Tara Devi: The Nightingale of Nepal
Tara Devi Shrestha was born on January 15, 1946, in the vibrant neighborhood of Indra Chowk in Kathmandu, Nepal. She started her professional singing career at the tender age of seven, and her soulful voice quickly captured hearts. Tara Devi went on to record over 4,000 songs during her remarkable 40-year singing career.
Versatility and Influence:
Tara Devi’s music spanned various genres, from prayer songs to Nepali folk tunes. She was a versatile artist, and her compositions are regarded as classic gems in Nepal. Almost every singer in Nepal has been influenced by Tara Devi’s artistry in one way or another.
Iconic Songs:
Some of her famous numbers include:
- “Ukali Orali Haruma”
- “Phool ko Thunga”
- “Nirdosh Mero Pachhyaurima”
- “Ae Kancha”
- “Himal ko Kaakhama”
Awards and Recognition:
Tara Devi received several prestigious awards, including:
- Member of the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu, First Class
- Mahendra-Ratna Award
- Indra Rajya Laxmi Award
- Jagadamba Shree Puraskar
- Chinnalata Award (“Maina”)
Later Life and Legacy:
Tara Devi faced personal tragedies, losing her 25-year-old son to blood cancer and her husband in an airplane crash.Her health deteriorated, and she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which halted her singing career. On January 23, 2006, at the age of 60, Tara Devi left this world, but her music continues to resonate with love and patriotism.
Tara Devi’s soulful melodies remain timeless, and her legacy lives on.
