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In the year 2071 BS (2014 AD), Prakash Dutaraj from Mangala Rural Municipality-5, Myagdi, was forced to move with his family to Beni, the district headquarters, after a devastating landslide destroyed their home in Khola Kharka, Arman. As one of five siblings, Prakash faced a difficult childhood; his mother Urmila worked as a farmer, and his father Bhaktabahadur was abroad. When Prakash arrived in Beni at the age of eight, his family’s financial struggles only intensified.
While studying in grades 9 to 12, Prakash supported his family by working part-time at a local office, earning just NPR 3,500 per month by cleaning in the mornings and evenings. He recalls, “When I was in grade 12, my mother also went abroad, leaving the responsibility of my younger siblings on me.”
Prakash had a passion for songwriting and singing from a young age. While still in grade 10, he managed to gather financial support from friends and well-wishers to record his first song, SimSim Paryo Pani. However, the pressing need to earn money led him to prioritize work over education. After sending his siblings back to their village, he set off for Kathmandu in 2071 BS, with hopes of both foreign employment and a breakthrough in the music industry. Initially, he found work in Kathmandu’s Dohori (folk song) restaurants, where he spent four and a half years performing.
“Though I came to Kathmandu with plans to go abroad, I ended up working in Dohori restaurants to survive. It became a school for me, where I learned about music,” he said. Even after creating eight songs with his earnings, he didn’t achieve significant financial success.
Determined to pursue foreign employment, Prakash had secured a loan against his family’s land but ultimately used half the amount to record his song Ghar Kata Ho Bainiko instead. This song was inspired by the stories he had heard from elders in his village about the arduous journeys they made to barter salt. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 lockdown in 2076 BS disrupted his plans to go abroad. But when he saw that his song was getting significant traction on YouTube and TikTok, his discouragement turned into renewed hope.
The song, which features vocals by Shantishree Pariyar, has since garnered over 42 million views on YouTube. Prakash’s other hits, like Rimai, Resham, Junmaya, Man Bhulchha, and Mai Jamla, have all surpassed one million views each. With his success, Prakash was able to bring his parents back home from abroad, build them a house in the village, and support his siblings’ education. His social and economic status has greatly improved through his music.
Prakash is known for creating folk songs that not only entertain but also carry a message. His music videos stand out for their heartfelt and meaningful narratives. In every song, he strives to capture the essence of his upbringing, his village, and the struggles of rural life. As he explains, “I draw inspiration from my roots, and my music reflects the stories of our society, struggles, and culture.”
He shared that he learned from past controversies, such as the debate over scenes in his music video Karim, which became an opportunity for growth. For Prakash, it is crucial that his songs deliver both entertainment and a message to his audience.
In 2078 BS, during the Dashain festival, Prakash released Jam Bho Maili on his own YouTube channel, and it has since garnered over 21.8 million views. His most popular track, Rimai, which showcases the lifestyle of the endangered Raute community, has amassed over 47.7 million views.
Prakash’s latest hit, Resham, released just a month and a half ago, portrays the life of herders who spend months away from their families in remote highlands. In just two months, it has surpassed 13.4 million views on YouTube. Encouraged by the love from his audience, Prakash has set aside his earlier plans of becoming a migrant worker, choosing instead to fully commit to his musical journey.
With each song, Prakash Dutaraj proves that music can be a powerful vehicle for preserving Nepali culture while also telling the untold stories of rural life. His journey from a struggling boy in Beni to a beloved folk singer is a testament to his dedication and talent.
(Translated as it is in RSS Except Headline)
