Singer Bhumika Giri Discusses Politics, Travel, and Love in Exclusive Interview

Singer Bhumika Giri is famous for songs like ‘Choli Mailai Bho’, ‘Deurali Ma’, ‘Baini Jhyalama’, ‘Phikka Chiya’, and ‘Narisaau Sano Kuraima’.

Her Teej songs such as ‘Butta Bhareko’, ‘Bikriti’, and ‘Ujeli Juneli’ have resonated with the general audience. Bhumika, who emerged from Belaha, Rajpur Rural Municipality-1, Dang, has reached domestic and international audiences through music.

Here is the edited excerpt of the conversation with singer Bhumika regarding her career, music, and social issues:

• Some artists have entered politics out of desire or impulse. How appropriate do you think it is for artists to engage in politics?

It is good for any individual to say they will work for the country. Before being artists, we are citizens. Every person has the right to enter politics. I don't strongly refute that. They must demonstrate good work. That is a positive thing.

Everyone needs to understand politics. We cannot escape politics just because we dislike it. It is necessary to contemplate and reflect on the country. No matter how much we run, politics will not be far from us. True citizens must understand politics. However, everyone should do the work or profession they are meant to do.

• Are you a member of any political party?

Not yet. I am a completely independent citizen. Due to musical programs, I was away from home and missed voting in many elections. I did cast my vote this time.

• What is your understanding of new and old political parties?

There is a sense of disappointment towards the old parties. It cannot be said that the old parties have done nothing. People became disappointed because things didn't turn out as expected. Individuals and ideologies must be correct. Politics should be entered to contribute to society, not just to earn. At such a time, citizens must use their votes correctly. Votes should not be sold. Wrong candidates should not be voted for.

• Is there any leader you admire?

No one has won my heart yet. Winning hearts is done through actions.

• How busy are you with fairs and festivals?

I was busiest in the months of Kartik, Mangsir, Poush, and Magh. I also got opportunities to travel abroad. I returned after completing concerts in European countries including Switzerland, Denmark, and Finland. I have a program to go to Russia during the Nepali New Year.

• How many countries have you visited so far?

I have visited 22 countries.

• Among the countries you have visited, which one did you like the most?

I liked Switzerland because it has a climate similar to Nepal's. I had wanted to go there for a long time. The pace of development is so rapid that it impressed me greatly. One can reach anywhere by train; it is not difficult to get anywhere.

• You have traveled to 22 countries. Have you ever thought of settling abroad?

By the grace of God, I have not had such thoughts yet. I don't know about the future. I am a patriot. If I had wanted to settle abroad, I would have done so long ago, having visited 22 countries. Do you think I will live abroad?

• Can one sustain a living through music?

I have been sustaining my life so far. I feel self-satisfied. I am happy. Money is never enough for a person.

• How much remuneration do you charge for performing at a fair or festival?

It depends on the organizer and the program. I haven't earned that much money. Otherwise, they might come to raid.

• What is love in your view?

Don't ask me for the definition of love. I haven't fallen in love myself. The definition varies from person to person. But even if I haven't fallen in love or experienced it, I can imagine it. Love is selfless.

• What difference do you see between love and marriage?

One might not marry the person they love. One might not love the person they marry.