PUSHPA NEPALI, THE TRUE SYMBOL OF NEPALI MUSIC!

Though many from the present generation may not know much about the late Pushpa Nepali, his contributions to the music industry of Nepal is plenty to say the least. His passion for Nepal and love for the country is proof of his decision to change his name from Joshi to Nepali. He was born on January 3, 1932 in Kathmandu to Prithivi Lal and Krishna Kumari Joshi. Pushpa Nepali has two elder brothers and four sisters. His father excelled in playing the Newari musical instrument 'dhime' and was quite a popular figure during his days. However, Pushpa Nepali was encouraged to take up music by his eldest brother Ustad Bishnu Lal Joshi.

Pushpa Nepali was actively involved in music since his early days. With time, his passion for singing, composing music and writing songs developed. He had also a keen interest and was also actively involved in theatre. When he was 17 years old, he opted to join the army. This proves again that he had loved his country and wished to contribute in whatever small way he could think of.. After the restoration of democracy in Nepal and with the recommendation of the then political stalwart Ganesh Man Singh, Pushpa Nepali joined Radio Nepal on a monthly salary of Rs 50. The year was1952. It was only after joining the radio that he had the opportunity to showcase his talents in singing and composing music. His songs and his compositions were not only popular in Nepal but was also widely talked about in Muglan. His songs were not only based on general issues but  also incorporated nature, life and the nation. Hence, he was appreciated and liked by people of all walks of life. After devoting eight years of his life to Radio Nepal, Pushpa Nepali decided to quit his job and took up to singing full time. The late King Mahendra heard of this and asked him to rejoin his work at Radio Nepal. Pushpa Nepali agreed and went back to Radio Nepal. This provided him the opportunity to again record more songs and compose more music. It was during this period that he came out with his best songs because of which, he is regarded such highly in the music circles even today.

Most of the songs were quite famous, in fact it still is. To name a few -- "Sitalu Mathi Ni Sitalu Bhayo", "Balajuko Baisdhara", "Farkha Hai Farkha Nepali" and "Titiri Pankhi Badalu Mathi" among many others. Since his involvement with Radio Nepal till 1979, he has sung over 500 songs. About 25 songs which he had penned down and a similar figure of his compositions are still in the safe hands of Radio Nepal. Pushpa Nepali was one of the personal favorites of the late King Mahendra. At times, he used to get invitations from the palace to recite his creations, occasionally accompanying the King on his various visits abroad as well.

 During that era, a music competition 'Akhil Nepal Sammelan' used to be organized annually in which Pushpa Nepali was able to bag the first position for three consecutive years. So, various awards that came along was not much of a surprise, especially when the majority of them were personally handed over to him by King Mahendra. Besides this, he was even decorated with Gorkha Dakshin Bahu among numerous other prestigious titles.

 During the course of time and in connection with a program, he traveled to Ilam where Gopal Prasad Rimal's 'Masan' was enacted. One of the actresses was Mina Dewan and the songs for this play were sung by none other than Pushpa Nepali himself. They happen to meet while they were doing this show and exchange of letters took place between them. This developed into a relationship and therefore, decided to tie a knot. Pusha Nepali was 32 years old and Mina Dewan was just 18. The issue of caste and the age difference was not a matter of concern for these two love birds and going against the norms of their respective cultures and traditions married each other among may a raised eyebrows. He was thankful that his parents accepted his decision though. With time, he also became a father of a son, Pukar Joshi and two daughters Poonam and Puja Joshi. However, his children are not involved in music scene.

 During his hey days Pushpa Nepali was even considered the true symbol of Nepali Music. Such was his contribution to the development of Nepali music, both home and abroad. He worked for Radio Nepal for 25 years and dedicated 50 years of his life to Nepali music. On November 12, 2001, Pushpa Nepali expired.  His creations will never fade away and neither will his contributions. He shall  always be remembered