Pappu Karki, a very popular Kumaoni folk singer from Uttarakhand, is known as Pappu Da. He is remembered for popularizing Uttarakhand’s traditional music among the new generation and as a cultural icon. Pappu Karki was born on June 30, 1984, in Sailab village, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. Despite facing many struggles in his life, he never stopped practicing and participated in the Uttarakhand Idol competition held in Delhi, where he became the first runner-up, which inspired him. His career began in 1995 by singing on the local Ramlila stage, where senior singer Krishna Singh Karki recognized his talent. His first audio cassette, “Fauji Ki Naukri,” was released in 1998. He gained recognition with his 2004 album, Megha, and in 2010, his superhit song, “Jham Lagchi,” was released, which was widely praised.
He has given Uttarakhand many famous songs, some of which include “Yeh Hai Chachari”, “Sali Marchali”, “DDhat Ki Chhamna Chhori”, and the hit “Madhu Uttarayan Kauthig”. To promote regional artists, he opened a recording studio in Haldwani called “PK International”, which aims to provide free recording and training facilities to underprivileged children from rural areas. He also brought national recognition to Kumaoni culture and performed on Doordarshan and in cultural programs held in major Indian cities.
Pappu Karki passed away in a road accident on June 9, 2018, at the age of 34. He was returning home after performing at a youth festival in Okhal Kanda when his car lost control and fell into a ditch near Murkhudiya village, where he was declared dead. He is survived by his wife and a son, who carries forward his father’s musical legacy and also sings as a child artist. He has been honored with several prestigious awards both during his lifetime and posthumously.
Major Awards
- 2015 Gopal Babu Goswami Award : for preserving and promoting the Kumaoni folk music tradition
- 2018 Sangeet Alankaran Samman (posthumously) : a special honor conferred on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the late Nityanand Swami, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
- Best Debut Folk Singer : (during his early struggles) during a ceremony held in Mussoorie
- Young Uttarakhand Cine Award