Date of Birth: 30 September 1976
Place of Birth: Khotang District, Nepal
Occupation: Singer, Actor, Composer, Musician

Rajesh Payal Rai is one of the most prominent figures in the Nepali music industry, known for his melodious voice and versatile singing. His contributions span several genres, including modern, folk, and film music. Rai has gained international recognition for his performances and has sung songs in various languages, including Japanese, Assamese, and Bhojpuri, showcasing his wide-ranging vocal abilities.

Early Life and Childhood

Rajesh Payal Rai was born in the Khotang district of Nepal. His father, Ratna Rai, was a former chief of Khotang District and an Ex-British Gurkha, while his mother, Sancha Laxmi Rai, supported his early ambitions in music. Rai has four brothers and one older sister named Namita. Growing up in Buipa, Khotang, he developed a love for music at an early age. Rai’s real birthdate is 30 September 1976, though official records state 30 September 1975. This discrepancy occurred because he changed the date to attend the SLC exams in 2047 BS (1990 AD).

Musical Career

Rajesh Payal Rai’s musical journey began after completing high school. In 1992, he recorded his first song “FAILIYO MAYA DUBO SARI” after moving to Kathmandu. His voice quickly gained popularity, and he began receiving opportunities to record songs and perform live on stage. Over the years, he has become a household name, contributing to over 250 Nepali movies as a playback singer.

Notable Albums and Songs

Rai’s music catalog includes several private albums and numerous hit songs. Some of his albums include Darshan Namaste, Rai is King, Kamana, Jadau, Just for You, Murchana, Baiguni Rahechau Mayale, Nigah, Asewaro, Love Letter, and Syamuna. His versatility extends beyond Nepali songs, as he has sung in languages like Japanese and Assamese, and he even ventured into Bhojpuri music.

Milestones and Achievements

• 500 Movies Record: Rai has set a remarkable record by singing for over 500 Nepali movies, cementing his place in the history of Nepali cinema.
• Folk Music: Apart from modern and film music, he also released folk albums such as Jadow and Jadow-2, showcasing his versatility in the genre.
• Global Performances: Rai has performed around the world for the Nepalese diaspora, including in Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the U.K., the U.S., and the Gulf countries. He also toured Nepal, performing across all 14 zones, further strengthening his connection with his home country.
• Environmental Contribution: He participated in Melancholy, an environmental song conceptualized, written, composed, and directed by environmentalist Nipesh Dhaka. This song, performed by 365 Nepali artists, set a Guinness World Record.

Incident and Challenges

In a shocking incident, Rajesh Payal Rai was assaulted during a New Year Eve’s stage performance in the U.S. An intruder attacked him, putting him in an MMA-style chokehold. Despite the assault, Rai continued to be resilient and focused on his career.

Television Career

Since 2022, Rajesh Payal Rai has served as a coach on The Voice of Nepal, where he helps mentor young, aspiring singers. His presence on the show has made him even more beloved by his fans and introduced him to a new generation of music enthusiasts.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Rajesh Payal Rai has received several prestigious awards for his exceptional contribution to the Nepali music industry. His efforts have earned him widespread recognition not just in Nepal but also internationally. His accolades include awards for Best Playback Singer and numerous music awards between 1995 and 2015, acknowledging his consistency and talent over the years.

Conclusion

Rajesh Payal Rai’s musical career continues to thrive, and he remains an influential figure in the Nepali entertainment industry. From his early days in Kathmandu to his global performances and contributions to the Nepali music scene, he has set new standards and remains an inspiration for many aspiring artists.