Karan Pariyar, from Bardiaya in western Nepal, who won the singing reality show Nepal Idol Season 5, had never imagined he would participate in the show, let alone win it. However, since his childhood, he wanted to be a singer. While following his dream to be a singer, he came to Kathmandu to pursue his music career.
His father allowed him to go to Kathmandu only after completing grade 12. Upon completion, his father accompanied him to Kathmandu. He arranged a job for Karan and returned to Bardiya. Now, it was on Karan to support himself financially, and look for a music teacher who could help him fulfil his dream and to sustain.
Though his parents were supportive, their weak financial condition never allowed them to help him enrol in music classes. While working in a carpet factory, he had planned to learn music for a year. During his sixth month of training, abruptly he participated in Nepal Idol, which he eventually won.
Going home after the win
When Karan Pariyar returned to his hometown after winning Nepal Idol, everything seemed normal. His parents came to receive him at Nepalgunj Airport. “In Kathmandu, everyone has started to recognise me, but in the village, things are the same as before,” says Pariyar, “I am the same old Karan Pariyar to the villagers, and I am happy about it.”
In the village, Pariyar walked alone, went to the park, and enjoyed his own company. As the villagers were busy farming, there was no chaos when he arrived. In the evening, many villagers came to his home to congratulate him.
The four-month journey of Nepal Idol had left him exhausted, and he found peace in the village. “I was desperate to go to the village and live in peace,” says Pariyar.
However, he noticed a change in his parents’ behaviour. “My father and mother were giving me extra attention,” he says, “They never used to do so earlier, but I am the same old Karan Pariyar, and nobody should treat me differently.”
Getting opportunities
After winning the Nepal Idol, his schedule became busy. He receives calls from many people and has recorded seven songs to date, with many more in the pipeline. Two of his songs, Sustari and Maile Samjhiney Manchey, have been released recently.
The song recording process for Pariyar was normal, but after the release, he felt nervous about the feedback he would receive. “Everyone praised my work, and this made me feel relaxed,” says Pariyar.
Currently, he is getting many offers to sing songs. He says he is careful about selecting which songs to sing. After receiving song demos, his teachers listen to them and advise him on his choices.
Twenty-year-old Pariyar has been interested in music since childhood, he grew up listening to singers Udit Narayan Jha and Kumar Sanu. His family has always supported his choice to pursue a music career.
Having faith
“My family has always been supportive. They never discouraged my love and passion for music,” says Pariyar, “But due to our weak economic status, my father was doubtful whether I could pursue a music career.”
After completing school in his village, Pariyar went to Nepalgunj for high school. His father encouraged him to take music classes there, but he could not find a suitable place. After finishing high school, he went to Kathmandu with his friend Rohit.
“After completing high school, I asked my father to send me to Kathmandu for four or five years. And told him I will do something in music,” says Pariyar.
His father agreed, and the rest is history.
Since Karan is new to the music industry, he acknowledges that there are many things to learn and experience. On Nepal Idol, Karan Pariyar garnered a lot of support from the audience, and for his career growth, he expects even more support in the coming days.
