Dev Rana Born to rock!

Rana was born in Malaysia and educated in Singapore where he picked up music. He could have joined the British army like his father but he learnt the guitar before switching to drums when his band Prism was drummerless. He is now one of the most prominent drummers of Nepal. We ask Rana his view on his Kathmandu.

What is Kathmandu to you?
For me it is home. However it is a place here you also get a versatile mix of people and cultures.

When did you first arrive in Kathmandu and what is your fondest memory of the place?
I first came here in 1971. My father wanted me to join St. Xavier’s School so that I could learn a bit of Nepali as well.
My fondest memory of Kathmandu is that it used to be very simple back then. I used to stay in the hostel. My friends and I used to go out to Patan and watch movies at the Ashok cinema hall.

If you could bring one aspect of Kathmandu back from the past what would it be?
I would love to go back to the time when the hippies were here. I would love to go back to that era because life seemed devoid of complications back then. But that would be going back to the time when I was younger, so it would not be fair on the younger generation of today. One has to move on and be up there. Also modern Kathmandu has it’s own charm.

So, what do you like the best about the modern Kathmandu?
It’s a competitive world and people are moving fast.

Which part of Kathmandu do you think truly represents the spirit of the city?
I think there is not only one part of the city which you can call the heart. Every part of the city has it’s own charm. I think the spirit of the city is also being defined by specific areas the that generations, both old and new, are inclined towards.

What advice would you give to a tourist visiting the city?
We would love tourists to visit our capital. The temples, the mountains, and the trekking are something that definitely should be highlights. I would like to tell them to understand how Kathmandu has a rich history and is growing, and how our younger generation is rapidly adapting to the rest of the world. Every city has its positive and negative sides, and I would advise them walk the brighter side to get a better experience of Kathmandu.

Where will we usually find you in Kathmandu?
At present I am working in a small studio in Jhochen, Basantapur. I’m usually there. I opened up a studio so I can meet a lot people, and I do. I get to learn a lot from the younger generation and also give them the knowledge I have collected from my experience.

A must visit place in Kathmandu.
As a musician I have had experiences of a lot of different venues in Kathmandu. I think Thamel has been the heart of the entertainment world. However, there I two places that I really like; one is House of Music in Thamel and the other is Moksh in Jhamsikhel. I think these places bring people and music together.

If you could change one thing about Kathmandu what would it be?
Talking about Kathmandu valley itself if there is one thing I would very much like to see the change, as I am sure most of my fellow country-people would - the quality of change from government. I would love to see the political scenario to change drastically.

How do you think the traffic of Kathmandu can be managed?
I think everybody would agree that the traffic situation in Kathmandu is one of the most chaotic anywhere. We have rules, we have public transport, but sadly the scenario is still not any better. I think it’s a very tough job for traffic personnel and they are indeed doing a good job. What I really think is that everyone needs to be aware. They need to know how to be courteous to the people while travelling around. That would definitely change things for the better.

How do you get away from Kathmandu’s regular grind?
Though I play music I’m a very quiet person. I like to be inside my house, inside the four walls, watch a movie and sit quietly on my own or meet my close friends. It’s kind of easy for me to escape the regular grind.

What do you miss most about Kathmandu when traveling?
I miss the entertainment world of Kathmandu.

Where do you usually shop in kathmandu ?
I’m not a very good shopper. I have never spent a lot of money shopping. However I think I go to the malls or the music stores to get accessories for my drums.

If not Kathmandu where would you be?
If I had a chance, I would always love to be in London because of my earlier childhood.
The best piece of advice you have received.
When I was in my school in Singapore I had a teacher from UK. I remember we used to have this autograph book where everybody used to write something or the other. My teacher wrote as well as told me in person “Try, try and try but never fail to try”. I have cherished this saying very much. Also John Lennon used to always say “You don’t need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are.
You are what you are!” So I’m what I’m.

How would you like to be remembered?
Life is very short
There is no time
For fussing or fighting my friend.