KATHMANDU: Nepal is rich in the field of talented musicians. Among them are those who have carved a distinct niche with their powerful voice and lyrics. Legendary Nepali singer and lyricist Phatteman Rajbhandari is undeniably one of them. After a long time his classic hit numbers were brought to life at the Nepal Academy on August 28 at the event ‘Phatteman Saanj 2009’ organised on the occasion of Sangeet Shila Pratisthan’s sixth anniversary of establishment.

The musical programme started with the national anthem sung by the students of the Pratisthan. Then the long awaited live performance of the legendary singer went forth after the singer’s felicitation.

The crowd settled down as the curtain gently raised and the spotlight picked up Phatteman and his band of musicians on the stage.

His first number Marna baru garo hunna, which is like his song of identity that broke the silence inside the hall which erupted with a resounding round of applause. Most of his songs are written and composed by some of the past iconic musicians like Narayan Gopal, Nati Kaji Shrestha and others. His signatory affinity of twisting of voices in high and low tones with a husky voice was lent to most of the classical hit numbers like Banai kayo dhadari le, Kasto maya rahecha, Jindagi ko pana sukha vatiyana and many more.

His fifth number had the hall in its grip as his more than 40-year-old number Yasto pani huda rahecha jindagani ma was played.

After an hour-long performance, felicitation of various personalities who have devoted their life to their sector were felicitated. Musicians, actors, social workers, entrepreneurs, businessmen were felicitated with a token of appreciation.

A few other individual talented singers also lent their voices to some of Phatteman’s compositions.

According to the organisers, the sum collected from the concert will be invested in supporting the students of the institution through scholarship programmes.

The Himalayan Times (Published: August 30, 2009)