Veteran Musician and Singer Ganesh Rasik dead at 78

Senior Nepali musician and singer Ganesh Rasik has passed away. He died on Sunday afternoon at Nepal Cancer Hospital in Hattiban, according to his family and the Musicians’ Association.

Rasik was 78 years old and had been battling prostate cancer for the past five years. According to his relative and fellow musician Basanta Mukarung, he passed away at around 11 a.m. at the hospital.

Ashok Lama, President of the Musicians’ Association, also confirmed the news of Rasik’s death. His funeral will be held after his only daughter returns from the UK. His body will be kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital until then.

Ganesh Rasik began his musical career nearly five decades ago with the ‘Lekali’ group. He was a multi-talented figure in the Nepali music scene. His songs often portrayed the struggles, hopes, and dreams of Nepali society with simple words but deep meaning.

Besides music, Rasik was also active in literature. He published more than a dozen books, including short stories, poems, novels, memoirs, and essays.

He was born on Ashoj 4, 2004 B.S. (around September 20, 1947) in Naulagaun, Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-2, Bhojpur, to parents Narottam Rai and Ratnamaya Rai.

Rasik completed his formal education up to a bachelor’s degree. He started as a government employee and served in various government and cultural institutions for 31 years.

He held key positions including:

• Chairman and General Manager of Ratna Recording Institute (2038–2040 B.S.)
• General Manager of the Cultural Institute (2040–2046 B.S.)
• Chairman and General Manager of Sajha Publications (2052–2055 B.S.)
• Member Secretary of Nepal Academy of Music and Drama (2072–2075 B.S.)

Ganesh Rasik was considered one of the most talented musicians of the second generation in Nepali music, following pioneers like Natikaji, Amar Gurung, Bachchu Kailash, Narayan Gopal, Gopal Yonzon, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama. His songs reflected a deep love for the land and nation, expressed through local themes, beautiful natural imagery, and his sweet, emotional voice.