Nepal Tara: A preview | Whose Tara will shine brighter? By Pawan Neupane

After leaving behind almost 9,000 fellow contestants and passing through several rounds of the Nepali Tara contest during its eight-month period, Dharmendra Sewan and Dipak Limbu are vying for the ultimate honor this evening. A look at those two and some similarities can be seen. Both come from the two cities that have contributed so much to Nepali music - Pokhara and Dharan. Dharmendra hails from Lakeside, Pokhara, while Dipak's productive years in music were spent in Dharan. Both have seen harsh days very early in their lives, though they always veil it with their lovable charms and sweet smiles. Both were interested in music since childhood and want to convert their common passion into lifelong careers. They also have the eyes to look at the brighter side of Nepali music. Their journey in Nepali Tara has also been similar - sometimes high, while at others low.

They, however, have a few contrasts too. Dharmendra is more into western and pop music and has had no formal training before. Meanwhile, Dipak is a student of eastern classical music and is more comfortable with folk and modern songs. Obviously, he has more technical knowledge of music than Dharmendra, and he scores over him on that point. The area where Dharmendra is strong is in presentation skills, which had perhaps no equals in the entire Nepali Tara contest. Despite that, they can prove their own versatility if given the opportunity.

The two sang a total of seven songs each in the final round of September 17 and the Live Bhidanta combined, even challenging each other with songs of contrasting styles in the latter program. As the contests offered little margin for error, both sang their hearts out unleashing their talents before the judges and the audience. And it must be said that it was really difficult choosing between the two.

However, the three regular judges had their own thoughts about the two when asked by CityPost. Let's hear what they have to say:

Deepak Jangam: I wouldn't like to reveal their strengths and weaknesses. They are not professionals and so don't have consistencies in their presentations. But they surely show lots of promise for the future.

Bimala Rai: I wish I could blend the two together into a single Nepali Tara. Anyway, Dipak is more professional and technical and I liked him from the beginning. But Dharmendra has a God-gifted voice and he has improved himself all the way through. Dipak scores more for his looks and personality while Dharmendra has better presentation skills.

Alok Shree: Both exhibit feelings in their songs. However, Deepak has a more mature voice and can even sing serious songs with ease, while Dharmendra is better with the presentation skills.


The Nepali Tara rewards:
Trip for two to Singapore for six nights and seven days

A solo album courtesy of Sur Taal

Three music videos sponsored by Neelbarahi Films

A DTSI Discover bike from Bajaj

Debit card of Rs 51,000 from Nepal Investment Bank

A contract with Neelbarahi Films expected to be around Rs 400,000-500,000

And for the runner-up: Trip for one to Malaysia for four nights and five days


Indian Idol with Nepali Tara

Watch them Live on Oct 2 & 3

In March 2005 Abhijeet Sawant catapulted to fame after becoming the first Indian Idol and sold millions of copies Apna Abhijeet (with songs like Mohabatain Lutaunga) will be here to lutao his Mohabbat. This Saturday, Nepal will get his equivalent with her first Nepali Tara in either Dharmendra Sewan or Dipak Limbu. No matter who wins, the Nepali Tara will be performing live with Abhijeet Sawant in The Idols' Concert on October 2 and 3.

The much-hyped and eagerly anticipated concert by the Indian Idol and the Nepali Tara, presented by Media Horizon, takes place at the Birendra International Convention Center (BICC) Grounds, New Baneshwor, on October 2 and at Hyatt Regency the following day.

The first day's concert will kick off at the BICC Grounds at 2:30 pm. Besides the two idols, local artistes Karma Band and Mausami Gurung will also be a part of the mega event. Similarly, the program at Hyatt will start at six in the evening and will have a DJ Dance Session for those in the mood.

According to Sajan Ghimire of Media Horizon, Abhijeet will arrive in Kathmandu on October 2 and will be singing around 20 songs at both the concerts. Rajendra Salabh, program director of Nepali Tara, said that all the nine finalists of Nepali Tara will be performing the song Jhilmil while the Nepali Tara will be singing around five songs. He further mentioned that their female finalists will also be singing three duets with Abhijeet. According to Ghimire, tickets are available at Rs 250 for BICC and Rs 2,000 at a 20% discount for Hyatt, at different places of the city.


Dipak Limbu
Age: 23 years

Home: Prakashpur, Sunsari

Education: IA at Mahendra Multiple Campus

Achievements: First in Eastern Region Open Modern Song Competition (2001) and Brighter Timro Sur Mero Geet final (2000)

Favorite singers: Narayan Gopal, Bhaktaraj Acharya, Prem Dhoj Pradhan and Fatteman

Interest: Dancing and acting

Strength: My hardworking nature

Weakness: My gullible nature

His father used to play in the band in the army. So influenced by his father, Dipak was inclined towards music since childhood, and was part of regular club programs held in his village then. Later, he left for Dharan to pursue a career in music. There he learnt classical music from his guru Priyadarshi Binod Rai and also involved himself in all kinds of musical activities. After staying there for about eight years, he came to Kathmandu in search of greener pastures and has been staying here since. As luck would have it, he took part in the Nepali Tara contest and today he is one of the two probable title winners.

A firm believer in hard work, Dipak practices his singing almost 8-9 hours a day. His interest is in modern and film songs but he wants to be perfect in all variations. For him, the grooming session at Radisson Hotel and meeting high profile personalities have been the biggest achievements. He says that it has changed him a lot and also made him realize that singing alone is not everything in life. That session, along with the concerts and the judges' comments, has made him feel thrice better about his performances these days.

Like his counterpart Dharmendra, he too is optimistic about the present Nepali music scenario and wants to serve it as long as he lives. Phone calls haunt him regularly and fans ask him for autographs on the streets, but he is more than happy to receive so much love and concerns from his admirers.

Though on the verge of a possible fortune, Dipak feels it is just the first step towards his goal. And tonight may prove to be just another of those big first steps in his career.


Dharmendra Sewan
Age: 22 years

Home: Lakeside, Pokhara

Education: SLC

Interests: Art, traveling, cooking

Favorite Singers: Arun Thapa, Deep Shrestha, Om Bikram Bista

Strength: My open voice

Weakness: I often give emphasis on feelings and lose track of the notes

It was some eight years ago that Dharmendra had seen Om Bikram Bista at a concert in Pokhara. His desire of meeting his idol then remained unfulfilled, but here he was performing in front of his idol in Nepali Tara.

He was always interested in music, owing to the musical environment in his family. But nobody would have bet on him had he seen him during his early schooldays – shy and never a frontbencher. He became more open afterwards after being appreciated for his singing. And by grade ten, he was already popular in his school. Interested in music, he quit studies after SLC, learnt the guitar and started singing with his band Damage Glitters at Club Amsterdam, Club Paradizo and other bars and restaurants of Pokhara.

One fine day, Niraj Tamrakar, a senior of his, told him to try out in the Nepali Tara contest. He did so, and qualified. Since then, he has mesmerized one and all with his open voice and inimitable expressions, making him a strong contender for the title. Following the advice of the judges, he has been taking vocal classes after the top 10th round to further enhance his skills. His popularity can be imagined by the fact that he receives many phone calls everyday from his fans.

His interest has now changed into a feeling of responsibility towards the country. He wants to prove himself versatile and give a new taste to Nepali music. For him, the biggest achievement after joining the contest is the opportunity to meet and learn from those people he could only dream of as a child. He further adds that he wouldn't have been able to make it on his own so far had it not been for the program.

He wants to dedicate himself to music all his life, and is optimistic about making a lifelong career out of music if someone can give something new and substantial to music. Hope we'll soon receive that from him.

source: http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=53392