VIMAL – A RISING YOUNG STAR
VIMAL Deo of Koronivia, Nausori started singing when he was just five years old. The 18-year-old student of Bhawani Dayal Arya College has a passion to sing
bhajan.
While he continues to develop his singing talent, Vimal also sees that his journey in the musical arena is well balanced with his studies.
He was planning to release his first
bhajan album but the COVID-19 crisis forced him to put it on hold.
“All my bhajan were set up for the CD,” said Vimal.
“We were preparing to take out my first
bhajan album but we couldn’t go ahead because of this crisis.
“We will start working on it once the situation normalises.
“Apart from me, my family and fans were looking forward to my first bhajan album.”
Vimal said he got into singing because of his father.
“He used to take me to religious events, our mandali’s programs and cultural events.
“All the credit goes to my parents because they have supported me so far in my journey.”
Vimal said he had been advised to balance his musical career with his studies.
“My parents have told me to keep it balanced between my academic life and religious and social involvements.
“I have to make sure that my studies are not neglected due to my involvements in singing events.”
He said he was only five years old when he started to sing.
“I was five years old when I started singing kirtan in programs organised by the Shree Ram Navyuwak Ramayan Mandali.
“This is our religious group in which there are about 16 children. I am the eldest.
“In our mandali, the children conduct Ramayan programs.
“I remember my father used to bring kirtan CDs. I listened to the kirtan and practised to sing.
“When I learnt how to sing, then I started to learn how to play instruments.
“Again my dad was the first one to encourage me to sing and learn to play musical instruments.
He said he switched from kirtan to
bhajan when he entered Year 7.
“I was in Year 7 when I started singing
bhajan.
“The first bhajan which I sung was written by my father.
“I sung it during the Ram Naumi celebration in my mandali.
“From there, I got motivated after getting support and encouragement from my parents, relatives and listeners.”
Vimal remembered all those who have guided him in the singing journey.
“There are many people who guided me in singing bhajan.
“A very well-known bhajan singer, Mr Kali Charan attends our Ramayan mandali programs.
“Mr Charan stepped up and guided me in the journey upon the request of my father.
“He is one of my gurus and I am proud that I am learning under his guidance.
“Apart from Mr Charan, there are two of my uncles who have been guiding me as well.
“One of them is Mr Jagdish Prasad from Vuci, Nausori and the other is Mr Umesh Chand from Lokia, Nausori.
“When I got on the track, then my ‘guru’ Mr Charan gave me some bhajan.
He taught me how to sing them and guided me during rehearsals.
“Whenever there were funeral rituals or religious programs held and gatherings, I was given the chance to sing.
“My uncle Jagdish Prasad gave me some of his bhajan books and also told me the significance of all his bhajan.
“He said all his bhajan are his own creations and thoughts.
“My the other uncle Umesh Chand trained and prepared me for my first
bhajan competition which was held in September, 2019.
“The competition was held in a hall at Kabutri Rd, Koronivia.”
Vimal said he was in Year 10 when he first took to the stage with Jovnil Prasad from Lakena, Nausori.
“From this first stage event, I got motivated as organisers and listeners praised both of us.
“I was happy that I brought joy to my family and village. Everyone was just so proud of me.
“They all encouraged me to keep going ahead in my journey.
“I also get encouragements from the events where I performed.
“Whenever I get time, I attend functions and events such as religious programs, funeral functions, cultural events, festival programs et cetra.
“When I attend functions to sing, people now know that I am a bhajan singer Vimal Deo from Koronivia.”
He said he had sung in various programs held in the Suva-Nausori corridor.
“I have attended a lot of programs and that’s how people have started to know me.”
He is urging parents, religious groups and other community groups to promote young talents in whatever field they have interest in.
“I urge Ramayan mandalis and other groups to motivate and promote young talents.
“I am able to do so because I got all the support from my family and Ramayan
mandali.
“I urge others to do the same. “Young talents only need motivation and guidance from their elders.
“To all those who have a passion to sing, I urge them to continue.
“The more you sing, the better you’ll become.”
Young talents only need motivation and guidance from their elders. To all those who have a passion to sing, I urge them to continue. The more you sing, the better you’ll become – Vimal Deo