Kunti, Shila Bahadur Moktan: A legacy of timeless Nepali melodies

Kathmandu, Oct. 30: Kunti Moktan and Shila Bahadur Moktan are enduring pillars of grace and talent in the Nepali music industry.

Born and raised in Darjeeling, India, they took a career in music and moved to Kathmandu.  Since then, they have been living in Kathmandu earning both fame and fortune. 

Not only the couple, but also their daughters, Subani Moktan and Shital Moktan, have become successful and accomplished singers in the Nepali music sphere. Both daughters, successful singers Subani and Shital, are married and live in Nepal, where they continue to thrive in music with their soulful voices and popular songs

Kunti has sung timeless songs such as Gaunchha Geeta Nepali, Khutta Tandai Gara, Choli Ramro, Lali Gurans Ajambari, Gothalo Jada, and Mathi Mathi Sailungema. She has over 600 songs to her credit.

Currently, Kunti Moktan works as a music teacher at various schools and colleges while staying engaged with performances and music recordings.

Shila Bahadur Moktan, a much-loved musician and singer, continues to be a vital member of the music world, arranging and creating songs with the same passion as ever. 

After retiring from Music Nepal, he initially planned to enjoy his retirement, but his passion for music has kept him busy with musical endeavours.

Both Kunti and Shila Bahadur have dedicated around 50 years to music. Despite this long journey, Kunti remarked, “Even though I have been in music for about 50 years, I still feel that I have not learned enough and need to keep working.” Shila Bahadur echoed this sentiment, saying, “We still have the energy to try new strokes in music.”

Kunti has sung over 600 songs and released 13 albums while Shila Bahadur has contributed to around 1,200 songs.

Together, the couple has produced hundreds of songs.

Interestingly, Shila Bahadur was once on the path to becoming a Lama Guru, as his grandfather had many disciples and hoped Shila Bahadur would follow in his footsteps.

However, Shila Bahadur’s love for music led him in a different direction. 

He received formal music training from JC Rai, and his first recorded song, Aakha Kahile Najudos, was released on All India Radio in Kurseong in the 1980s. 

Folk songs like Hoina Maile Dhakeko Badulki Lageko and Topi Hataile Bunera, along with the modern song Kahile Kahi Malai Pani Herideuna Pharkera, have established Shila Bahadur in the music field. 

The song Kahile Kahi Malai Pani Herideuna Pharkera introduced Kunti as a singer and Shila Bahadur as a musician in the Nepali music landscape. And the same song was the first of Kuti’s songs to be recorded in Nepal.

She first came to Nepal at the invitation of Swor Samrat Narayan Gopal to perform during the late King Birendra’s birthday celebration

 The couple met in a music class, where JC Rai was their teacher. As they learned music together, they grew close and eventually decided to marry. They moved to Kathmandu in 1983 to pursue their musical careers.

Kunti recalled that they chose to stay in Kathmandu for the vast opportunities it offered, and Nepal has indeed fulfilled their dreams.

“We received huge opportunities and respect here, which helped us flourish in our musical careers,” she said.

Both Kunti and Shila Bahadur feel blessed, as many of their contemporaries have left the profession, but thanks to the love and support of their audience, they continue to thrive in Nepali music.

Moktan couple and their two married daughters often sing and perform together at various programmes. 

“In our time, we used to sing songs that touched the heart and soul,” said Shila Bahadur.

 “We chose songs that evoked emotions, but music has become fast-paced now.”

Kunti added, “We never expected our songs to become famous, we sang songs that had a lasting impact and became timeless. But nowadays, songs are often created with the aim of going viral.

She recalled receiving only Rs. 20 for one song, with payments based on how many cassettes were sold. This is how they earned their living.

Despite the changes in the music industry, the couple plan to continue making music and bringing new songs for as long as they live.