KATHMANDU: The wait is finally over for the Paleti fans of the Capital. The musical evenings organised by nepa~laya to bring back the lost singer-audience proximity is returning with none other than Gayak Phatteman.

According to a nepa~laya press statement released on May 22, Phatteman will be performing at r-sala on the new premises of nepa~laya at Anamnagar on May 25. Phatteman is a living legend in the Nepali musical scene, known for his powerful vocals. After debuting with Yasto pani hundo raicha…some 40 years ago, Phatteman has sung several classic numbers, Marna baru garho hunna and Rato ra chandra surje to name but a few.

I am 70 now, but the love I have been receiving from my well wishers has kept me singing. I am now gaining confidence to sing through another decade, the statement quotes Phatteman as saying.

Nepa~laya has also produced an album with Phatteman. All songs in the album have been composed by Aavaas.

Simply titled Gayak Phatteman at 70, the album will be released during the show.

The Himalayan Times (Published: May 22, 2007)