Musician Himalayan Sitar Releases New Fusion Single ‘Vedanshi’

By Santosh Paudel

Sitar player Himalayan Sitar has released a song titled 'Vedanshi.' In the 7-minute long Vedanshi, Himalayan Sitar is accompanied by Chilean musicians Moa Edmunds Guevara on the lafta and Tomas Carrasco Guberantis on the saxophone. Himalayan Sitar stated that Vedanshi is the first song from the album 'Shruti.' 

Vedanshi is a fusion of sitar, saxophone, and lafta. The released song is available on Himalayan Sitar's official YouTube channel, Spotify, and other digital platforms. Here is an edited version of a conversation with 'Himalayan Sitar' from Jhapa, who is pursuing a Master's in Ethnomusicology at Kathmandu University's Department of Music, regarding the potential and future of the sitar in Nepal, its future use like other instruments, its popularity, and its influence on Nepali music.

What kind of song is 'Vedanshi' which you recently brought to the market?

'Vedanshi' is a song born from a mixture of our classical music, Western music, and Middle Eastern music. I am a student of the sitar who has come to work as a sitar player to introduce Nepal's classical music to the whole world.

What is the future of sitar music in Nepal? How did you get involved in this field?

The future of sitar music in Nepal is not bright for now, but I am struggling. I have been involved in this field since I was doing my Bachelor's at Kathmandu University. I chose it because I was influenced by sitar music. It gives peace to the mind. This music makes one understand their roots. That is also why elders have called classical music a medium to reach God. For these various reasons, I chose sitar music.

Why do you introduce yourself as Himalayan Sitar?

My real name is Uttam Ghosh. But I wanted to connect with the Himalayas rather than my real name. When the Himalayas are connected, my motherland Nepal is also connected. In the future, I want Himalayan Sitar not to be limited to just one person but also to work for the preservation of Nepali traditional culture. I plan to make this name a brand and work for the preservation of classical music as a whole.

You have a deep love for the sitar. How did you fall so deeply in love with it?

My love for the sitar grew while searching for a future in sitar music. As I went deeper into classical music, I got the chance to observe the sitar closely. Now I am searching for my future in it.

How happy are you now after deciding to make a career in sitar?

The reason I entered this field despite knowing there is no future in sitar music is my love for it. Since I am enjoying sitar music, I am happy.

Why do you think the potential for sitar music in Nepal is not as expected?

The current situation exists because institutions related to sitar music in Nepal, such as Nepal Television, Radio Nepal, and universities like Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University, are only involved in the preservation and promotion of classical music in name only. The inability to make policies from the government level that can have an impact is also our big weakness.

Can the market for sitar music be expanded in Nepal? What should be done to take sitar music to the general public?

Music originates from society itself. For the rise and development of sitar music, classical music must be modernized and taken to the youth. Currently, the largest group listening to music is the younger generation. Only if the practice of listening among the youth is established will the market for sitar music grow automatically.