The silent charmer

7 January 2010

Your radiant smile,

Like sunshine in the dark,

Lights up the whole world;

Let not your smile disappear.

Stunned by your charming face,

I forgot to blink my eyes;

Smitten by your endearing words,

I lost control over my breath.

These lines are taken from some of the finest romantic rigsar songs written by one of the finest lyricists in Bhutan, Lopoen Tashi Tobgay.He is not a singer, but a silent charmer.

He is behind the success of many popular songs, singers and movies. His lyrics are known for originalityand romanticism.

Some of his most popular lyrics written for Bhutanese moviesinclude Hingtam, Tshe Daray Chhepi Chharo, Jamtse Chengi Apa, and Chhoe Gawi Zhum Dang.

Apart from romantic themes, his songs also dwell on patriotism and moral values.Some of his finest patrioticsongs include Drukgi GyalkhabChhungku, Menjong Drukgi Gyalkhab, Na Rangi Taru Gatogto, and Thuenpa Puen Zhee.

Lopoen Tashi says that he loves music and believes that it is the food of love. His passionfor lyrics writing began as early as his high school days. He first wrote lyrics in praise of the dramnyen when he was in class X at the Instituteof Language and Culture Studies (ILCSCS) in Semtokha.

He wrote the lyrics for his class during an inter-class music competition.Until now, he has written over 70 songs, most of which are rigsar and romantic. At the annual film festival in 2006, he won the best lyrics award for his song Tshe Daray Chhepi Chharo from the film Muti Thrishing.

Although his lyrics are hugely popular among filmmakers,he has never attached a price tag on them. He writes lyrics as labour of love. As a lecturer teaching Nyen Ngag (poetry) at ILCSCS, Lopoen Tashi believes that writing lyrics, essays and poems in Dzongkha will go a long way in promoting the national language.

“I am contributingsomething to the country by teaching and writing,” he says.The 34-year-old bachelor is planning to write nursery songs for young students.Lopoen Tashi Tobgay comes from Dawathang in Bumthang.

He is the only child of his parents.While pursuing Dzongkha honours course at Sherubtse College from 1997 to 2000, he received the Gold Medal and President’s Medal for academicexcellence.

He holds an MA degree in Buddhist Philosophy from Zhung Dratshang,the central monastic body.

By Namgay Tshering

Ratings: 1 Star