Sugam Pokhrel needs no introduction. The 1MB (One Man Band) reverberated through the hearts of every music lover a decade earlier with his chart-topper “Mero Sansar” and “Pheri tyo Din”. He has almost finished his latest album “Silanyas” and is planning to set up a studio of his own.

Sugam Pokhrel in three words
Simple, down to earth and hard working
One object that you would love to possess
My dream house in Kathmandu

One not-so-good thing about being popular
Lack of privacy. During New Years and Dashain, I can’t be with my family as I we need to perform in concerts.

Your own favourite song
“Suruwat…” from School Pathsala - I sang that song for my daughter. I think, it will bring tears to anyone who has a daughter.

If you were compelled to form a band of your own, who would you want in the band?
Dev Rana dai on drums, Tsujil Karmacharya and Adrian dai on the guitar, Adrian dai on the vocals to support me, Shailendra from Abhaya and the Steam Injuns on keyboard, Shyam Nepali on Sarangi and Manik Man Singh on bass.

A place where you have never performed before but would love to
Dolpa, Paris and Madrid

Being a parent is…
A signifier that you are a grown up. You have to pass good values, culture and norms to your child. It’s like being a teacher.

When did you first fly in an airplane? How was the feeling?
I am acrophobic so I was very nervous. It was 11-12 years back.

How did you propose to your wife?
We were very good friends. I called her from Radio Sagarmatha, my workplace then, and expressed my feelings.

Singer, father, husband and son: which role do you enjoy the most?
All but for me the role of a father and husband is more challenging.

Tell us one good and bad thing about our music industry.
Anyone with money gets their album released but people with real talent are unable to launch their songs in the market. But the music has emerged professionally now.

Do you ever miss the days when you were not popular but a simple, regular guy?
I still get to live the days of a regular guy but sometimes I want to get unnoticed by people.

One of your lyrics that is very close to your heart
Mero sansar timi nai hau…bachne aadhar timi nai hau – I wrote it for my wife and it was my first break

One mistake of your life
I have done nothing to harm or deceive anybody. So, I don’t think I have committed any major mistakes in my life.

Where do you buy your clothes?
I have bought clothes in Bhrikutimandap and in big stores as well. If I like something, I buy it anywhere.

One of your favorite gifts that you received
I received these bands (shows his right wrist) from my wife and daughter on Friendship Day. So, these are really precious to me.

Your new project
I’m working on my new album “Silanyas” and it is almost done. Besides that, I have a few singing contracts for movies, shows and I am planning to set up my own studio.

You are one of the judges in “The Singing Star”. How does it feel to judge someone else’s talent?
People these days are more sincere and dedicated towards music. They are training themselves to be a better singer to create versatility in music and that is very good for the future of the music industry.

How is Biratnagar different from Kathmandu
Kathmandu itself is a country and the rest of the Nepal is another country. A singer or a musician cannot survive there for long. There’s life in Biratnagar as well but life in Kathmandu has a greater pace.

Few words for your fans.
Love every form of Nepali music. I would want everyone to listen to Nepali music. Please appreciate what we do.