From walking the villages, playing the Sarangi in exchange for food to being recognised as one of the finest and first female artists from the Gandharva community, Barta Gandharva from Bhojpur shares her musical journey with WOW’s Anushka Shrestha.
What drew you to the Sarangi?
I did not start playing Sarangi because I was interested in it, rather it was an obligation for me as my father had gone to Sikkim due to some work for almost a year. It became difficult for us to sustain our livelihood and my mother bought a Sarangi and gave it to me. I would walk with my mother to different households playing the Sarangi. That is how people recognised me as ‘Gandharva’s daughter’ and started giving me some food and money. After my father got back, I continued to sing and play the Sarangi, accompanying him around the village.
When did you come to Kathmandu from Bhojpur?
I used to play the Sarangi around my village with my father. After some months, we met Gopal Siwakoti Chintan, a prominent human rights lawyer who brought me to Kathmandu. I was enrolled in a school then and after completing my SLC, people began to motivate me to continue playing the Sarangi. Gopal sir enrolled me into the Lalit Kala Campus to study vocals.
While there, I met Nayantara Kakshapati and Bhusan Shilpakar, who offered me an opportunity to perform with Kutumba. After that, with the help of Nayantara, I got a scholarship at the Nepal Music Centre. I used to go to college in the morning and during the day, I attended music school. Meanwhile I also taught music in several school for many years. Further, I was selected for a teacher exchange program so I got the chance to go to Norway and teach Sarangi there for ten months. After returning I started getting more offers.
What was your experience like in The Voice of Nepal?
I had performed in front of many renowned musicians in Norway but I never felt nervous in front of them. But The Voice of Nepal is such a platform through which people from all over the world watch you. Honestly speaking, I was very nervous in the blind round and hadn’t performed so well. Despite that, I was able to turn all the four judges around. My battle round was good. Everything was going smoothly but due to less number of votes, I couldn’t continue in the competition. I was able to make it to top six from my team and top 26 from the whole team of participants. The overall experience was very memorable.
Has it helped your career?
I don’t think money is the only thing that is important. Through The Voice of Nepal, I got to showcase my talent to many people around the world. I got so much love and appreciation from my well wishers which is the most important thing for me. After participating in The Voice, I got many offers for a year. I used to happily agree to whatever amount they offered. People recognised me through The Voice so I think this achievement is more than any monetary gain.
You picked Sarangi as a mode of survival and later mastered it. How do you view your journey?
I started playing the Sarangi to get food for my family and now I am recognised by people all around the world as a Sarangi player. Besides, I also got to work with many renowned musicians which I am really grateful for.
Tell us something about your first album ‘Gurans Fulyo’
I was ten years old when ‘Gurans Fulyo’released. After I came to Kathmandu, I somehow got a chance to record the song with Music Nepal for free. The album is like a collection of songs which I had been singing, although they are not my original compositions.
How has the pandemic affected your career?
It has been one and a half years since the pandemic due to which we are not able to work. It has been really difficult year because of lack of work. For now, we can only hope and pray that this lockdown doesn’t last long. If the lockdown lasts as long as last year, I will probably go back to my village as it is very difficult for us to sustain in Kathmandu in this situation.
How can the art of playing the Sarangi be preserved?
Children from this generation are hesitant to play and learn the Sarangi. It is not necessary that only Garndharva children have to learn how to play this instrument. I was someone who used to play it for food and money but the Sarangi is what has brought me so far today. I think it is very important for us to make children realize it’s essence and it is equally important for people like us to teach them.
