And the D-day finally arrived; Hemant Rana's much awaited album 'Lai zaare' got an official stamp last Sunday. Being fans ourselves, we jumped at the first opportunity to attend the album launch, organized by Yuva Records. Upon arrival at the venue, Tipsy Bar & Lounge - Durbar Marg, we immediately went into protection alert! It was crammed with media personalities, and with so many celebs swarming the place, the chances were high of us stumbling across some whose feathers we might have ruffled. Anyways no such luck, phew. Back to Rana and his album launch... so was it any good? 

In a word, YES!! Whilst seeming a little nervous, Rana sang two songs from the album including a pretty good version of his title track, Lai zaare. Aided by Bishal Poudel on guitars, Rana's acoustic rendition left us in raptures. Tell you this, we didn't need no drink to get us high, we were full on tipsy on cloud nine at Tipsy Bar & Lounge - no pun intended. A pretty casual affair, the event was hosted by efficiently yours Bhupendra Khadka, who managed to crack us from time to time. Got to love his gift of gab and he's another talent we sure would like to corner someday, very soon! 

All those who contributed to the album were present, except for Lochan Rijal. And it was through them the album got stripped off its gift wrapping. The unveiling of album took place through the hands of Nhyu Bajracharya, Manoj KC, Kali Prasad Baskota and Bishal Poudel. It was followed by the screening of the video for Lai Zaare, which got us repeating the repeated - Jharna Bajracharya looks fabulous, her best performance to date. All in all, an afternoon spent in good company, good music and one thing that struck us most - a very chatty Rana. Not at all like the timid, shy boy next door. A change, but a good one!!

One of the easiest ways to set you apart from others is by creating a distinct voice, your own style; and happy to confirm, he has maintained it with his second album as well. Lyrically, vocally and melodically, he has a voice that is a 'gift'; it's both recognizable and unforgettable. We are fans, period. And thanks to his second album, Lai Zaare, our partiality towards the act that is Hemanta Rana, has ever so inched towards obsession, junoon...