Nepal's Melodic Maestro: A Father and Daughters Musical Tale

Step into the kaleidoscopic tapestry of Nepali melodies, where the dynamic interplay between a musical maestro and his equally mesmerizing daughter creates a fusion of tradition and innovation that resonates through the nation.

Meet Deepak Bajracharya, the maestro of Nepali traditional music, and his equally enigmatic daughter, Cherisa Bajracharya, both leaving an indelible mark on the nation's musical landscape. In this issue of the smart family magazine we unravel the harmonious tapestry of their dynamic relationship and the melodies that bind them together as a family.

 

Question: How has your musical journey evolved over the years, and what key moments define your experience as a versatile artist in the Nepali music industry?

 

Deepak Bajracharya: Reflecting on the evolution of technology in my artistic journey makes me aware of the significant changes over the years. It's a reminder of how fortunate I am to have experienced firsthand the transition from recording my initial album on a spool tape recorder to the era of cassettes, CDs, MDs, LDs, and various other formats.

 

In the past, we faced criticism for engaging in pop music, with comments like "spoiling the essence of music" or "this is not real music." Interestingly, when I now listen to modern music, I experience a similar sentiment of questioning its authenticity. Throughout my entire career, I've come to understand that, regardless of the genre, good music remains good, and bad music remains bad in the end. If something good comes out regardless of whether it's new or old it will not make a huge difference, good and bad will always be there and just like fashion change is always occurring.

 

 

Question: Your music often blends traditional Nepali sounds with modern genres. How do you navigate the balance between preserving cultural roots and embracing contemporary styles?

 

Deepak Bajracharya: My musical journey is a continuous exploration, rooted in experimentation. Even now, I strive to infuse cultural significance into my creations. Amidst the experimental phases, a persistent challenge emerges – the delicate balance between traditional and personal musical genres. It's a dance where one shouldn't overshadow the other, yet they must coexist harmoniously, respecting each other's essence.

 

A vivid memory unfolds during our Cairns, Australia tour, where a media house boldly declared in a cover article, "Music and Culture All the Way From Nepal." It was a moment of revelation, showcasing the magnetic allure of Nepali culture beyond our borders. This incident stands as a resounding response to those questioning the integration of our art form. As artists, we don't merely replicate art; we echo our culture, painting it onto the canvas of our performances.

 

 

Growing up with a musical maestro as your father, how have his influences shaped your own musical style and aspirations?

 

Cherisa Bajracharya: Having grown up abroad I have a bias towards music that is not from Nepal but when I listen to songs that are similar to papa’s preferences even if I don't listen to them or hear it while papa sings them really influences me. People my age aren't really well versed with Nepali instruments but in my case working with my father is one of the reasons why I’am so fascinated by this culture and which directly correlates to more than fifty percent of my choices in music. So yes the influence of my father plays a major part in my musical aspirations.

 

Question: Congratulations on your recent graduation! How do you plan to balance your academic achievements with your passion for music?

 

Cherisa Bajracharya: This always has been a very hard struggle for me, there has always been a balance in my life. The goal for me is to do something about the drawbacks of the musical industry in Nepal, especially the management aspect. I have seen my father deal with this issue in Nepal and I hope that after I finish my studies I can really make a change in the industry. For me music has never been something that was forced on me, it's always been fun as a hobby so for me balancing my academics and music will not be that difficult. For now I’m more focused towards my education once I complete my masters then I will focus more on music.

 

Deepak Bajracharya: In our society, there's a prevailing notion that a child should seamlessly step into the shoes of their parents to ensure success. Take the example of my singing journey – the assumption that my daughter would naturally follow suit. However, she made it clear that a musical career wasn't her calling. I wasn't disheartened by her decision; I believe everyone should carve their own path.

 

During our conversations Cherisa often expresses her views on the music industry in Nepal, highlighting its need for substantial growth. Her stance is clear – she wants to complete her studies first, potentially contributing to the industry's elevation, before deciding on her professional journey. It's a decision entirely in her hands, and I respect that.

 

Question: Your music has reached international audiences. How do you think Nepali music can act as a cultural ambassador, and what challenges do you see in bridging global audiences with traditional Nepali tunes?

 

Deepak Bajracharya: As Nepali musicians, the global stage feels like uncharted territory for us. While performing in various countries, I couldn't help but notice the diversity in the audience last year. It was a moment that sparked hope – a realization that if we garner such responses, an international breakthrough might be on the horizon. My team and I have actively sought opportunities to connect with foreign entities; we even reached out to MTV in India. Unfortunately, there's currently no established bridge, and I recognize that I alone cannot fully represent the rich tapestry of the Nepali music industry. Our recent track "Mann Magan" has managed to capture the ears of a small percentage of listeners from foreign shores. So, as I prepare to perform beyond Nepal, I make a humble request to the audience: bring along a colleague or friend. Through our music, I aim to showcase the vibrant culture of Nepal, and having a companion there ensures the shared experience is richer and more meaningful.

 

How do you strike a balance between being a daughter and a musical collaborator with your father, and how does this dynamic contribute to a harmonious family life?

 

Cherisha Bajracharya: To me, it's not about balance; it's about a seamless blend. As a daughter, expressing ideas and being straightforward about opinions comes naturally. We don't need formal meetings behind a desk. As collaborators and family, these conversations flow effortlessly, becoming a new kind of normal. The dual role of being a daughter and collaborator has transformed me, making me not just a better collaborator but also a better daughter. The collaboration has opened up new channels for my father to share more openly, deepening our connection.

 

Question: Being a father-daughter duo is a unique aspect. How do you perceive the concept of musical power couple within the context of family, and what advice do you have for aspiring artists aiming to balance family and musical pursuits?

 

Cherisha Bajracharya: As a daughter, being honest with your parents is the most integral factor in pursuing any field, not only music. Communication with parents is the key point to achieving anything in life, having the support of your parents is a huge motivation. For me when I decided to not want to pursue music as a profession it was a huge burden off my chest as well as an eye opener for the entire family, my father understood me better.

 

“For those finding it challenging to communicate their goals and aspirations to their parents, the key is to build confidence and express yourself openly. The generational gap often arises because we hesitate to share our thoughts. It's crucial to break this barrier and openly communicate your dreams. Without this transparency, achieving a balance between your career and family becomes difficult.”

 

Deepak Bajracharya: These days I see these rifts between families quite often where communication is the lowest. No one tries to understand each other. Parents should also understand how to talk with their child when they are growing up and at 13 the parent should make the effort in having the conversation based around that and the same goes with each year.