Prem Binod Nandan, noted lyricist and writer, dies at 91

Famous lyricist and writer Prem Binod Nandan has passed away at the age of 91. He died on Sunday night while undergoing treatment at Chitwan Medical College.

Nandan had been suffering from respiratory and other health problems for a long time. In recent years, he was very weak and unable to walk. His body will be kept at Narayani Kala Mandir for final tributes before his cremation today at Devghat. Nandan was a former chairman and advisor of Narayani Kala Mandir.

Born in Bandipur, Tanahun, Nandan once ran a business in Arughat, Gorkha, before moving to Narayangadh in 2019 BS. He became a well-known literary figure while living outside the capital. National poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire had given him the title “Golsimal.”

Nandan was known for his unique ability to write Ghazals in a conversational style. Many of his songs were composed by legendary musicians like Natikaji, Shambhujit Baskota, and Gopal Yonjan, and sung by famous singers such as Asha Bhosle, Suresh Wadkar, Najat Aziz, Udit Narayan, Deepa Jha, Prem Dhoj Pradhan, Shiv Shankar, and Prasad Shrestha. His songs were featured in popular Nepali movies like Kanchi Santan, Mohani, Abala, Manis, and Karja.

He published several books including Jhataro, Anjali, Sapni Bata Byujhera, Bipniko Pailaharu, Aina Bhitrako Aakash (song collections), Siddharthako Grah Tyag (short epic), and Patram Pushpam (poetry collection) in 2077 BS.

Throughout his career, Nandan received many honors and awards such as the Chhinnalata Song Award (2054), Chisap Talent Award (2052), Chisap Krishna Kumari Gurung Award (2064), Narayani Pragya Award (2078), and Rashtriya Srashta Samman (2077).

He is survived by his wife, three sons, and three daughters.

Note: All dates are in BS.