Prem Dhoj Pradhan: The Golden Voice of Nepal

Prem Dhoj Pradhan (6 June 1938 – 6 May 2021) was a legendary Nepalese musician, singer, composer, and playback artist. Known as the “Golden Voice” and “King of Romantic Melodies of Nepal,” he enchanted audiences with his performances in both Nepali and Newari languages.

Pradhan was a trailblazer in Nepal’s music industry. He was the first musician to perform with a guitar in Nepal, the first to give solo concerts, and the first Nepali artist to collaborate with Indian playback singers, including Usha Mangeshkar for the movie Maitighar (1965) and Asha Bhosle for Mayalu (1985). Over his illustrious career, he recorded over 700 songs, showcasing his versatility and love for music.

Early Life

Prem Dhoj Pradhan was born on 6 June 1938, in Chautara, a small town east of Kathmandu, to Ratna Dhoj Pradhan, a businessman, and Pran Devi Pradhan, a musician.

After his parents separated, Pradhan was raised by his mother and her family, where he developed a deep love for music. His mother, a skilled musician, introduced him to the art, and he fondly recalled listening to classical music with his grandfather every evening. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967 from Saraswati Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University.

Musical Career

1950s: Early Beginnings

Pradhan began his career in 1952 with a voice test at Radio Nepal, where he performed two songs every month. In 1954, he studied music under Ganesh Lal Shrestha for fifteen months and started performing in Kathmandu with a group of musicians. Together, they became Nepal’s first group to perform concerts.

In 1957, he and Tara Devi became the first Nepali singers to record songs for Radio Nepal.

1960s: Breakthrough and Recognition

In 1961, Pradhan underwent surgery to remove a non-malignant polyp in his vocal cord, halting his career temporarily. Upon recovery, he introduced the guitar to his performances, pioneering its use in Nepal.

By 1963, he had developed his signature style and released his first LP records. In 1965, he sang with Usha Mangeshkar for the Nepali movie Maitighar, becoming the first Nepali singer to collaborate with an Indian playback artist.

1970s: Expanding Horizons

In 1970, Pradhan composed and recorded ten songs in an album titled Himalayan Bouquet from Swinging Kathmandu. He also recorded devotional bhajans under the guidance of Jaidev.

Legacy and Contributions

Prem Dhoj Pradhan’s impact on Nepalese music was immense. From modern romantic melodies to traditional bhajans, his works transcended genres and languages. He was instrumental in elevating Nepali music to international platforms and inspiring future generations of musicians.

Death

Prem Dhoj Pradhan passed away on 6 May 2021 at Neuro and General Hospital, Kathmandu, after being hospitalized with breathing difficulties and chest pain. His death marked the end of an era in Nepalese music.

Honors and Awards

• Narayan Gopal Sangeet Samman by Lunkaran-Ganga CSKM (November 2002)
• Felicitated by Nepal Music Welfare Fund for his significant contributions to Nepalese music

Prem Dhoj Pradhan will always be remembered as a pioneer, a visionary, and a beloved voice in the history of Nepali music.