Narayan Gopal, a brilliant personality in the field of Nepali music, passed away on 2047 BS but he is still beloved by the Nepalis even now. His rich melodious voice and meaningful songs are still a big hit today. While there was a huge dominance of Hindi songs in Nepal, Gopal played an important role in creating the identity of Nepali songs.
While his music made the audience happy, his nature was not suitable for the audience as he used to sing according to his mood. In some cases, there are stories of disputes with the audience and leaving the stage in the middle of his performance.
Born in Kathmandu, Narayan Gopal's father was involved in classical music and he also wanted his son do the same. Although Narayan Gopal went to India to study classical music, he turned to modern music. The veteran singer's popularity was growing day by day after he entered the music industry. At that time, the only radio station in Nepal "Radio Nepal" played his song every day. Almost all the songs he sang were hits.
He had an interracial marriage with Pemala Lama, a young woman from Darjeeling, India, for which he had to leave his home. He also became a geography teacher at Amar Singh School in Pokhara for a living and before building a house in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, they were living in Narasimha Chowk in Thamel. After the death of him and his wife, a foundation has been set up in his private house. The couple had no children.
Narayan Gopal was a skilled singer and a good musician. He also worked as a music teacher in various educational institutions. He even had had the opportunity to work as the General Manager of Cultural Corporation for a few year however he was accused of taking away the job opportunity from his friend. He also worked as an editor for a music magazine called Bagina for a few years.
Besides his love for music, it is said that he used to go to Dasharath Rangasala Stadium regularly to watch football and loved to play chess. He also worked as an expert in the Ministry of Communications after 2046 BS.
It is reported that he died due to excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. And his death was a big tragedy to all of his fans as thousands of people turned to pay their respect at Pragya Bhawan, Kamaladi where his body was kept. Never before had so many people been present when an artist died.
The area where he resided now is named after him 'Narayan Gopal Chowk'. His statue is placed at the top of the crossroads and even though he is not with us today, Narayan Gopal still lives through his songs.
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