Sarika Ghimire: From Modeling to Stardom as a Singer

Kathmandu. Sarika Ghimire's career actually started with modeling. But in recent times, she has established herself as a singer. She became popular among the audience with her own lyrics and music song 'Gun Bhulyau Timile'. Recently, she has released 'Gun Bhulyau-2 Saila Dai'.

Active in the art sector for 15 years, Sarika is also an actress. She has acted in about half a dozen films. However, her 'mass' identity has become that of a singer.

During an interview on Ratopati's 'Star and Stories', Sarika talked about her artistic journey and musical career. Here is the edited excerpt of the interview (detailed video can be watched and listened to):

What should you be known as, model, actress, or singer?

In the past, I did modeling and acted in films. But now I have completely dedicated myself to music. Therefore, I am happy to be called or known only as a singer now.

You have released the latest song 'Gun Bhulyau 2', haven't you?

This second part was born on the foundation of the immense love that the audience gave to 'Gun Bhulyau' released earlier. After the first part was successful, many fans urged to release the second part as well. Before the song was released, I was afraid whether it would be like the first one or not. Now that everyone likes it, I am extremely happy.

How was the song created?

The lyrics and music are mine. I myself am a good listener of music. What I have realized is that people listen to fun and dance songs during festivals or celebrations, but the songs that are listened to forever are sentimental and melodious songs. I have had a habit of writing for a long time.
I did not write this song with any plan or thinking it would be a superhit. I created it thinking that it should be a good 'content' for my YouTube channel and that when I look back 10-15 years later, I would think 'Sarika did a good job'. The song made with less effort became a hit.

One song after another came out about love pain, is the pain in the songs not from your own real life?

(Laughing) It's not like that. It's not just about love pain. There are ups and downs and pains in every phase of a person's life. No matter how happy people appear from the outside, they are sad somewhere inside. Those words touch upon some experience in someone's life. I have tried to put into words the emotions I have seen and experienced in society, family, and my own struggles. It's not just about lovers, it represents the coldness that comes in the relationship between society and relatives.

You acted in more than half a dozen films and did a lot of modeling. What is the reason for leaving these two fields completely and focusing only on singing?

I struggled in modeling and acting for about 15 years. But I didn't feel established there. Maybe I had some weakness or the competition was too much. Another thing is that for acting and modeling, one has to depend on the decisions of others. Someone has to give work.

But singing and music is a field where I can be self-reliant by investing myself and creating my own work. Digital platforms have now created an environment where artists do not have to rely on anyone. That's why I chose this field.

Didn't you feel like quitting singing when many of your early songs failed?

Many times I felt like it. A lot of my investment in music has been lost. When the songs of friends who were with me or came after me became hits, and my hard work didn't yield results, I felt like I had no luck. I have cried many times out of pain. But singing and music is also my self-satisfaction. So, without giving up, I started uploading small-budget videos on my own YouTube channel. What was surprising was that my simple lip-sync video and 'Gun Bhulyau' with lyrics won the hearts of the audience more than the videos made with a lot of expense. This taught me that for creation to work, it's not about flashiness, but the words need to have life. This song changed the rhythm of my life.

What was the most unforgettable reaction after 'Gun Bhulyau' became popular?

There were many poignant comments in the YouTube comment box. But what touched me the most was that some people realized their mistakes after listening to the song and apologized to their loved ones. They wrote - 'We separated because we didn't understand each other, this song opened my eyes, I want to apologize to them.' For me, the biggest success is to make someone's heart melt to the point of apologizing with a song.

Nowadays, songs are made indiscriminately to go viral in the market. Didn't you feel like making such songs during the time of failure?

Some even advised. 'Sarika, your song didn't work, why don't you sing a slightly vulgar or double-meaning song, you'll become a hit quickly.' But my heart never agreed. I have a family, I have a society.

I want to sing songs that can be listened to by all family members sitting together. I cannot forget my dignity for momentary fame. I am proud that the audience has recognized me through decent words, even if it took time. I always try to provide quality and decent music.

How has the support from friends and elders been in the music field?

There is also a tendency in our field for one person to pull the other's leg. There is a trend of paying attention only when someone's song becomes a hit and ignoring them when it doesn't. So, I moved forward by relying on my own strength without expecting much from anyone.

After the song became popular, you must be getting a lot of demand from fairs and festivals, right?

I get good invitations now. But I am doing stage programs sporadically.

In the past, when my songs didn't work, no one would invite me to stage programs. It was only after the success of 'Gun Bhulyau' that I started performing on stage as a professional singer.

What are your future plans now?

I plan to work on songs that reflect folk culture. Folk songs are our roots, they never die. I wish to sing original songs that are liked by all Nepalis from east to west. The audience has said, 'Sarika ji, please don't stray, keep singing such quality songs.' Their trust is my energy. I always try to deliver quality and decent music.

Video/Photo: Manoj Khadka, Ayush Dhami/Ratopati