How did you become a Nepal Idol judge? And how has the experience been so far?

To be able to do this show at this point of my career is a huge opportunity for me. It’s fun and tough at the same time. But if the thing you do is not challenging, you can­not grow as a person. When I was first offered this posi­tion, I was surprised and doubted myself. But with a little encouragement from the Nepal Idol team, I was able to pull it off.

I also like being in the show because I know the life of a reality show participant. I was myself a participant in ‘Nepali Tara’, which had a similar format. I try to encourage the partici­pants because I have been in their shoes.

Talking about my fellow judges, the kind of com­patibility we have contrib­utes to our success. We meet almost every day and have become the best of friends.

 

Do you think you’ve changed as a person after constantly being in the public eye?

I am an introvert. This fraternity has groomed me as a singer and also as a person. I was the kind of person who was okay with being dominated by others. I used to walk with my head bowed. Now I can address thousands of people at a time. The larger the crowd, the higher my energy.

 

How is the Nepali music industry treat­ing you?

Can’t complain! I have got more than I asked for. I am friendly and easy to work with. I have seen many peo­ple who are talented but are not compati­ble with other people. They have their own issues. I think I am an average singer but I still have many shows and singing opportunities lined up. Attitude matters a lot in this industry.

 

Do you like being referred to as the ‘Nepali Shakira’?

I used to do a lot of dancing, especially with undulated, accessorized hips, early in my career. The audience got excited and so did I. But then, people started calling me “Nepali Shakira” which made me question my identity as an original singer. I felt it was overshadowing my image for which I had worked so hard. I am now more aware of hav­ing my own signature moves when I’m performing.

 

What would you say to those who can sing well but are scared to audition for a show like Nepal Idol?

Maybe they are good sing­ers but do not want to pursue singing as a career. Because I believe that if you are pas­sionate enough, nothing is going to stop you. So if someone is skeptical about winning, losing or not confident enough for even trying, they may be lacking passion.

See, singing is for everybody. But if you want to pursue it as a career, you have to fight for it. You can release an album, but there is no certainty that it will be a hit. If you do not want to audition in competitions, you can examine yourself in other ways too. The platforms might be dif­ferent but you have to find your comfort zone and work on your dreams.

It is a free country!

 

Did you fear failure when you were taking part in competitions?

I never did. I just wanted to give it a shot. When I was selected for Nepali Tara in 2005, I was elated. There were around 250 partici­pants in the hall when I auditioned. When I looked around, some were playing guitar, some were warming up to sing. It was intimidating. But I was selected as the top female singer of that show. It was quite an achievement for me at that age.

 

You must have many fans. Any fan-moment that you’d like to share with us?

There is a truck that runs in Biratnagar route and I am painted all over it. Every time I got to eastern Nepal for my shows, I see that truck parked around the venue. My heart brims with joy to get such love.