“I am very happy to spend some part of my earnings on needy people and children”: Singer Roshani Rasaili

Kathmandu- Renowned singer Roshani Rasaili, who is widely regarded as the best in her field, has established herself as a prominent figure in the realm of Nepali folk music.  She has been Born in the Baglung district, which is known as a hub for Nepali folk music, Singer Rasaili has been actively involved in the Nepali music industry for the past 15 years. Despite her love for Nepali folk and dohori music, Roshni pursued both her education and singing career. Growing up in Salijo, Kauda, and Panchawaja, she developed a deep connection to the musical traditions of the western region’s villages. The practice of Rodhi and Ratauli is still prevalent in several districts such as Kaski, Baglung, Syangja, Parbat, Tanahu, and Lamjung.

In today’s society, many youths prioritize the adoption of foreign cultures to modernize themselves. However, the traditional Nepali culture is still thriving in certain regions, such as Baglung and Syanja. Young artists, like singer Rasaili, are actively involved in preserving this cultural heritage. Roshani, who grew up with Rodhi music, has become a renowned folk and duet singer, beloved by Nepali people from all walks of life. Following the completion of her secondary education, Roshani Rasaili came to Kathmandu to pursue higher education. She chose to study singing as her major, specializing in her preferred genre. She successfully obtained her +2 in Music from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, Tribhuvan University. After completing her studies, Singer Rasaili endeavored to establish herself in the Nepali music industry.

According to Singer Rasaili, “I prefer singing original songs as they are able to convey our own emotions and stories, express sorrow, and also resonate with the hearts of the general public.” She believes that folk and traditional music are effective means to promote the Nepalese language, culture, and costumes globally.

In 2009 (2066 in the Nepali calendar), Singer Rasaili recorded the song “Kati Palayo Dali” for the first time. She performed the song in a duet style, accompanied by Krishna G.C’s male voice. The lyrics and rhythm were also created by G.C. The song’s success brought Singer Rasaili significant financial gain. Ishwar Sivakoti, who is the Market Manager at Ambika Music Pvt. Ltd and responsible for the promotion of the song “Kati Palayo Dali,” stated that the audio cassette release of the song was a commercial success during that time. She has been involved in the Nepali folk and duet singing industry since 2009 (2066 in the Nepali calendar). Over the course of 15 years, she has recorded approximately 3 dozen songs. Some of her most popular songs include “33 Kilo Sun,” “Kavrema Ghar Chh (Part 1),” “Kavrema Ghar Chh (Part 2),” “Dandaghare Kanchi,” “Sunko Chura,” “Sali Vena,” “Chautarima Bar Chh,” and “Mali Gai Ko Dahi.”

In 2011 (2068 in the Nepali calendar), Roshani married Ramesh Shivashankar from Kavre. She has been able to maintain a strong presence in the Nepali music industry with the support of her husband Ramesh. Additionally, she is also a skilled homemaker. The Singer Rasaili couple has a daughter. In Nepalese society, it is often challenging for married women to continue working in the music industry. Many female singers have had to leave their profession after marriage and become homemakers. However, this has not been the case for Roshni.  Her husband Ramesh Shivashankar has always supported her in pursuing her dreams and has enabled her to continue her career as a singer.

She has expressed that her husband has always been a great source of encouragement for her and has motivated her to participate in various music programs and sing songs. She mentioned that she came to the capital city with a strong aspiration to become a singer, and her husband has always been supportive of her dreams. Singer Rasaili considers herself fortunate to have such a supportive husband and hopes that every husband can take his wife forward and inspire others in society. Ramesh Shivashankar is a Civil Engineer who is engaged in a busy profession. Despite his busy schedule, he manages to take out time to support and establish his wife as a renowned singer. Roshani’s contribution to the field of lyrics and music has been acknowledged and appreciated by various national and international organizations. She has been honored with several awards, including the “Guinness Book of World Records-2017″ and the Jyoti Films Awards, etc.

Roshani Rasaili is widely recognized as an inspirational singer within the Nepali music market. In addition to her musical pursuits, she has also been actively involved in various social activities through singing. Furthermore, she has generously donated a portion of her earnings from singing to various orphanages. Singer Rasaili says, “I am very happy to spend some part of my earnings on needy people and children because the talented children of today are the successful personalities of the coming generation.” This is the future of Nepal, I want many people to be inspired by my work.”

Singer Rasaili was honored with multiple awards for his contributions to music. Specifically, he received the Star Music Award-2078 for his song “Saali Veena Bol,” the 8th Chhaya Chhabi Teej Music Award-2078 for “Garchhu Maya Garchhu,” and the Genius Music Award-2078. In addition, he served as a judge for a Singing Competition Program organized by Satyawati Media-2075 and Nim Award in 2023. Singer Rasaili, the singer, was recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry in the music genre with the South Asian Business Excellence Award-2021. This international-level award is presented to individuals from various fields in South Asian countries, and the ceremony was held in the Sri Lankan capital. Singer Rasaili received the award in the category of song music. She has been involved with several organizations that aim to promote Nepali music and art culture. These include the Nepal Sangit Udhyog Sangh, the Rashtriya Lok Tatha Dohori Pratisthan, Dhaulagiri Sanskritik Samiti, Prastota Samaj, the Lok Tatha Sanskritik Sangh, and the Film and Artist Worker Organization (fawon) Nepal.

She is undoubtedly an exceptional figure in the Nepali song and music industry. Her journey from Baglung to the capital city and her struggles to establish herself in the field of Nepali folk and duet songs are truly exemplary. Despite the various challenges faced by women in Nepali society, she has succeeded in becoming a prominent singer in the music industry today. This is a positive aspect, and it is essential to continue promoting such positive work.