CHILDHOOD
I was born on January 11, 1977 in Risa Colony, Shillong to Narayan Prashad Poudel and Uma Poudel. My parents actually hail from Baglung and had migrated to Shilong. As of now, they are residing in Nawalparasi. They have been living there for the past four years. I have been leading my life in Kathmandu for the past nine years.

I did my schooling at Don Bosco School, Shilong. I continued my studies there until class eight. After which, I was admitted at Mawprem Modern High School from where I received my School Leaving Certificate (SLC). Then on, I completed my Bachelors from Shankhar Dev College, Shilong after which I came to Nepal to do my Masters. I joined Tribhuvan University and took up Sociology as my subject. Nevertheless, I have not been able to finish my masters till date. Since music has always been my passion, my family supported me in pursueing my study in music at the same time. I have done Bachelors in Ethnomusicology from Kathmandu University.

I still remember, when I was small I never preferred going to school. We used to have holidays during weekends however, come Sunday and I used to get a headache thinking that I would have to attend classes from Monday on. Once, it so happened that after tying a stone to my school uniforms, I threw it into the river. My parents literally searched for my uniforms and when they could not find them, I was happy to bunk my school. Now, this does not mean that I was a mischevious kid! In fact, I was of a very silent nature. I was a very emotional person to an extent of being a cry baby. Everytime, my mother used to scold me, her favorite line used to be "On day, you are going to be a singer for sure!"

ENTRY IN THE MUSIC SCENE
Since childhood, I was a family entertainer. I used to sing my heart out and my family used to feel proud of me. I do not come from a musical background but still my family have always been interested in music. Therefore, we had a very musical environment at home. With time, I stared participating in school functions and sing. Whenever I got an opportunity to listen to people singing and playing their music, I used to concentrate on how they are doing it.

It was while I was in class 10 that I realized that I too could sing. My father motivated me to go for it and I joined Ishmaran Music School. I was there for two years and during stay there, I learned Rabindra Sangeet. After this, along with some of my friends, we formed a band called 'Yummy Guys'. During that period, we used to jam up on popular Hindi, English and Nepali songs.

After coming to Nepal, I joined Kathmandu University and learned more in music. It was then that I recorded my first track "Samjhana Aai Dincha". This song was appreciated and liked by many. It was only after a period of one year after the release of thios song that I made released my debut album 'Voice'. From 'Voice', those songs which were popular among listeners were "Pahilo Pirati Layeko" and "Yestai Sambandha" among others. 'Voice' was nominated in the category of 'Best Album' at Hits FM Music Awards. I was also nominated in the category of 'Best Pop Male Vocal' at the same award function.

These days, I am working on the final details concerning my seocnd album. All the songs have been recorded. I need to do a bit of corrections on some of the songs and that is why the album is still not out in the market. Besides my second album, I have also started on my third album. This venture is going to be unlike my previous ones. I am thinking of incorporating a variety of different flavored songs in this album. I have tried to do a fusion of ghazal with world music. To be honest, I am trying to sing whatever pattern of songs that I like to sing.

I have at times done shows here in Nepal and I have also been awarded with 'Dhukdhuki Award'. At present, I teach music at St Mary's School, Jawalakhel. Before this, I used to teach music at Kendriya Vidhyalaya, Indian Embassy.

ME/MYSELF
I have this habit of trusting people too easily and I value each moment of my life. I work with a lot of commitment. I am very honest with my work. I can't say "no" to anyone. I am a very moody person and at times, I am in my own sweet world.

LOVE AND MARRIAGE
One can fall in love with anyone. Love is not just limited to the opposite sex. You can fall in love with nature…with anyone! It is obvious and fair enough if two people fall in love but many times, it also happens that instead of love there is what we call infatuation. All of these depend on an individual’s age!

Marriage is a relation, which is for a lifetime. This is a commitment for life. Be it in love or marriage, the two people should understand each other. Before you go for marriage, you should think about it a million times…afterall marriage is no joke.

Mine is a love marriage. After an affair for nearly nine years, we decided to settle down four years back. I met my wife Radha Chhetri when I was studying in Shilong. However, we fell in love at college itself. The things about her which made an impact in me is her simplicity, inner beauty and personality. Now, I am a proud father of Sarah Poudel. She is 19 months and we are leading a happy and content life together.

Profile of VARAT SITAULA
Bisham Thakuri
bisham@fursad.com

CHILDHOOD
Singer Varat Sitaula was born on January 27, 1980 in Taplejung to Ganga Prasad and Gun Rupa Sitaula. He has three other siblings and is the eldest. Though he hails fom Taplejung, he spent most of his childhood years in Birtamod, Jhapa after his family migrated.
He spent his childhood in Taplejung, Jhapa and Kathmandu. One incident of his early days, which is still fresh in his mind is that once when he went for a swim with his friends, all his clothes were stolen. After borrowing some clothes from his friends he rushed back home. His parents gave him such a thrash that he still shudders thinking of it.
After completing his class five at Prithvi Prathamik Vidhyala, Damak, he came to Kathmandu for further studies. He finished his School Leaving Certificate from Bijaya Memorial School. He received his I Com certificate from Pashupati Bahumukhi Campus and as of now he is doing his Bachelors at Min Bhawan Campus. He is in his third year.

ENTRY IN THE MUSIC FIELD
Varat Sitaula had never dreamt of becoming a singer one day. He says, "I had never even in my wildest dream thought that I would make my career in the Music industry of Nepal. It is not that I never liked and enjoyed singing. I did! The only differnece was that I enjoyed singing for myself. In fact, I had a very keen interest in acting and whenever I was given an opportunity to act, I never missed the chance!"
When he was in college, he failed in his I Com examination and it was during this time, since he had some time to spare, he decided to utilize it by learning to play the guitar. He joined Sadhana Kala Kendra where he learned the basics as well as the notations. He recorded his first song "O Bolana" at Om Mega. During that period he met guitarist Ramesh Adhikari who Varat shall be forever indebted for his support.
In 2004, he released his debut album 'Mode'. This album won him an award of 'Best New Artist' at Hits FM Music Awards. Recently, he has relased his second solo album 'Ma Ani Timi'. These days, he is busy with the promotion of his new album as well as doing programs. He has done numberous events inside and outside the valley and for a few months he even worked as a recordist.

ME/MYSELF
I prefer calling myself an optimist. I like jolly people. At times I have this habit of calling the spade a spade and this sometimes tend to dissapoint others. I have also realized that and have tried to tone down a bit! I also don't like people who say things to impress others without meaning it. I love nature and enjoy watching comedy movies.

LOVE AND MARRIAGE
"Love is a necessity to lead a ‘full’ life. Without it, life is incomplete whereas my vote don't go so much to marriage. I don't think marriage is a must! Marriage is something which is made by the society," further adding, "I have fallen in love. In fact, I have been into ‘one sided love’ many times. Nowadays, I am dating a girl and I am still confused whether we are in love or is it just infatuation! As of now, I have no plans to settle down. Maybe, I might change my mind about it after two years!"

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