Naap Chowne Madusan reimagined after 50 years

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Sept. 29: The timeless Nepal Bhasa song titled ‘Naap Chowne Madusan’ has been re-released in a new version after 50 years. Originally sung by Juju Kaji Ranjit, the song was reintroduced amid a programme held at Bishwojyoti Cineplex in Kathmandu on Saturday.

The song has been reimagined with a fresh arrangement by Joogle Dangol and vocal by Rajeev Yogal Shrestha along with a music video starring artists Kishor Chipalu and Rabina Tuladhar. The song that holds a special place in the Newar Community was directed by Darshan Bir Shakya and both cinematographed and edited by Manoj Ratna Shahi.

On the occasion, Bagmati Province MP Shailendra Bajracharya said that efforts were being made to allocate necessary budgets for creators in the Nepal Bhasa field. Stating that the preservation of mother tongue languages should be prioritised at the policymaking level, he said that he was always committed to the development of language and music.

Singer Ranjit urged stakeholders to support the preservation and promotion of Nepal Bhasa music. He said, “I recorded the song in 1975 at Radio Nepal. However, I lost credit for it when others sang it while I was studying in Russia.”

Additionally, senior photographer Raj Bhai Suwal said that the music video stands out compared to others being made in Nepal Bhasa. He said that the new video had helped revive the original song among the younger generation as music was not just listened but also watched in the current time.

Naresh Bir Shakya, Managing Director of Elohan Publication and presenter of the song, said that in today’s audio-visual ear, relying solely on print for language preservation was no longer sufficient. Therefore, they were producing music videos and short films in Nepal Bhasa to honour creators.