Tara Devi, The Nightingale of Nepal
Name: Tara Devi (Dhol Kumari Karki)
Date of Birth: 15 January 1945
Died: 23 January 2006
Place of Birth: Indrachowk, Kathmandu, Nepal
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Allahabad, India.
Parents: Krishna Bahadur Karki, Radha Devi Karki
Spouse: Shiva Bahadur Shrestha
Children: 2 Sons, 1 Daughter
Dhol Kumari Karki was Tara Devi’s birth name while she was famously called “Nightingale Of Nepal” for her soulful voice. She began her singing career at the tender age of five at Radio Nepal for Children’s Program where she earned Rs 5 per song at that time. She has recorded in almost all genres; from patriotic, classical devotional, folk to film songs. She is an idol to most of the later singers.
“Ukali orali haru ma” song penned by late Queen Aiswarya under pen-name Chadani Shah is one of Tara Devi’s most popular songs, while four songs in the album “Afanta ko Manama” are her last songs. She recorded over 4000 songs in a span of 40 years. She was a versatile singer and music was rather a meditation to her than a profession.
She also worked at Radio Nepal for 42 years at various posts.
Tara Devi’s health severely deteriorated after she lost her 25-year-old son to blood cancer and husband to aeroplane crash. She had to give up her singing career after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She had it for 10 years until her peaceful death at the age of 60.
“Nightingale of Nepal” was recognized with a number of reputed awards like Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Mahendra-Ratna award, Indra Rajya Laxmi award, Jagadamba award, Chinnalata award, ‘Maina’ and many more.
A postal stamp was issued in Tara Devi’s honour.
