INFORMATION
| Profile | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aruna_Lama |
Aruna Lama, born on September 9, 1945, in Mungpoo, Darjeeling, British India, was a legendary Nepali singer known as the “Nightingale of the Hills.” She began her musical journey at a young age, inspired by her uncle C.B. Lama, and won a music competition at the age of 11, setting the stage for her illustrious career. Aruna Lama was groomed in singing by Amber Gurung, a stalwart of Nepali music, and completed her education at Darjeeling Government College.
Aruna Lama’s breakthrough came in the 1960s when she joined Radio Nepal, the country’s national radio station. Her enchanting voice and emotive renditions of folk and classical songs quickly made her a household name in Nepal. Over the course of her illustrious career, Aruna Lama recorded numerous hit songs that have become timeless classics in Nepali music, such as “Eh Kancha Malai Sunko Tara,” “Eklai Basda,” “Phoolai Sodhe,” and “Pohor Saal.”
In 1963, Aruna Lama married Saran Pradhan, also a Nepali musician, and after his passing in 1974, she raised their two children while working as an assistant teacher and later at the Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare Office in Darjeeling. Despite facing challenges, Aruna Lama continued to sing and contribute to Nepali music until her passing on February 4, 1998.
In recognition of her immense talent and contribution to Nepali music, Aruna Lama was honored with numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Nepal Ratna and Mahaujjwal Rashtradeep Award. Her passing in 1998 at the age of 53 was a profound loss for the Nepali music community, but her legacy continues to live on through the countless artists she inspired and the timeless melodies she created.
Today, Aruna Lama is remembered and celebrated as one of the most iconic and influential figures in Nepali music history. Her enchanting voice and emotive performances have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of music lovers across Nepal and beyond. As Nepali music continues to evolve and grow, the spirit of Aruna Lama will undoubtedly live on, inspiring new generations of artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in Nepali music.
