Taking inspiration from the likes of SD Kashyap, Raj Himachali and his group of Nati dancers and musicians are quite a sight to watch. As a musician and a singer, Raj Himachali and his group have made tremendous progress in the field through their melodies. Raj Himachali has become a phenomenon in the region around Kullu and writes as well as performs songs for the traditional Nati dance of the region.
This dance form is known as Kulluvi Nati and is only one variant of at least 12 different types of Natis which are native to the state. This intriguing form of dance is performed by the native people in a visibly delightful manner. The meek flow of the dance along with colorful dresses made from yak leather and other local fabrics makes for a mesmerizing and exquisite sight. The dance has also earned a listing in the Guinness Book of World records for being the largest performed folk dance of the world when over 9000 women participated at the International Kullu Dussehra event which was dedicated toward spreading the message for empowerment of women and girls, across the world and to promote Himachal government’s campaign of “Beti hai Ammo” which translates to “Daughters are priceless”. The people of Himachal Pradesh began to call this event “The pride of Kullu”.
Raj Himachali is a versatile vocalist who claims that he can sing in a woman’s voice also (“Lata Mangeshkar’s voice” to quote his words). His entertaining attitude and mind-boggling vocal ability are bound to leave you flabbergasted. Even though he is starting to gain popularity in the region through “Youtube”, Raj Himachali still believes that it is hard to earn a livelihood for folk musicians and yet he wishes to pursue the path that fascinates him along with a well-trained group of dancers and instrumentalists. An artist with a multitude of styles and instruments at his disposal, Mani Ram, who goes by the alter ego Raj Himachali comes from the Koli community of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. Inspired by SD Kashyap who is one of the most renowned artists in the state, he has been focusing on his craft for more than a decade now.
Although music has become his predominant source of income over the years, he also handles a farm to earn a better lifestyle for his family and especially his children; a ten-year-old school-going son and a daughter who is even younger and is about to enter kindergarten. Being an ambitious individual, Raj Himachali intends to showcase his musical abilities around the globe and perform in front of celebrities as well as internationally renowned musicians, only to become one of them. Raj Himachali is a versatile vocalist who claims that he can sing in a woman’s voice also (“Lata Mangeshkar’s voice” to quote his words). His entertaining attitude and mind-boggling vocal ability are bound to leave you flabbergasted. Even though he is starting to gain popularity in the region through “Youtube”, Raj Himachali still believes that it is hard to earn a livelihood for folk musicians and yet he wishes to pursue the path that fascinates him along with a well-trained group of dancers and instrumentalists. An artist with a multitude of styles and instruments at his disposal, Mani Ram, who goes by the alter ego Raj Himachali comes from the Koli community of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. Inspired by SD Kashyap who is one of the most renowned artists in the state, he has been focusing on his craft for more than a decade now.
Raj Himachali considers music as a gift of God and a source of tranquillity in his life. He is fond of writing songs and working on compositions in different styles like Taoli, Mujra Taal, and Trital. He has also expanded his horizon by learning orchestral music over the years even though his primary focus has been on traditional instruments such as Bansuri, Shehnai, Dhol, and Nagada. He has performed at various events like Chamba Minjar Mela, Mandi Shivratri, Shimla Summer Festival, and Kullu Dussehra.
Although music has become his predominant source of income over the years, he also handles a farm to earn a better lifestyle for his family and especially his children; a ten-year-old school-going son and a daughter who is even younger and is about to enter kindergarten. Being an ambitious individual, Raj Himachali intends to showcase his musical abilities around the globe and perform in front of celebrities as well as internationally renowned musicians, only to become one of them. In the ned the happy – go – lucky Raj Himachali starts with his song:
Chaand bhi feeka pada sa teri soorata aage ho x2
(The moon seems flawed when I compare it with your face)
Soorta ge ritue teri soorta aage ho
(The moon seems flawed when I compare it with your face)
Teri ta shobli soorte kai dildu daage ho
(Your beauty has stained the hearts of many)
Dildu daage dildu kai dildu daage ho
(Your beauty has stained the hearts of many)
Tau bhali sooraj jawula sa taare hausde laage ho
(The sun smiles when it looks at you and the stars laugh)
Hosde laage rituein taare hasde laage ho
(When the stars look at Ritu they smile and the sunburns)