Sarad Pradhan
He knocks on silence to make sound. His imagination, delicately woven with subtle words, has penetrated the hearts of millions—so much so that when emotions rise, people instinctively hum his lyrics. Soft in his lyrics and bold in his poetry, Ratna Shumsher Thapa embodies a rare duality. This unique blend keeps him ever-present in the world of both verse and melody.
“You have to express your feelings within a limited space in lyrics, which must also tell a story. If strong or heavy words are used, listeners won’t relate. But that’s not the case in poetry,” Ratna Shumsher Thapa reflects.
When he first began writing, lyricists were underappreciated, and Hindi songs dominated the airwaves of Radio Nepal. Nepali songs were barely heard. “So I took up the challenge and began writing lyrics, as a form of resistance to the Hindi influence,” he says.
To him, poetry is a vehicle of protest—against corruption, nepotism, and social injustice—while lyrics are heartfelt expressions that emerge from deep within. Like many of his contemporaries, he had become less active in poetry in his later years. he reminisced about the golden era:
“Back in the day, we would gather at Rashmi Restaurant, and later at Indira Restaurant in Pako Pipal Bhot, to share and discuss poetry. Around 1970, we formed a literary group calling for reform and innovation in literature. We named it the Amlek group. However, the Zonal Commissioner refused to register it. That’s how Seude Pariwar was born—a representation of fresh thinking. We even published a magazine, which ran for six issues.”
Ratna Thapa believes poetry thrives in ambiguity. “Most poets of our generation were well-educated. We experimented with poetry, inspired by global literary movements,” says Thapa, an M.A. in English Literature from Tribhuvan University.
A Critical Voice
Literary critic Abhi Subedi, in his book Nepali Literature: Background and History, praises Thapa’s poetic approach:
“Ratna Thapa is a unique poet in the contemporary landscape. He possesses a distinct individual style. The symbols and images in his poems are carefully sculpted, drawn from the minutest details. His work lacks loudness or theatrical display; instead, it flows artistically.
His poem Chitij Ko Bhutal, Aja Bokako Sapana Ma (1971) is a standout—filled with kinetic imagery that springs to life. It is a modern canvas brimming with vivid, well-crafted scenes. The narrative flows in a circular motion, never breaking boundaries, keeping everything in a state of dynamic flux.”
A Lyricist of Timeless Tunes
As a lyricist, Ratna Shumsher Thapa has long been a beloved figure among Radio Nepal listeners. His songs—both timeless and recent—have become anthems. One of his latest hits, Ukali Orali Ghardai, sung by Sonu Nigam for the film Semmana, is a testament to his lasting influence.
Many iconic songs by the late legendary singer Narayan Gopal were penned by Thapa, including Swarga Ki Rani, A Kancha, Bhujnai Sakena Timilai, and Madhumas. A memorable moment in his career occurred in 1976 when he collaborated with Nepal’s greatest composer, Ambar Gurung. Gurung played a melody on his harmonium and asked Thapa to write lyrics on the spot. That impromptu creation became the beloved duet Swapnil Akha Haru Ma, sung by Gurung and Aruna Lama.
His collaboration with Gurung spanned decades. In 1992, Thapa even wrote a choir piece for one of Gurung’s major presentations—a personal achievement he holds dear.
“Among the new generation of musicians, I admire Shakti Ballav. He’s hardworking, receptive to suggestions, and has solid training,” he once shared.
Thapa also wrote songs for films like Juni, Chokho Maya, Semmana, and Avatar. But he finds deeper satisfaction in writing non-film songs:
“Producers often show up asking for a romantic number without even sharing the script. That doesn’t inspire me. I prefer creating songs that come from a place of true feeling.”
A True Poet’s Life
Ratna Shumsher Thapa is a poet who lives his art. He has never taken anything for granted and is among the few in Nepal who embody the spirit of a true poet—despite receiving little financial reward for his literary contributions. His connection with poetry seems almost Platonic: deep, spiritual, and unwavering.
To date, he has published two collections of poetry and three books of lyrics. Occasionally, he also writes short poems, stories, and satirical plays. His legacy continues to resonate—whenever a heart hums a tune, or a soul is stirred by subtle, profound verse.
(This article is a revised version of the one that appeared in The Kathmandu Post in 1996. The late Ratna Shumsher Thapa passed away on May 28, 2020, at the age of 80.)
