Laxmi Acharya brings Deuda to mainstream

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 5: Laxmi Acharya, known as a Deuda singer and performer, has now become a significant cultural ambassador of the Sudurpashchim Province.

She has mainly been bringing traditional Deuda songs, especially those sung in Sudurpashchim with its unique dialect and melodies, into the mainstream.  

Born in Tikapur, Kailali, Acharya has spent over a decade and a half bringing the unique tunes of Sudurpashchim to national and international audiences. She has sung over 350 songs so far. 

Reflecting on her journey, Acharya said she was always a lively and expressive girl who enjoyed singing, dancing and participating in school events. Encouraged by her teachers and fuelled by her love for the arts, she realised early on that music was running in her blood.

Acharya completed her SLC from Moti Secondary School, Tikapur, Kailali, and pursued her higher education at Saptarshi Secondary School before leaving her hometown.

“Even while in Kailali, I engaged in many creative pursuits, including social service through the Scouts. But my deeper inclination was always toward music,” she said.

Her passion eventually led her to Kathmandu in 2009, with a clear goal to pursue a career in music.

In 2011, she recorded her first duet song with Ramji Khand titled Najik Sarchhan, which brought her national recognition.

“As a woman from Sudurpashchim, I felt a strong inner urge to promote our rich Deuda culture and take it to new heights,” she said.

Despite various challenges, she remained committed to Deuda, releasing a long list of hit songs including Laihal Kalo Tika, Bhana Saali, Maiti Desh, and Timro Dilma.

Through these songs, she has consistently reflected the dialect, culture, and fragrance of her roots.

Acharya has received several awards and honours, including the 12th National Box Office Film Fair Award, Sudurpashchim Kala Samman, Epic Nepal Music Award, and Music Khabar Music Award among others.

From her village in Kailali, Acharya’s Deuda songs have now reached global audiences. She has performed in China, Australia, Japan, UAE, Singapore, Thailand, Qatar, Malaysia, and India, always carrying the soul of Sudurpashchim with her.

“No matter how modern the world becomes, people always return to their roots. Deuda brings joy and nostalgia; it’s a song of the heart,” she said.

Acharya acknowledges that surviving in the modern music industry is not easy, especially with the rapid evolution of technology and media. Changing audience tastes and fierce competition have made it harder to sustain traditional genres like Deuda.

Still, she remains determined. “I believe preserving and promoting Deuda music in today’s context is challenging but not impossible,” she said.

“As a woman from a remote area, competing in the urban, commercial music world has been tough. To survive, let alone thrive, requires both grit and grace,” she remarked.

“But I have learned that even though it’s hard, nothing is impossible.”

She skilfully blends Deuda songs with modern music, creating a unique melody that is truly captivating to listen to.