Alina Chauhan Releases Popular Teej Song and Launches Kathmandu Clothing Store
Alina Chauhan, the celebrated Nepali modern‑music singer, has just dropped her latest Teej single, "Naurati Fulai," and opened a new retail outlet in Kathmandu.
The track, released in early 2026, has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm online. On YouTube and TikTok, the responses have been "100 % positive," according to Chauhan, a stark contrast to the mixed reviews her earlier releases sometimes drew. She explained that the song is an ode to authenticity and cultural heritage, celebrating the traditional sarees, cholis, and the emotional journey of a daughter before and after marriage.
Chauhan’s catalog already boasts hits such as "Dhokebaj," "Mineral Water," and "Katta Handinchhu." "Naurati Fulai" follows her annual tradition of releasing a Teej single each year, a festival that honors the goddess Parvati and is widely observed by married and unmarried women across Nepal.
Beyond music, Chauhan has stepped into retail. Her Kathmandu store, "Ramani," sells earrings, bangles, sarees, lehengas, and other traditional decorative items. The name, derived from the Sanskrit word for "beautiful woman," was chosen to resonate with her female fanbase and reflect the beauty of traditional attire.
"I wanted a name that would resonate with my female fans and reflect the beauty of traditional attire," Chauhan said. "Ramani has become a place where sisters come not only to buy clothes but also to share their stories and find comfort." She added that financial security and family stability were key motivations for starting the business, noting that the music industry can be unpredictable.
"The artistic field is not always consistent. I understood long ago that I might not be able to stay at this peak forever," she explained. "I think this is the most opportune time to start a business; because it can be difficult to start a business after one has flopped or is no longer recognized."
Chauhan also acknowledged the challenges of entering the retail market. Local traders have expressed concern that her store draws customers away from their own shops, and some have posted negative comments on her product photos or reported her social‑media accounts to authorities.
"Some traders have a mindset that artists are taking away our business," she said. "Some are even making videos saying, 'People only go to celebrities, we are going to die.'"
To counter these obstacles, Chauhan imports goods directly from abroad, enabling her to offer high‑quality items at competitive prices. She believes this strategy helps maintain customer satisfaction.
Balancing music and business requires careful time management. Chauhan divides her schedule between studio sessions, stage performances, store operations, and promotional photo shoots.
"If there is any problem in the music industry or if I fall sick, I have my business, which makes me financially and mentally strong," she said.
When asked whether she would choose one career over the other, Chauhan emphasized that singing remains her primary identity.
"My first priority and my identity will always be singing. I want to be known as a singer until I die. My business can be managed by a management team, but I myself am needed to sing songs in my voice," she said.
Chauhan offered advice to other artists: diversify skills but stay connected with the audience.
"You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. It is good to pursue other skills or businesses alongside your artistic career. However, maintaining a connection with the audience is very important for this. Your face and personality are your brand. So, always stay connected with your audience, listen to them, and don't lose heart," she advised.
Her dual pursuits illustrate a broader trend of musicians expanding into entrepreneurship. While industry data is not detailed in the article, it reflects how artists in Nepal and beyond are seeking additional revenue streams amid a fluctuating music market.
Chauhan’s recent Teej song and retail venture demonstrate her commitment to cultural authenticity and financial resilience. The success of "Naurati Fulai" on social media and the growing customer base for "Ramani" suggest that her approach resonates with both music fans and traditional fashion consumers.
At present, Chauhan continues to record new material and manage her store, with no announced plans to shift focus entirely to either domain.