By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Mar. 3: With over 80 songs to his credit, Narayan Kumar Acharya has been writing songs for over four decades. Now in his late 60s, Acharya, who is also a retired Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), is still writing songs.
Born in Kalaiya, Bara, he had joined the Nepal Police in 1973. He had retired from the service 18 years ago.

“Even at the age of 69, I feel I am young enough to revitalise my life. My age will not stop me to fulfil my deepest desires,” said Acharya. He had embarked his writing journey while he was in grade eight. Having an avid desire in writing songs, he has been continuing creating euphonious songs even after he retired from Nepal Police.
“I delved into the art of writing while pursuing my higher education in Amrit Science College, Kathmandu,” said Acharya.

However, it was only in 1978 that Acharya began his journey of songwriting after he met veteran musician Deepak Jangam. Acharya had written two songs for Jangam upon his request after which he earned the title of lyricist while working for Nepal Police. His first song was recorded in 1978 in Radio Nepal.
Singer Tara Thapa lent her voice on Acharya’s first song Hajar Choti Janmaula Timilai Paauna. It was a super hit.

“When my first song became a hit, I was more driven towards songwriting,” Acharya said.
Songs including Tyo Najarko Bayan Ma Garu Kasari, Timro Adhar le Malai Ke Dilayo, Timilai Sunkhari Bhaner Bolauki Timilai Mitha Mitha Bolile Bolau and Jaba Timi Mero Samu Parchhau Sworga Dhartima Utaridinchhu are some of Acharya’s popular ones.

Popular singers like Muralidhar, Udit Narayan Jha, Kumar Kanchha, Prem Dhoj Pradhan, Rajina Rimal, Shiva Pariyar, Rajesh Payal Rai, Satya Raj Acharya and others have lent their voices in Acharys’s words.
Acharya has three music albums – Meri Maya, Timro Samjhana and Man Bhitraka Awajharu – and plans to release his fourth album soon.

After retiring from the police at the age of 52, he completed his diploma in psychological counselling and obtained a Master’s Degree in Sociology. He also worked in JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), Nepal, and has a license for French-language.
“I am recharging myself even after retiring from the police service,” he said, “I want to rejuvenate my life again and fulfil my unfulfilled dreams.”

He has also written the song ‘Yo Nagar Bhaktapur’ which portrayed the city of Bhaktapur. He had received an award by Bhaktapur Municipality for it.
Many in their early 60s live like they have achieved a lot and have no power to continue likewise anymore. However, on the contrary, Acharya seems more motivated as he approaches his 70s.
Talking about recharging his life, Acharya said, “We have to keep dreaming as dreams make life meaningful.”