Kumar Subba promises to return

UJJWAL PRASAIN                    

SILIGURI, FEB 22

Kumar Subba, the veteran Nepali singer based in Darjeeling, is convalescing in Siliguri after two months of hospitalization. After he suffered a brain stroke in November—paralysis followed soon after—he could not move the left side of his body and was completely bed-ridden.

Finally, after treatment and rest, his health has been improving. He can now walk a bit and can talk to people. An indefatigable singer, Subba has already begun to plan new projects for his listeners. He has been preparing himself mentally for his upcoming music concert in Kathmandu. "Though I cannot play my harmonium and sing now, I am mustering up the energy to be fit for the concert that nepa~laya will organise," says Subba.

The concert had been planned before Subba suffered the stroke. Subba has already performed in Paleti, the monthly event organised by nepa~laya that features Nepali singers.

Though Subba believes he can regain his health for the concert, his fans are worried. Singer Karma Yonjon, who has worked with Subba for a long time, said in an interview to Kantipur, "I am worried that Kumar may not regain the same sweetness in his voice." But Subba is not discouraged by the illness he is suffering from. Rather, he is trying to regain the energy that his fans always loved in him.

Darjeeling has always been a vibrant place for Nepali music and literature, offering us the likes of Amber Gurung, Gopal Yonjon, Aruna Lama and Karma Yonjon. Subba is a part of this pantheon. His songs, recorded on Radio Nepal and All India Radio long before he released his albums, have enthralled Nepali listeners since 1968. Subba's old hits like He Phool Chudera Laane Ho, Deurali Kaa Theetiharu and Saarangi ko Taar Le Mero will be instantly recognized by an avid listener of Nepali songs.

Subba—also a full time employee of the West Bengal State Department of Culture —is one of the few Nepali artists who believe in hard work and regular practice. His unflagging work and passion earned him the trust of the most revered Nepali music composer and lyricist, the late Gopal Yonjon. "I am planning to come up with a collection of the songs that Yonjon gave me a long time ago. I have recorded some of them for Paleti," Subba says.

Staying at his daughter's residence in Siliguri, Subba is still under the supervision of doctors and specialists. Very hopeful as Subba is towards his life, he says, "Please convey my regards to all my well-wishers in Kathmandu. Let them know that I can never forget the love of Nepali listeners and will certainly appear on stage soon." 

Courtesy: The Kathmandu Post