Bipul Chettri

Bipul Chettri, born on September 5, 1985, is a celebrated Indian singer-songwriter known for his unique blend of Himalayan folk music with a contemporary touch. Singing in the Nepali language, Bipul has carved a niche for himself in the world music scene, bringing the sounds of the Himalayas to a global audience. Born and raised in Kalimpong, Darjeeling, a region nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Bipul’s music is deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of his homeland.

Bipul’s musical journey is profoundly influenced by his family. His grandfather was a poet, and his grandmother played the sitar, while his father was a local performer in Darjeeling and Kurseong. Unfortunately, Bipul’s father passed away when he was very young, but the musical legacy left behind by his father became a significant inspiration for Bipul’s career. One of the tracks from his debut album, “Ram Sailee,” is a heartfelt ode to his father, reflecting the deep emotional connection he shares with his roots.

Bipul’s early education took place at St. Augustine’s School in Kalimpong, where he was an active performer. His passion for music led him to take up the western classical guitar as his primary instrument. He further honed his skills and graduated with a Licentiate of Trinity College, London (LTCL) in Western Classical Guitar from the Trinity Music School of London. This classical training provided a strong foundation for his later work, where he seamlessly blends traditional Nepali sounds with modern musical elements.

In February 2013, Bipul Chettri first introduced his voice to the world with the song “Wildfire (Dadelo),” which he recorded and uploaded on SoundCloud. The song quickly went viral, spreading like wildfire across the internet. This unexpected success laid the foundation for his debut album, Sketches of Darjeeling, released in July 2014. The album, a collection of songs inspired by life in the hills of Darjeeling, was met with critical acclaim and resonated deeply with listeners. The music harmoniously blended Nepali folk traditions with contemporary sounds, capturing the essence of the Himalayan region and transporting listeners to the land of its origin.

Following the success of his debut album, Bipul continued to build his musical repertoire. In 2016, he released his second album, Maya, a collection of songs that explored the theme of love in its various forms—love found, love lost, and love for the hills of Darjeeling. His work continued to receive widespread recognition, and he released several singles over the following years, including “Basant,” “Gahiro Gahiro,” “Ashish,” “Teesta,” “Mughlan,” and “Neela Akash.”

In 2021, Bipul released an EP titled Samaya, composed during the global lockdown in 2020. The EP features five acoustic tracks that reflect the introspective and meditative quality of that time. Bipul’s music, often inspired by the beauty of nature and life in the Himalayas, resonates with a sense of nostalgia and longing, evoking vivid images of his homeland.

Bipul’s music has gained international acclaim, leading him to perform at sold-out venues across the world, including in Dubai, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Despite his global success, Bipul remains deeply connected to his roots, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayas. His music continues to captivate audiences with its evocative melodies and heartfelt lyrics, solidifying his place as a significant figure in the world of contemporary folk music.