Narayan Gopal
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| Narayan Gopal | |
 Narayan Gopal in his Peak Times.
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| Born | October 4, 1939 Kilagal, Kathmandu, Nepal |
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| Died | December 5, 1990 (aged 51), aged 51 Kathmandu, Nepal Died of Diabetes |
| Occupation | Singer, Musician |
Narayan Gopal (Nepali: नारायण गोपाल गुरुवाचार्य) is by far the most prominent and popular singer in Nepali music. When people think or talk about Nepali music, the name most associated is that of Narayan Gopal. For most people, he is the singer. He was also an accomplished music composer in his own right. Not only was he gifted with a great voice, he was very versatile. His voice range allowed him to sing songs of every genre. His songs are often richly orchestrated with the sitar, harmonium and the flute. Some of his most popular songs include "Euta Manche Ko Maya le Kati)"(trans. For the Love of One Person), "Jhareko Paat Jhai"(Like a Fallen Leaf), "Yo Samjhine Man Cha"(This Heart remembers) and "Saawan ko jhari bani"(Like the Autumn Rain), "Manche ko Maya"(Love of person). Narayan Gopal has been accorded with title "Swor Samrat" (literally, King of Voice) which affirms his position as the supreme virtuoso of Nepali music. His death was due to organ failures, said to have been caused by his notorious drinking. The cassettes and CDs of his music still make significant sales in Nepal.
He has sung over 500 songs, including in films, ballets and drama. Most of his songs are melodies. It is said that he was very selective about which songs he sang. Although 500 songs is not a lot for some of his caliber, they are outstanding in some ways--be it the lyrical depth or superb rendition. In recognition of his contribution in the field of Nepali music, he has received several national honors and awards, Trishakti Patta, Chinnalata Puraskar to name a few.
Continued sales of his albums attest to his immense popularity. Even more than a decade after his death, his songs are equally liked, loved and sung.His legacy lives on. Current sensation, Ram Krishna Dhakal, a very popular singer, sang Narayan Gopal's songs and modelled his singing style after him when starting his career.
In a brief introduction of Narayan Gopal on an album cover, Music Nepal, the largest music company in Nepal, writes:
"The late Narayan Gopal (1996-2046 BS) is regarded as the most popular in the entire domain of modern Nepali music. A still more appropriate introduction of the music maestro would be to call him the King of Vocals or Swar Samrat of contemporary Nepali music. Narayan Gopal, who has enchanted millions of listeners by his immortal melodies has been awarded several national honors among which, Indra Rajya Laxmi Award, Chhinalata Award for vocals, Jagadamba Shree, Trishakti Patta third (awarded post humously) Urvashi Rang and several other honors and decorations bear testimony to his widespread popularity and the eminence he has achieved as a favorite singer of millions.
During his career, Narayan Gopal rendered his voice to over 550 compositions including modern songs, ballets, dance dramas, movies and patriotic songs. These songs have contributed in enriching the store of Nepali Music and popularizing Nepali music even beyond political frontiers."
Credit: Music Nepal
Personal Life
Narayan Gopal was born to a Newar family in Kathmandu in 1996 Bikram Sambat (BS). His father was a classical musician and wanted his son to follow his footsteps. Narayan Gopal was interested in music from an early age but not exactly into classical field. He studied music in India.
The late Gopal Yonjon and Narayan Gopal were good friends and "mits".(It's a nepali custom where good friends enter into a kind of a lasting friendship. This is generally seen as strengthening the friendship bond.) Narayan Gopal has sung many beautiful and soulful songs composed by Gopal Yonjon.
Narayan Gopal married his long time fan from Darjeeling, Pemala Lama. They do not have any children.
Below is a translation (in part) of one of his most famous songs, "Kehi mitho baata gara" (Say a few sweet words), used with permission of Suckypoetssociety:
"come, let us dance in this dark- like fireflies
float with the wind- like fibres of simal
leave your sorrows for tomorrow
for, "tomorrow" is to be suffered anyhow
whisper sweet words to me—
dusk fades away in vain
later tonight, to solitude—
we return, to weep again"
You can also listen to his songs on YouTube on: http://youtube.com/watch?v=LmikbEHgmRc&feature=related
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