Prakash Dutraj is a singer who brings a unique flavor to folk songs. Not only does he have a unique voice, but he also weaves an organic story of art and culture through word craft, music, and videos.

This time too, he has given a new song to the audience - Manmaya.

How did my heart feel when I saw the queen of my heart, Manmaya?
Even when I met her in person, it was like a dream.
I had to tell my heart today.
You liked me, my heart was set on fire. What should I do?

How can a young man express the emotions he feels when he meets the girl he wants to meet and see? Prakash has said this through the song.

This video, prepared in collaboration with director Navin Gharti Magar and Prakash Dutraj, has given a glimpse of Newari culture. Prakash, who mostly covers the hilly environment in his previous songs, has made the life and culture of the 50-60-year-old Newa community the main theme in 'Manmaya' this time. Both director Navin and singer Prakash are not from the Newa community. ‘How challenging would it be to portray the culture of a different community in a story?’ Naveen replied, ‘It was a big responsibility and a sensitive subject.’

They seemed to be aware of the possibility of unintentionally offending the community’s sentiments. So they studied and researched for about 3 to 4 months. ‘We tried to understand Newari costumes, traditions and customs closely,’ says Prakash.

The video includes everything from traditional skills in making wooden and clay pots to the ‘Bel Vivah’ ritual of the Newa community. ‘To make it real and authentic, it was filmed in the historical settlement of Chitlang,’ says Naveen. ‘There, we consulted and coordinated with local elders.’

Naveen says that they collaborated with a cameraman from the Newa community to make it easier to understand the cultural nuances technically. Prakash was keen to work deeper into the Newa culture. However, there were challenges of market limitations and investment. Still, he says that he tried to make a video that reflected the old lifestyle.

He wrote the lyrics of the song in his spare time. The lyrics were still long. However, some editing had to be done for the video. They had invested 5 months in the journey of making this video. They collaborated with the famous band 'Kutumba' for the rhythm of the song's audio.

Prakash says that the video of the song also includes the reference of the artists walking without slippers to make it feel like 50 years ago.

Prakash is happy and excited about the response that 'Manmaya' is currently receiving. He considers the positive feedback and suggestions received from the Newar community audience a 'blessing'. 'This success has encouraged me to do similar creative work in the future,' he says.

What are Prakash's plans now? He says, 'I will take a break for some time. And I am thinking of planning a new project.'

Prakash's creations often feature rural stories and human feelings. In particular, 'Ghar Kata Ho Baini Ko' brought him great commercial success and reached every audience. Similarly, 'Jam Bho Maili' became very popular among the audience due to the sweetness of its original language and video. In songs like 'Chain Ra Maya' and 'Aaru Phulyo', he also presented the hill lifestyle and love in a very artistic way.