Veteran singer Yogesh Vaidya dies aged 77
Veteran singer, composer, and lyricist Yogesh Vaidya passed away at the age of 77 on Wednesday night. The maestro of Nepali classical music had wished to hum his tunes until his last moments, but due to a prolonged fever and illness, his body finally found rest.
Vaidya gained fame in the music industry with his first song “Kati Pyasi Cha Jindagi”, recorded by Kiran Kharel, had a significant impact on Nepali music.
In the realm of official government service, Yogesh stood out in the crowd of music and created a distinct identity. His song “Sapana Bhulai Saara…” released in 2044 BS (1987 AD) is still considered a timeless classic, contributing to his unique recognition in the musical sky.
In the last months of his life, Yogesh was admitted to the hospital for treatment related to a pressure sore. Despite not being able to sing in the studio during his final days, he remained busy with musical composition and writing. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal, his plan to release another music collection remained incomplete.
Yogesh was equally accomplished in his studies, holding degrees in Botany from Tribhuvan University and Food and Nutrition from Ghent University in Belgium. Despite spending more than three decades in high-level technical government service, he consistently contributed to Nepali music. His dedication and practice in music remained fresh.
Born at Nardevi of Kathmandu in 2003 BS, Vaidya spent 33 years of life in civil service and was a joint secretary when he retired in 2005. Vaidya had completed his master’s degree in food and nutrition from Ghent University, Belgium.
He won the first prize from the National Song Conference, the Chhinnalata Song Prize and several other awards during his musical and literary careers.
Yogesh gained widespread recognition after singing “Kati Pyaasi Cha Jindagi” in 2025 BS (1968 AD), followed by ” Nepal Mero Timiliai Upahar Bho” in 2027 BS (1970 AD). The song “Sapana Bhulai Saara,” released in 2045 BS (1988 AD), became immensely popular.
Yogesh Vaidya, the maestro who had a significant impact on Nepali music, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of timeless songs.
Vaidya is survived by two daughters and a son.
