Gurung songs getting popular

Santosh Subedi,Kaski, July 16: Pokhara, widely recognised as the capital of both tourism and film, is also rich in Gurung cinema.

Not only has the Gurung film industry expanded its scope from Pokhara, but it has also grown in quality. 

Over the span of nearly 27 years, Gurung films have made a significant progress. To date, more than 200 Gurung movies have been produced, with several others currently in production.

Despite being made on small budgets, songs from Gurung films have become quite popular. In the past, Nepali and Hindi songs dominated formal events. Now, songs from Gurung films have taken their space.

 These songs are frequently played in schools and cultural programmes. One highly admired song is ‘Pretna Rodhini’ from the film ‘Phresyo,’ which has been viewed over 2.6 million times on YouTube. Its music was composed by Dhan Bahadur Gurung.

According to Maotse Gurung, founding president of the Gurung Film Association Nepal (GFAN), the song  ‘Ae Ngolsyo’ from the film ‘Mairimo’ has also been listed among the hit tracks.

 Gurung films have also received national and international awards. The first film to win an award was ‘Kripa,’ followed by ‘Yumpo Deurali’ and ‘Karma Kya,’ which also garnered accolades.

According to Bhoj Bahadur Gurung, former president of JFAN, musical films have played a significant role in improving box office performance.

 As songs gain popularity, more people are drawn to watch movies, he added.

According to him, songs from Gurung films such as ‘Ngolsyo Ramrani,’ ‘Ngala Ngolsyo Sirmairani,’ ‘Chhyabarani ngolsyone,’ ‘Deurali Ra Preno,’ and ‘Chau chhyabai Butte Kramu Kuba’ are widely played and appreciated.

Currently, around a dozen production companies in Pokhara are involved in making Gurung films, with around 150 artists and technicians actively participating.

Many actors, directors, and technicians are now sustaining their livelihoods solely through Gurung cinema. Studios are also receiving ample work.

 From this perspective, Gurung cinema is evolving into a full-fledged industry. As film production has increased, it has also brought a taste of professionalism.

The Gurung film industry has created job opportunities not only for Gurung artists but also for non-Gurung individuals.

 Singers like Rajani Rai and Tara Shris are among the leading playback singers in Gurung films.