Singer Sirjana Khatri Discusses Musical Career in 'Star and Stories'

Kathmandu. Singer Sirjana Khatri is popular for her 'Houde' singing style. Along with this, a powerful stage performance is her identity. She, who has been interested in music since childhood, entered the music field with the song 'Houde Maya'. That's why she writes 'Houde' after her name. However, the song that made her known to many was 'Lahure Maya'. Many other songs including 'Ex Ko Chhamma', 'Nautanki Maya' are popular. Sirjana Khatri, who is active in all three fields of lyric writing, music composition, and singing, was interviewed by Ratopati in 'Star and Stories' about her musical career and other topics. The edited excerpt of the interview is presented here (detailed can be seen and heard in the video):

The song 'Phoolmaya' has just been released, what kind of song is it?

This is a dancing style item song. A fun atmosphere of family or friends' gatherings and dancing is presented in it. I wrote this song about eight-ten years ago. This time, it has been made into a complete package with some modifications and a rap by Ayush Pratik in a folk-pop tune. I like to mix contemporary trends in my creations. Since rap is trending now, I have mixed it in this song.

Most of your songs have the word 'Maya' in their lyrics, like 'Phoolmaya', 'Nautanki Maya', 'Double Maya'. Why is that?

My first musical album was 'Houde Maya', which was well-liked by the audience. The subsequent 'Lahure Maya' and 'Double Maya' also received good attention. 'Lahure Maya' changed my career. Since the word 'Maya' seemed to be commercially successful for me, I have continued it as a brand or series.

You create lyrics, music, and vocals yourself. Is it difficult to collaborate with others, or is there some other reason?

In the early days, it was a bit difficult to get others to do work that suited my voice and my style, so I did it myself. I was interested in songwriting since childhood. After starting work on my own amidst uncertainty, this process became easier. Now I feel more comfortable working with my own lyrics and music.

There is a race in the music market to become 'viral' rather than focusing on quality?

This is the demand of the time and the influence of technology. It is also a professional compulsion for an artist to adapt themselves according to market demand and audience expectations. But this does not mean that quality has to decline. Intellectual creations may not be popular today, but they can be popular at any time tomorrow. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on long-term creation rather than momentary virality.

You have been investing heavily in songs and videos, will the investment be recovered?

Digital platforms (YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, etc.) have become strong mediums now. Because of the songs, I get to participate in stage shows and festivals at home and abroad.

Incidents of being cheated in the music industry are heard day by day. Have you also faced such problems?

I myself have faced such problems in the early days. Working with new artists and new organizers without written agreements leads to such problems. Many artists face difficulties due to middlemen and irresponsible organizers. Therefore, nowadays I only work with written agreements and reliable organizers.

How satisfied are you with your musical career so far?

I am satisfied. There was a time when I wasn't. I thought this field was not for me, I couldn't do it, and I gave up. During the lockdown in the Covid period, I even did a clothing business. I had almost stopped singing. But later, my family became concerned, asking why I wasn't doing it. My mother showed more interest, saying things were going well. So I continued again.

Video/Photo: Manoj Khadka, Ayush Dhami/Ratopati