know . your . fav .artist

Born and raised in: Kalimpong

First instrument you picked: Mouth organ and keyboards. Was in a school group choir at St. Augustine, Kalimpong (Class 1-4). Picked up the guitar in 1989 and then switched to drums in 1995.        

First stage performance: In 1989, sang Deep Purple's rock anthem 'Smoke on the Water' onstage.
 
Switched to drums: Switched to drums after joining 1974 AD. First I played the percussions, the part which now Sanjay handles. Switched to Drums after the previous drum player left two days before a major gig. Then it was compulsion, but after all these years it's getting interesting as I am finding the 'groove'.       

Your first composition: Song Tyo Raat Ko from Samji Baschu. I composed it in 1998.

First Band: Eurika, after that Flames, both in Kalimpong. Flames was more famous than Eurika. We toured all over India and were featured in Sun magazine (The Indian edition).       

First gig: Did it with Eurika. It was a fundraising concert done for Dr. Grahams Homes (Blind School) Kalimpong, while still in class 10.   

First came to Kathmandu in: In 1994, when I was 24 years old.  
 
First job in Kathmandu: Little Angels' School. I taught English Language and gave Guitar lessons after school. Worked there for three years, before joining Galaxy Public school.        

Current profession: Now a fulltime musician. Managing a solo career as well as singing  with 1974 AD.  

On going solo: To creatively express myself in other musical genre, like adhunik with western inspired sounds. Not to limit myself as an instrument player, but express myself more musically.    

Countries you have been to while touring: With 1974 AD, we have toured Hong Kong, America, Australia, London, Germany (We released our latest album On Air there), Qatar and India.        

Clothes brands you are loyal to: Not brand loyal, like to wear what's comfortable. But brands like Gap and Giordano catches his eye.      

Your favorite pastime: Watching TV and am a big movie buff. I likes Al Pacino, Robert de Niro, Brad Pitt, Eva Mendez and Cameron Diaz. The Godfather is my favorite movie.

Family: Wife and Son. Wife teaches in GBBS and son studies in St. Xavier's.              
 
On the song 'Sambodhan': Wrote for and dedicated to Mr. Chandra Ghirisng who passed away in 2000. He had taught me the basics of music while in St. Augustine's choir. Sung and filmed as tribute to late king Birendra Shah after the Royal Palace tragedy.      

Achievements & Awards

   1. Kantipur FM Award : Poush 20, 2064
   2. 6th Annual Image Award ( Best Vocal Performance ) : 2060
   3. Sanmiguel Music Award : 2000
   4. Hits FM Music Award in 2 Category : 2056
   5. Kantipur FM Award: 2056
   6. Hits FM Music Award : 2066