Singer Shanta Pariyar Discusses Busy Schedule, Festival Income, and Political Song Offers

Kathmandu. ‘Tanaatan Bho, Hanahan Bho’ is the latest hit song sung by Shanta Pariyar. Pariyar is currently very busy with fairs and festivals.

She gained prominence last year due to her song ‘Ma Ta Dhalle Dhalle’, and she receives invitations for programs from all over the country, keeping her extremely busy. She is fully booked not just in Magh, but until the 8th and 10th of Falgun as well.

She mentions that she will have some free time after that, as fewer fairs and festivals are organized in Falgun due to the elections. As the elections draw nearer, various political parties are starting to commission campaign songs. She, having sung around 1300 songs, also receives offers from various parties.

She states that she rejects such proposals, believing that an artist should remain independent of any political party. Here is an edited excerpt from our conversation with her-

• What is your current level of busyness?

–I am extremely busy right now with various fair and festival programs. Today, I am in Dang for a program. The busy schedule that started in Poush is almost fully booked through the month of Magh and until the second week of Falgun.

• How many programs do you manage in a month?

–There is no fixed number. Programs are almost daily occurrences. I have a schedule for about 25-26 programs throughout the month of Magh. I have no free time until the 8th-10th of Falgun. I am packed with programs.

• What kind of songs do you sing on stage?

I mostly sing the Dohori songs I have recorded. I certainly perform my latest hit songs like ‘Ma Ta Dhalle Dhalle’, ‘Hana Han Bho Tana Taan Bho’, and ‘Pokhara Prithvichokaima’.

• Which song do the audience demand the most when you reach the stage?

–The songs most demanded by the audience wherever I go for a program now are ‘Ma Ta Dhalle Dhalle’, ‘Hana Han Bho Tana Taan Bho’, and ‘Pokhara Prithvichokaima’. After those, there is also demand for songs like ‘Sirphul Shirko’, ‘Bujhena Mayale Pyar Garko’, and ‘Kanchhi Mayako Gala Pukka Pukka’. Today's audience wants to hear what is trending on YouTube and social media.

• How important are fairs and festivals for an artist?

–They are very important for an artist. Firstly, it is an opportunity to meet the audience/listeners directly and get feedback. Secondly, it is the main source of income for an artist right now. Since we receive remuneration, it also provides good financial support. Since programs are held in various different places, it also offers a chance to travel.

• There are occasional disputes regarding artist remuneration; it is said that artists get cheated?

–In some places, organizers claim losses and do not pay the artists according to the agreement. In other places, organizers who are making good money try to reduce the artist's rate. That leads to disputes. In many places, artists get cheated due to manipulation by middlemen.

• It is said that middlemen recommend artists for programs?

–No one needs to recommend a highly demanded singer. Organizers themselves seek out and hire in-demand artists. I don't know if recommendations are made for those who are not in demand.

• There is an election atmosphere now; how will this affect the music sector?

–Programs have started to decrease due to the elections. No programs will be held in Falgun because everyone will be involved in campaigning. This results in a financial loss of at least 10-12 lakh rupees for a busy artist.

• Doesn't it sadden you to lose such a large income?

–If good and capable leaders come to the country, the nation gains the right momentum, and employment is created, then a loss of 10-12 lakh rupees for us artists is not a big deal. It doesn't matter if I don't perform programs for a month, but when voting, one must choose a person with a vision to build the country over a party or an individual.

• During election time, party campaign songs are also produced. How often do you receive offers for such songs?

I receive many offers, but I do not sing them. I am a shared artist of the entire nation, not just one party. I feel that if I sing a song for one party, the perception of the audience from another party towards me might change. Therefore, even if they offer a lot of remuneration, I do not sing partisan songs. I have equal respect for all leaders and parties.