Musician Ganesh Rasik passes away

KATHMANDU: Renowned musician and singer Ganesh Kumar Rai, popular as Ganesh Rasik, passed away in Lalitpur on Sunday. He was 78.

Musician and close friend Bulu Mukarung said Rasik passed away while undergoing treatment at Nepal Cancer Hospital, Harisiddhi.

Rasik will be cremated after his daughter arrives from the UK.

Rasik, the eldest son in his family, had already lost his three younger brothers and a son. His eldest younger brother, a Nepal Police inspector, was killed during the Maoist conflict, while another brother died in a road accident. Rasik lost his son a few years ago, while his wife succumbed to COVID-19 in 2020. He had been living with his daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

Rasik, a singer, musician and writer, led various literary and artistic institutions during his active life. He was one of the founders of the popular folk music group Lekali, which produced several hit numbers.

His published works include Kshitizlai Chhuna Khojda (short story collection), Euta Sarangi Chhuna Khojda (short story collection), Rasik ka Geetharu (songs collection), Aakash Gangako Ota Muni (novel), Jaba Sisnuharu Tekdai Hinde (memoir), Bilaudai Gayeka Geet (short story), Dasgajama Ubhiera Herda (novel), Swadhinatako Peeda (song collection) and literary collection Perungo.

Rasik also served as the Chairperson and General Manager of Ratna Recording Corporation and Sajha Publication, General Manager of the Cultural Corporation, and Member Secretary of the Nepal Music and Drama Academy.