From singing in nightclubs to performing at his own concerts, Dinesh Rai’s love affair with music began as the lead vocalist of Nepal’s first rock band, Prism. Growing up in the misty hills of Darjeeling, Dinesh was profoundly influenced by the vibrant local music scene, dominated by rock music.
Now, he plans to retreat to a remote corner of Nepal to focus on painting and writing, carrying his music in his heart. In conversation with WOW, we learn a little about Dinesh Rai’s love for music, words and art.
Dinesh spent his childhood in Darjeeling deeply influenced by the local music scene, predominantly rock music and iconic bands like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Bob Marley. While studying, he represented his college in the western solo vocals category for four consecutive years, earning numerous awards at inter-college festivals. This marked the beginning of his singing career, giving him the recognition and the confidence to explore music as a career.
“A Nepali among 3000 Indian students, representing Xavier’s was a proud moment. My most memorable performances were at the hostel staircase. After dinner, I would sing on the steps and the boys would come one by one, sit around me, and request songs. Nobody talked until the 10 pm silence bell went off and everyone then headed for their rooms.”
In Kathmandu, in April 1978, the band Prism was formed, by Pemba Lepcha (lead guitarist), Prahlad Roka (bass/ vocals), George Subba (drums), and Dinesh Rai (vocals/ rhythm guitar). This was a time when live rock music was non-existent in the city. Prism’s first concert took place in October 1978 in the City Hall and was seen as a rock revival. By 1979, the band had become Nepal’s premier rock band and concerts were sold out. Prism became the first Nepali band to be signed as a house band by the Hotel Soaltee. Previously only Sri Lankan bands had enjoyed that privilege. Playing five hours of music, six days a week turned them into real professionals.
“I left after five years and joined Plan International. I worked 9 to 5 and played music after hours,” recalls Dinesh.
After leaving Hotel Soaltee in 1983, Dinesh worked as a photographer and also started a photo development business. This was followed by freelance photography for several years. Throughout this period, he also performed at various gigs for the British Gurkhas, the Marines, and the RNGC annual ball, embassies, Hotel Soaltee, SNV, and Elephant Polo events. In 1994, a new lineup of Prism secured a lucrative contract at the Casino Royale nightclub featuring Dev Rana on drums, Dipak Thapa on lead guitar, Mahendra Lama on bass, and Dinesh Rai on vocals and rhythm guitar. In 2000, they held their second concert at Sano Gaucharan Stadium which was a great success.
Beyond an interesting career in music, Dinesh has worked in photography, journalism, editing, all the while balancing his artistic passions with professional roles.
In 1999, Dinesh joined the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) and began working as a photojournalist. Later, he was appointed as the editor at Nepal Traveller. He then played music for a living in Thamel until he was offered a position at the Specialty Media as the editor of Casino Times. In 2004, after leaving the magazine, he joined ECS as an editor. Amidst all of this, he would often make time for his creative expression, writing songs.
“I have written eight original songs and recorded two, but never released them on social media, which I now intend to do. One of my songs about Nepal’s turbulent times “Set Me Free” was nominated for Hits FM’s ‘Best Song in a ‘Foreign Language’ category. I have recorded Kumar Basnet’s “Duela” in rock ‘n roll but sadly, Hits FM called it a remix and wouldn’t accept it” he reminisces.
He now plans to leave Kathmandu for a remote area of Nepal to concentrate on his painting and writing a book. But prior to this, he performed four well-attended concerts in six months since October 2023 in honour of John Winston Ono Lennon, the English singer, songwriter, musician and founder of The Beatles. The final farewell concert took place at Moksh and featured some of the best Nepali rock musicians, lasting late into the night as the enthusiastic crowd refused to leave.
“The most fun gigs were at Tiger Tops Chitwan and Bardia. We enjoyed a two-night free stay, followed by an all-night performance until 3am. The best concert of my life was the farewell ‘Beatlemania’ finale. I feel blessed when someone like Mukti Shakya announces at a concert that I was his inspiration, it’s a feeling of fulfilment. Many younger artists have said we inspired them. Even after 46 years, people still spend money and come to hear me sing. For me, success is when the biggest star walks up to me after a concert and says, ‘Da, I am your fan’. As an artist you can never fully retire from what you love,” concludes Dinesh Rai.
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