some rock and so on. I have tried to experiment different type of music.

18. Do you think your voice goes on with every type of songs you have sung?

I know, it’s not so much suitable for rock. But I just gave a try. I have been able to receive good complements also! Suniel Bardewa said- “Babaal cha” (chuckles)

19. How did you concept the song “Angaaloma Badhana”?

I always wanted to do songs that revealed the 60’s and 70’s Hindi films. I had a concept for a seductive song like of those times. So, I got the lyrics from “Pratima Bhandari” and the music is done by “Kris Mashand”. I wouldn’t have done it without them.

20. Award achievements till now.

I got the Image Award for best female pop artist, Global Touch Dhuk Dhuki Award (Pokhara), for the for the best female artist of the year 2062 and nominations for Hits FM award for the category of debut artist and best female vocal.

21. How many concerts till now?

I have performed in different places namely Pokhara, Kathmandu, Birgunj and Biratnagar.

22. Any upcoming performances?

On New Year’s Eve, December 31st at a concert organized by the Australia Welfare Society.

23. Any recent plans?

I will be taking music classes from Prabhu Dhakal very soon and planning to join Fashion Designing.

24. Any plans for the next album?

Yes, I have completed 4, 5 songs. I will soon come out with another album. Maybe it will take 4 to 5 months or so.

25. How was it singing inside the studio for the first time?

I was very nervous, afraid….. But after 2, 3 takes, everything was fine.

26. Have you given your voice to any other songs beside the album?

I have sung in many films namely Pandav, Dadagiri, Shakti and all of them are item numbers, and some albums like Addiction 2.

27. How do you choose the songs? Or you sing whatever is offered to you?

I sing only if I like a song. I take the track and decide whether it is suitable for me or not. I should getthe feeling which is important to me while singing.

28. What kind of comments you get from people regarding your voice?

People say that my voice sounds like a child and after I ask what? They say you sound like Asha Bhosle.

29. What do say when you hear people say your voice sounds like a child?

“k baccha ko jasto bhaneko hola” bhanchu.(smiles) After that they say, you sound like Asha Bhonsle.

30. At last anything to say to your fans?

Thanks for your support. Please give your suggestions, comments and love Nepali music.

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