Deepak Bajracharya had his first public performance at 14, and recalls stepping on stage feeling calm and collected. Sixteen years later, he is still cool and confident as he emerges as one of the freshest and most creative young voices in the Nepali music scene.

Deepak didn't get there by fluke. He worked hard, learning classical vocals and taking lessons in western classical guitar. But when Deepak finished college, his parents thought it would be better for him to take up the family business. So he dabbled in handicraft, tried his hand at wood carving and even opened a shop in Thamel. But somewhere in the back of his head the sound of music was always calling him.

On a visit to Japan, it suddenly dawned on Deepak why Nepalis were not making progress in modern music. "It wasn't enough to be able to sing, you had to understand music," he says. He returned to Nepal determined to set up a facility for aspiring musicians to have a proper academic approach.

Deepak's Royal Tone Academy is a non-profit institution that ploughs fees back to students for materials. It has become a gathering place for young Nepali musicians, where they learn notes, rhythm and timing. It is a holisitic approach to music, including everything from skill development and recording to stage presence and presentation.

His own music has evolved. Today, fans swing their hips to Deepak's unique fusion of Latin rhythms and Nepali beats. "Music is about waves, not bound to any language. The trick is to find the right wave that's appealing to the human ear," he explains. Deepak is working on his seventh album, an exclusive compilation of Anita Khadka's lyrics.

As Kodak brand ambassador he will donate Rs 1 from each of his new album sold to the Nepal Cancer Relief Society. Kodak donates an additional Rs 2 from each film roll developed to cancer patients. Why cancer? "Nepal has treatment, but it is too expensive for most people. The money we raise goes to who needs it most," he says.
When he is not in the studio, Deepak and his 4-year-old daughter Cherisa are likely to be found splashing about in a swimming pool. Other things may come up, but he says one fact will always stay the same: "Music is everything to me and I want to encourage future musicians." (Sraddha Basynat)