The tangible heritages of Nepal are no new story to rest of the world, however, Nepali music and especially Nepali instrumental music is pride of Nepal on its own right. Nepal offers amalgam of typical eastern music based on ragas and its fabrication in Nepali way. Nepali instrumental bands are struggling to make their names in international arena and some have even popped up to the gesture cherished by all people from every nook and cranny of the world.
Sukarma is the name, which has already won heart of the millions with their enchanting melody. The instrumental band is popular for their fusion of eastern and western music. The musical band plays combined melody of Sitar, Tabla and Sarangi. Formed in the year 1997, Sukarma means good deeds figuratively defined by the music they perform. Sukarma has set their mission to popularize Nepali folk and classical music through the passion shared by all members of the group. The group originally consisted of three permanent members; Dr. Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi, Shyam Sharan Nepali and late Atul Prasad Gautam. Together the trio created magic, so well received by the audience that fame came to the group in no time. Collectively the trio had traveled extensively in USA, Switzerland, England, France, Kyrgyzstan, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Japan and many other parts of the world. Sukarma’s contribution towards Nepali Classical music is unmatched. After Atul’s sudden demise Pramod Upadhyaya, another young, talented and versatile musician joined the group on tabla. Sukarma’s music touches the heart of common men with the rendition of Nepali folk songs through their instruments. Music for them is not only the means to sustain their livelihood but it’s a way of life; a quest for inner beauty, love and peace. When Dhrubesh plays his sitar, his mind and soul mingle with almighty which produces soothing sound pleasing everybody who listens it. Shyam contemplates while playing sarangi closing his eyes with mild smile on his face as if he is talking to the God. When Pramod’s fingers tremble on tabla, it produces a kind of sound together with sitar and sarangi that it mesmerizes the audience.
Dr. Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi(Sitar) is a passionate musician who became the first Ph.D. holder in music in Nepal. He was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in music from Delhi University, India for his Ph. D. Dhrubesh is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and prizes in Nepal as well as in India, including first prize in Radio Nepal’s Classical Music Competition 1989, Kirateswar Sangeetashram Award 2002, Swar Sangam Youth Sangeet Award 2004. Presently, he is a lecturer at Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, Nepal.
Shyam Nepali(Sarangi) has followed the tradition of the indigenous instrument, a maestro in his unique style. Shyam made his first public appearance at a musical competition held at the Royal Nepal Academy at the age of fifteen. He is one of the most noteworthy young instrumentalists of Nepal. His sarangi playing reflects the typical Nepali style, which is remarkably very soft, melodious and touching.
Pramod Upadhyaya (Percussionist) is a well-known versatile musician, his talent accentuated by his mastery on tabla and singing. His first public performance in Nepal as a Tabla Soloist was at the age of five in the auditorium of Royal Nepal Academy where the members of the audience included Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. His first abroad tour was for the German Unification Day in Germany. Pramod is affiliated with Sukarma since last five years and at present joined as a permanent member of the group.
Published in Official e-Newsletter of Nepal Tourism Board on November 18, 2005