From taking the country beyond borders through films, arts and music, a few Bhutanese took Bhutan to the global arena last year. One such individual is Ryhaan Giri, who not only created an image for Bhutan but also gained popularity in Nepal for his participation in a singing reality series called The Voice. He became the first Bhutanese to represent Bhutan in the Voice of Nepal Season 4.
More than 700,000 registered for the Voice of Nepal Season 4 last year. Although he did not win, he was among the top six.
The 22-year-old from Samtse shared that he was overjoyed for being one of the contestants.
“My first performance was sweaty because I was really nervous and then I slowly started getting better. And I didn’t realise the impact of my performance and the amount of attention I would get and the amount of impact I was making. So, I just feel really happy and the experience was good and very new,” said Ryhaan.
Garnering a lot of followers on social media, Ryhaan has become a sensational artist not just in the country but abroad. He urges youth to follow their passion despite the hurdles.
“Protect your dream, pursue your passion, pursue your obsession. And always strive to get better, don’t stick to the same level where you were yesterday. Always try to improve because when you improve, you are improving not only yourself but also your surroundings. People get inspired so I think it is important to level up every time, in everything.”
Ryhaan added that as relieving as it may be to follow one’s passion, it comes with its own barriers.
“It is not easy. It is not easy at all because there are just too many expectations and you are going to be under the shadows for a very long time. People don’t give you attention. But when you get it, you get it all together, then you lose it again. So, I think I am getting the attention right now and in a few days, it is going to cool down and people are going to stop following me after a while. Because it is always like that, it is always a climb, and then it’s a fall and then it is a climb.”
Ryhaan is already composing a Bhutanese song. In addition, he soon plans to release a seven-track Nepali album.
Growing up in a supportive family, Ryhaan Giri said he owes his achievements all to his parents.
Tashi Yangden
Edited by Sonam Pem
