Music

Ajith Bandara:

Back in sight, back in mind!

Dulshani GUNAWARDENA

Three years ago his name was all mayhem! Then a song or two later, he simply disappeared. Now, Ajith Bandara is back in the limelight with a brand new album.

So tell us about this new album?

This album Aradhana took a long time in the making. It contains twelve songs, including the title song Aaradhana, Taruwak Wettenna and Sayuru Rala. The lyrics were done by an expert team. The songs are still only in audio format, but I'm planning to release a visual for Tharuwak Wettenna soon.They cover a wide range from love, loneliness with Sayuru Rala specially dedicated to our soldiers.

What took you so long?

I tried to mould my songs on those of the sixties and seventies. Those songs contain such a melodious blend that we can enjoy them even today. The lyrics are simple, yet they contain much depth. I want to make songs like that, not those that will become famous overnight and disappear as soon as it is heard. I take time because I want to make the best creation possible.

You've been gone for a long time. Where have you been?

I've been preoccupied with work for this CD. I've also done a lot of foreign tours.

But it was the Sri Lankan public who voted for you and are responsible for your success. Why have you forgotten them?

With the past conflict situation, there was a scarcity of shows over here in Sri Lanka. All the bands and artists also went on extensive foreign tours. This is my profession, and without the financial aspect, how am I supposed to survive? And I certainly have not forgotten my Sri Lankan fan base. It's for them and their many encouragements through SMS that I specially made Aaradhana for.

Tell us about your family

I have a three year old daughter, Sathsarani Chanchala. My wife is Niluka Niroshani who gives me the maximum support possible.

But she was introduced as your sister onstage Sirasa Superstar finals...

I honestly didn't know anything about it until they announced onstage. I didn't get any opportunity to speak about my family either. Afterwards, I had to face to lot

of criticism, with people calling me a liar and a cheater. I'm happy to say that my wife understood me and stood staunchly by my side throughout.

Sirasa Superstar must have revolutionized your life...

Yes indeed! At first I found it hard to adapt, especially to the flood of fans. I used to be overwhelmed by them. My life became so busy that it's hard to find time for myself and my family. My daughter is extremely close to me and misses me greatly. She's calling me every five minutes asking what I'm up to!

Future plans?

To go much more forward in this field and stay within it as much as possible.

I hope to hold solo concerts island wide. I am planning to do another CD too, though with no definite date. It will take around three years. I've already started to plan and collect material for it.

Any message for your fans

I'm extremely grateful for you and will be there always for you. Please feel free to contact me with your ideas and opinions. For all the enthusiastic fans, you can contact through 0728844240.

Therapy through music

Demi HEWAMANNA

Prasadh Karunamuni will be releasing his latest video for his song Sandura Kawak with the lyrics written by Nihal Wickrema Edirisinghe, music composed by Harshana Randimal and visuals directed by Suranga Fernando.

The song is basically about a guy whose girlfriend is getting married to another guy and how he is coping with it. Already the song is a big hit among the people, as it has been downloaded by many people through YouTube as well as a ringing tone for mobile phones.

Prasadh's whole life was about music. He attended Horana Sri Pali College, and learnt music both oriental and classical. He was involved in all the musical activities that took place and participated in everything event. He got the first place in all island competition held in 1991 for singing a folk song.

One of the judges who was judging the competition was Lionel Ranwela, and he seen the great talent Prasadh possessed selected him to perform in his choir of musicians. Prasadh was in this group for 12 years and he sand in festivals, events and other programs while learning a lot about music as well.

He did a one man show at the Tower Hall theatre singing Hindi songs and performed another one man show in 1993 at the Elphinstone theatre. After all this he was working at Sirasa as a journalist.

Prasadh had a lot mentors and teachers training him. Veteran singer Nanda Malini taught him Hindustani music along with voice training and passed the Bath Kande music certificate. He also learnt Karnathaka (South Indian) music under Arundathi Sri Ranganadan.

For Prasadh, music is just not one genre, it's a worldwide genre that he loves to learn and appreciate. "I think we should not just talk about one style of music, the world has many styles and we should all experience it", Prasadh said when speaking to the Daily News.

"My aim is to through my music, relax people's mind. I listen to relaxing music and I know how it soothes me and I want to give that same feeling to the people", he added.

In the future I'm expecting to do that, give music therapy in my next album.

He is ready to help any upcoming musician, who are making new tracks and writing lyrics. I like to give free service to people who deserve and are really talented in what they do.

Prasad has been in the music industry for nearly 19 years. He has one older sister, two younger sisters and a brother. His parents died when he was young and it was his grandmother who has been his great strength and always backed him in everything he does along with his baby sister who is also a big help with his music.

He likes Michael Jackson, Amaradeva, Nanda Malini, Iraj and Bathiya and Santhush. He's a man who enjoys a variety of music and so has his heart open to every genre of music and artist!

Search for the 'Megastar'

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Megastar, Swarnavahini's newest reality show sees 36 popular personalities from diverse spheres taking to the stage and competing for the title as the most popular

singing sensation.

Swarnavahini which had gone down in history as the only channel to hold the grand finale of three of the television's reality program finals on the same platform had come up with this novel concept to bringing multi-talented personalities to light. Popular actors, politicians, sportsmen, media personalities and others who possess a flair for singing.

A jury comprising seasoned musician Shirley Waijantha, film actress cum political figure Rosy Senanayake and Minister Mervyn Silva will make comments about the singing talents of the participants. No marks will be given by the jury.

The eliminating process will be based on the number of SMSs that the participants receive. The one with the least number of SMSs will step down from the stage each week as the competitions is scheduled to go on for 10 months. Three will make it to the finals.

"Megastar will be a whole new approach to the reality television concept as it is not a carbon copy of any of the reality television genres in the world. The winners receive cash prizes," Swarnavahini Program Director Buddhika Kulasekara explained.

The program is hosted by supermodel turned actress Chula Padmendran and Lahiru Mudalige. The director is Amila Nuwan Wasasinghe. Aruna Lian will be in charge of the music while Dharshana Chathuranga Abeysinghe is the choreographer. Susantha Nanayakara handels the background sets.

'Megastar' will begin telecasting on Swarnavahini every Saturday and Sunday from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. from November 28. Sajeewa Prathapasinghe, Kavinda Suren, anusha Sanjeewa Edirimuni and Okshan Wijeratne are the executive producers.

Retro Nights at the Little Hut

The hype has built up over the past few months ever since Mount Lavinia Hotel had a standing ovation for Jazz at the Mount 2009, now an annual event on the calendar of the hotel. Little Hut known to be the only retro lounge nightspot will be the most happening nightspots in Colombo and you need not wait any longer for unique entertainment, professional service and authentic retro grooves.

Listening to the latest offerings from new stars probably will get your head bopping and your toes tapping. But oldies can do so much more than that. They have the unique ability to transport you back in time, back to that first schooldays' dance when you stood against the wall, stiffly watching everyone else whirl about to Van Halen's 'Jump' and wondering why you couldn't, too.

"Retro has the enviable reputation for its vibrant atmosphere and feel good factor. Retro promises a great night out for everyone. We guarantee an experience that will keep you coming back time and time again", the GM added.

Little Hut will open on November 28 and Fridays and Saturdays thereafter will be the most happening retro lounge nightspot in town. "We will be featuring a 7pm Happy Hour, and closing at 3am. There will also be an entrance ticket draw and five lucky people will get five free tickets to the exclusive Gonuts and strawberries party which is on the December 5 at the Little Hut", GM Anura Dewapura said.

We have much on the cards the best retro couple dancing stars will be honoured with fabulous prizes that may entitle them to a night's stay you never know what awaits at the hotel." The couple who dresses to match the retro theme will be made special with dinner vouchers. And do not forget to drop off your business card and stand a chance to win a free spa treatment for two at the coconut spa. Hey why not make it a weekend at the hotel, since the hotel is now ready to face the New Year.

Little Hut home to some of the hottest stars of yesteryear who have now made the entertainment circuit in the world like Hussain Jiffrey, Dylan Lye, Alston Koch and many more, will also feature world-class DJs and celebrity hosts using Little Hut as their venue, not merely for revelry, but for endless, lavish, state of the art entertainment and mostly as one artiste would state. "No matter how obscure your taste or how individual your look is, you'll find a retro lounge nightspot where you'll feel right at home at the Little Hut".

The space's versatility makes it perfect for corporate and private events, easily accommodating catered events, live music, fashion shows, and corporate presentations. The venue's components and furniture are all modular and removable, allowing for a wide variety of floor plans. Little hut was revamped and designed to shrink or expand to fit the needs of each event, with our professional Food and beverage team working hand-in-hand with the guest to make the night go perfectly.

In the months to come, expect a wide variety of amazing events, thematic nights, world-class music, and a glamorous, diverse crowd, all with a spotlight on superb guest service with experience in mind and attention to detail. "Our friendly staff has the experience, skills, and 'personal touch' that make every party or event the stylish success the city's been missing", Dewapura added.