Rupa Neupane, first lady sarod player of Nepal

By A Staff Reporter Kathmandu, Jun 3: There is a popular assumption in Nepali society that it is not easy for a woman to take or continue her career after marriage. However, there have been a few exceptions, and Rupa Neupane is one. 

Neupane, now a successful a sarod player of Nepal, has learnt to play the instrument only after bringing up her children. 

Sarod is a stringed instrument, used mainly in music in the Indian subcontinent. It is among the most popular and prominent instruments.

Born in a normal family in Mulpani, Kathmandu, she is the eldest daughter of her parents. 

She got married at the tender age of 12 when she was a five grader. She was compelled to get married at a very young age in the pressure of her father, who had a belief that parents should arrange marriages of their daughters before their first period. 

Rupa wanted to continue her study and become a singer. But Rupa’s father did not listen to her plea. Fortunately, her husband understood her and helped her fulfill her dream to become a singer. Ultimately, she started learning music at the age of 24 when she was a mother of two.  

“My husband helped me realise my dream to become a sarod player,” Neupane said. 

Learning the instrument in the beginning was difficult for Rupa. Her fingers bled when she played the instrument. Sitting in one place for four to five hours used to cause back pain. Moreover, she had to do household work. But she did not give up her passion. 

When Nepal Television aired her performance in 1999, she thought she was successful in her career. After that she started participating in different musical programmes in Nepal and India. Ujyaalo radio network has been broadcasting her performance every morning for 12 years.

Rupa, now 53, is still actively playing the instrument.  She said that now people are moving here and there to meditate for the peace of their mind, but only a few people know music is the best means of meditation in one’s life. 

“People cannot understand music from explanation without watching live performance,” Neupane said.