Music to me is GOD

KATHMANDU, April 13:  Music for him is devotion, and that reflects in Kailash Kher’s singing. A performance style that’s uniquely his which he executes with inimitable flair, Kher’s voice can transport you to a world he describes through his songs -- all credit to the heart and soul he puts in his craft.



Recognition, awards, and adulation he has it all, but for him it’s doing what he loves that matters. [break]



His head firmly on his shoulders and his heart very much in the right place, the Sufi soul has landed in Kathmandu for his first ever gig.



In an interview to Republica, Kher talks about his love for music, singing Nepali songs and his desire to celebrate Dashain in Nepal and more…



Music means

When you do something and your conscience says, “Yes, this is what you’re supposed to do”, you know you’re on the right path. And when your work gets appreciated, commands respect that’s the sign you’re doing what you’re supposed to do.



It’s the expression of your inner feelings, and it transcends the barriers of language, gender and religion. Music to me is God.



Source of inspiration

My father was my inspiration! He wasn’t an educated person and was certainly not a worldly figure, but what he possessed was passion and humility. It engulfed everyone around him and people couldn’t help but respond to him. Although not a trained singer, he used to sing and was a big influence on me.



Neither is he my teacher nor am I his student, but what he instilled in me has had a positive impact on my entire life. He stressed on being a good human being first. Do no harm, don’t cheat - - and you should be just fine.



Destiny can be defined

See, when I ventured into the music world, I was well aware of the struggle and all the pitfalls. But I was determined to become a singer and there was no two ways about it. Luck does play its part, and destiny plays a big role. However, destiny is directly proportional to your deeds. It’s karma. What you sow is what you reap, in this life. My mantra for success – do what you love and love what you do, rest will follow suit.







Education for empowerment

Formal education is your backbone, the foundation upon which you build your career, your future. If you want to eradicate poverty, injustice, in fact all the problems, whether physical, emotional, social or economical, everything can be banished through education.



It’s the biggest weapon one can harness. I studied Sanskrit when I was in university and that greatly helped in my latest venture, a Nepali song that I recently sang for Nhyoo Bajracharya. My education was my savior.



A journey of eight years

It’s been a continuous learning process. Every concert, every single country, the people I’ve met have enriched me professionally and personally. I feel myself growing as a human being and as an artiste every single time.


Struggle to survive

I never thought I would be a singer. It was never planned. Initially, I tried my hands at business which failed miserably, so I thought about giving singing a shot. Perhaps fate had a different plan for me – it’s all about destiny.



So I decided to move to Mumbai in 2001 in pursuit of music. It was tough to survive but I held on. I guess that’s a trait of us Delhiites; we are a very resilient bunch.



I bunked over at a place for Rs 50 per day and was supposed to move out in two days, but I managed to convince my landlord and stayed there for another eight months (laughs). I would go hungry but pay the rent on time; come what may I held on to the place and kept on struggling.



Eventually, all that hardship paid off. I started doing jingles for commercials for several big brands and got my voice noticed. The rest, as they say, is history.


Nepal as I thought

Nepal has always fascinated me. She is one of the few countries that I genuinely wanted to perform in. The few documentaries that I watched about this Himalayan country always piqued my interest. Personally, I love countries where culture and tradition are cherished.



I’ve been told festivities are reverently observed here, and on my wish-list is to be here during Dashain. Wow, that would be something! I’ve also heard that Nepalis love music and are patrons of art. And I’m not surprised, for you guys hail from the mountainous country where Lord Shiva dwells.


Singing in Nepali

I’ve already sung in 16 languages, and as Sanskrit was one of my subjects in graduation it helped me. Plus, many of the staff at my studio in Mumbai hail from Nepal, so I already had that affinity toward the language and the people. Whether it is dance, language, culture, art, if you love it, you’ll pick it up easily.



I like Nhyoo Bajracharya’s work; it was a pleasure working with him.



Catch Kher unplugged at 6 pm today at Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kalimati. Entry: Rs 5,000

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