By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Dec. 8: Veteran singer Jagat Mardan Thapa has passed away at the age of 85. He died at 10.20 am on Monday while undergoing treatment at Norvic Hospital, Thapathali.
Thapa had earlier contracted the coronavirus but had recovered in a week. But his condition had suddenly deteriorated on Friday when his oxygen level dropped.
His son Mohit Mardan Thapa had earlier told The Rising Nepal that Thapa had no chronic health problems prior to being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Writer, director and film critic Prakash Sayami said that Thapa’s death had dealt a heavy blow to the Nepali music sector. “He was one of the pioneers of modern Nepali music,” Sayami said, recalling Thapa’s contributions. “He was a trendsetter and was always striving to take Nepali music to new heights.”
Stating that singer Thapa had dedicated his whole life to music, Sayami called his death a huge loss for the country.
Thapa was working on his sixth album ‘Kunai Bhedbhav Chhaina Prakritiko Sundar Bardaan’ when his health declined.
Thapa began his musical career in 1956 from Radio Nepal. He recorded his first song ‘Maya Lukayi Lukdaina’ in 1961. His debut song and many other songs like ‘Aashako Diyo Balera’, ‘Bhana Lau Timi Nadhati Kasari Bujau Yo Dil’ are quite popular among audiences.
His last rites were conducted at Pashupati Aryaghat on Monday.