Contents Lets listen to 'Chicane' SUN FM's 2nd Birthday bash 'HIT TV' makes a hit on sirasa TV Prasanna won talent quest for 'Wankagiri' Many splendoured 'American Beauty ' 'Operation Delta Force' 'Mathura' moves to Maradana Bonsoir marks French National Day Yasorawaya brothers reunited in 'Sohoyuro' Live at 8 on Swarnavahini Birthday bash at JAIC HILTON

Lets listen to 'Chicane'

By Sanath Weerasuriya

'Listen to the Original Music' competition is organised by Sunday TV Times in association with Sony Music and Maharaja Entertainments (Pvt.) Ltd.

This is the eighteenth week of the 'Listen to The Original" competition and the contest has brought-out many Lankan Music lovers with lots of Sony Original CDs and Audio Cassettes as well as colour posters of their heart throbs.

Today we feature 'Chicane', one of the popular dance bands in the world.

We will continue the contest into a couple of more weeks enhancing the chances to win original Sony CDs, audios and posters of pop idols around the world.

The address is "Listen to Original Music Contest- No. 18, C/o Maharaja Entertainments (Pvt.) Ltd., 330, T.B.Jayah Mawatha, Colombo. 10.

Tel: + 941672425-8, Fax + 941699070. E Mail: me @ lgo.lk

All the entries must be originals from the TV Times and no photocopies or faxes will be entertained. All correct entries will be drawn by a panel of judges.

The entries should reach the above address by July 19, the latest.

The decision of the judges will be final and the names of the winners will be announced in The Sunday TV Times accordingly.

Here are the winners of the Contest No. 16 of 'Fantastic Females' quiz...

The Original CD goes to M.L.M. Azver of Colombo. The winners of the Original Sony audio cassettes are Tania Ranaraja and Mahesh Kumbukage.

Winners of the 'Fantastic Females' Posters are Dilhan Jayasuriya, G.D. Sasika Gamethige, Shehan Romesh,Indika Hettiarachchi, Udayanga Malin Senaratne, M.I.M. Azhraff and Shan Rajaguru.

The Chicane story is based on a design-student Nick Bracegirdle .

He started his music career under the man 'Disco Citizens' together with Leo Elstob. Their first release was "Right Here Right Now" in July 1995, which became a top 40 UK-hit.

After some time they changed name, and called themselves 'Chicane' and their first release was "Offshore". It became a massive success. It entered the official UK chart as No. 14 in the competitive Christmas week of 1996. And it reached No. 1 at the Mixmag Buzz chart, No. 1 at the Music Week Dance Singles chart. No. 1 at the MTV Dancefloor chart, No. 2 in the Record Mirror Cool Cuts chart, and No. 5 in the DJ Club chart.

But together with all the success, Leo Elstob left Chicane. And Nick was on his own. Nick continued recording as both Chicane, and Disco Citizens. In March 1997 he released the new Disco Citizens single "Footprint". It went straight in at the UK top 40 as No. 34, and did very well at various club and dance charts.

As Chicane, he followed the success of "Offshore", with the single "Sunstroke". "Sunstroke" was released with two totally different radio-edits. One original, and one Disco Citizens remix edit. Both were very successfull.

The debut-album, "Far From The Maddening Crowds", finally came in September 1997, 11 tracks, running on 72 minutes, that takes you to a new landscape of beautiful sounds! Salt Tank also appeared on the album, co-writing the song "Leaving Town".

Together with all the success with Chicane, Nick continued with the Disco Citizens project as well. In the summer of 1998, Disco Citizens' Third single was released, "Nagasaki Badger".

And now, the much awaited second album, "Behind The Sun" have been released... including the Bryan Adams collaboration "Don't Give Up" on it. This song was featured on the Bryan Adams album "Best Of Me" as a hidden ghost-track. And this was the track that started a new chapter. After years of work, Chicane finally gets a No. 1 hit. It knocked Madonna down from the UK top spot, and was a massive hit all over Europe. Chicane is no longer an unknown name..... and the success dosen't seem to end.

SUN FM's 2nd Birthday bash

Sun FM, one of the popular radio stations in Sri Lanka celebrated its second birthday lastweek.

As part of the celebrations for this occasion Sun FM had a dance at the Colombo 2000 which was attended by a capacity crowd.

The highlight of the evening was the finals of the "One on One" DJ Competition. Talented amateur DJ's were given a chance to prove themselves. 'There was a tremendous response to this competition with over 1000 applications' a Sun DJ said.

The winner was DJ Ramli from Cool Tempo who received a cash prize and a six month contract to jam with the Sun FM DJ's on the 'Club Hopping' Programme every Saturday. The first runner-up was DJ Roshan from Outburst International, and DJ Romesh from Sound FX Entertainment was the second runner-up.

'HIT TV' makes a hit on sirasa TV

Hindhi International Television "HIT TV" with untold stories, melody and music has come on Sirasa TV channel in the afternoons.

The programme is to attract both young and old with old and new films and music covering 50% of all adult population.

HIT TV will be telecast on 7am to 8am and 1.30 pm to 5pm on Monday to Friday and on 12 am to 5pm on weekends.

Meanwhile YES FM hot adult contemporary hit radio station catering to the listening needs of every 25-45 year old has extended its presence in cyberspace on WWW.yesfmonline.com. The radio will deliver 24 hours of today's best music plus 18 hours of news covering the four corners of the globe.

Among the list of the programmes set are The Morning Show, the Ladies hour, Atwork-Network, Lunch Express, 80 Minutes with The 80's and Superfax Request on weekdays and special evening programmes like Quite Riot, Night Flight and No Slow Friday etc. and also weekend heavies 'The Big Breakfast', 'The afternoon Buzz''Junior Joy', 'the Sunday Jam' and etc.

Prasanna won talent quest for 'Wankagiri'

By Susitha R. Fernando

Award winning film director Prasanna Withanage in an effort to talent young blood for his fifth film, "Wankagiri" and is presently searching for suitable newcomers to portray chosen roles.

In the spotlight are roles for a girl and a boy aged between 18 and 25 to play the lead roles in the film, scripted by himself.

In addition to the two leading roles, there are openings for five newcomers in other fields like direction, editing, etc.The amateurs will have a two month training period which would be conducted as a workshop, he told the 'TV Times.'

Explaining his intention to afford opportunities to aspiring youngsters, the director said, "Since we don't have a theatre school, there is a lack of professionalism in the world of cinema today."

"Almost everyone in the field has to self-study the art of films," he said.

"Though the film industry would survive, it will not flourish without a good younger generation with a keen interest in the subject," he added.

Locally and internationally acclaimed films directed by Prasanna are "Sisila Gini Gani" ( Ice on Fire), "Anantha Rathriya" (Dark night of the soul), "Pawuru Walalu" (Walls within) and "Purahanda Kaluwara"(Death on a full moon day).

Among the international award winners are, Nita Fernando and Joe Abeywickrama who were adjudged best actress and best actor the 1998 and 1999 Singapore International Film Festivals for their performance in 'Pawuru Walalu' and 'Purahanda Kaluwara'.

Many splendoured 'American Beauty '

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Academy Award Winner 'American Beauty', a film about the life in Suburban America, is now on at the Liberty Cinema in Colombo.

Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey ("The Usual Suspects") and Oscar nominee Annette Bening ("The Grifters") head the cast of "American Beauty." The ensemble cast also includes Thora Birch ("Patriot Games"), Wes Bentley ("Beloved"), Mena Suvari ("American Pie"), Peter Gallagher ("While You Were Sleeping"), Allision Janney ("Drop Dead Gorgeous"), Scott Bakula (TV's "Quantum Leap"), Sam Robards ("Beautiful Girls") and Chris Cooper ("Octobery Sky").

'American Beauty' bagged five 'Oscars' at this years Academy Awards, ceremony including 'Best Film', 'Best Actor' and 'Best Director'.

An amusing, funny tale, about life in suburban America, their, innermost feelings, their fantasies and desires, suppressed but nevertheless coming out to surface during a weak moment. The main reason for the popularity of the film is that relates to most people, no matter who they are, or from where they are, the theme is very familiar to many people all over the world.

Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) is a middle aged father with a successful wife Carolyn (Annette Benning) and grown up teenage daughter Jane. He suddenly realises the lack of honesty in his life, lack of communication - what he has missed out on life - not being able to say what he actually feels and do what he actually wants. He is grappling with feelings that have long been dormant but have been re-awakened in him. On the other side, his wife feels an emptiness in their lives and believes if you have the right car, the house and garden, everything will work out alright. She is obsessed with her image of success - to be well respected in the community, wear the right clothes, things many people depend on to give themselves a sense of identity and well-being. The normal problems and things which we can relate to today.

The transformation for Lester comes in the form of a stunning teenager named Angela (Mena Suvari) who is a friend of his daughter Jane (Thora Birch). Angela is the notion of American beauty, blonde hair, blue eyes, perfect figure, Jane is the opposite, but may be more beautiful of the two. They are friends but not really friends. Angela shows off as flamboyant, dramatic, but inside she is a lost soul. She is obsessed with sex and immediately notices the effect she has on Jane's father. She sees him as a sort of target, an object, a desparate man she can play with using the power she thinks she has over him. It's what Angela promotes in Lester.....that has gone missing in his life. Over the course of the story, Lester trims down his middle aged figure into a dapper figure of his former self. Then there is the teenage (Ricky) son of their new neighbour, played by newcomer (Wes Bentley) who watches life through the lens of his video camera, focusing his attention on next door, Jane.

The film has won 5 Academy Awards, including for Best Film, Best Actor, Best Director, Award winner for Best Actor (Kevin Spacey) plays Lester Burnham, and Oscar nominee (Anette Benning) as his wife Carolyn Burnham. Thorn Birch as (Jane) their daughter, and Mena Suvari as (Angela) Jane's teenage friend who seems to be the perfect American beauty.

The title "American Beauty" has different meanings in context of the film. It may be the roses that grow in Carolyn's garden or it could be Angela's beauty of sheer youth, and the American dream. One of the movie's theme is - you may find true beauty where you least expect it.

"American Beauty" marks the feature film directorial debut of award-winning theatre director Sam Mendes (" The Blue Room", Cabaret " ) The film is produced by Bruce Cohen ("Mouse Hunt") and Dan Jinks (" Nothing to Lose").

'Operation Delta Force'

While the film 'American Beauty' hits the screen at Liberty America's elite 'Delta Force' has landed to the Central Theatre in Maradana.

'Operation Delta Force', the new movie on hi-tech rescue missions, directed by Sam Firstenberg is now runs at Central .

Captain Skip Lang (JEFF FAHEY) and Sergeants Sparks (ROB STEWART), McKinney (FRANK ZACARINO), Hutch (TODD JENSEN), Bowers (GIDEON EMERY), and Dibiase (TSHEPO NZIMANDE) - fast-ropes onto the roof of a Johannesburg Hi-rise, overcomes a squad of Afrikaner white extremists and rescues an important ANC government official the extremists had taken hostage. This mission proves to be a drill, part of joint exercises with South Africa's Special Forces, but the threat the militant Africa for Afrikaners (AFA) organization poses is very real. In Manica, Mozamabique, Major Jeffrey Tipton, AKA "Tip" (ERNIE HUDSON), a U.S. Army virologist, touches down at a high-security virus research lab.

His mission: bring a vial of newly created antiserum to the deadly Ebola virus back to A.M.R.I.I.D., the Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases. But moments after Tip's chopper lands, the AFA arrive by chopper, storm the lab, and with the help of an insider make off with the vials. Vastly outgunned, Tip uses his own Special Forces training to destroy the AFA's chopper, forcing them to flee overland. In Washington, it's feared that the AFA, headed by Pretorius (DAN ROBERTSE) and led in the field by Johan Nash (JOE LARA), will use the virus as a means to ethnically cleanse themselves a volkstaat, or Afrikanerland. The decision is made and Delta, aboard the aircraft carrier Coral Sea, is activated to retrieve the vials. Choppered to the devastated research lab, they're met by Lieutenant Marie Jonker (NATASHA SUTHERLAND), who was with them during the joint exercises. Not everyone is happy about her participation. For his part, Lang is more concerned that Tip, whom Lang believes was responsible for the death of his brother in a friendly-fire incident.

When Delta, with the help of Admiral Henshaw (HAL HOLBROOK) of the U.S. Special Operations Command Center in Florida and the impressive array of technology at his command, learns that the AFA have hijacked a passenger train, they stealthily board the train after causing it to stop on a towering bridge. While the Navy bomber from the Coral Sea takes out a tunnel ahead, Delta battle's Nash's capable men in and on the train cars while terrified civilians try to avoid gunfire. Dibiase is shot and falls to his death and Nash get's the train moving. Delta establishes control over the rear cars as the train rolls into the blocked tunnel. Trapped, Nash agrees to negotiate, but instead escapes with his men into a mine ventilation shaft Delta follows. In the cast gold mine complex, deep elevator shafts, ore railways, and labyrinthine tunnels provide the backdrop for explosive batting. During the melee, the virus vial takes a hit but appears to be intact. Nash successfully traps Delta at the entrance level, wounding Hutch in the process. With Nash and company headed toward the Zambezi river, a C-130 "rubber ducks" gunboat to Delta. A fierce chase and fire-fight ensues with Delta ultimately securing the virus vial but Nash making it to the AFA ship with the antiserum.,

Tip surmises that they're dealing with some super-strain, developed as the ultimate biological weapon. He explains that the military will have no choice but to firebomb Kabongo - it's the only way to quickly stop the spread of the virus. Delta goes renegade and sneak-attacks the AFA ship, which was forced into port due to foul weather. The mission is successful, with Delta taking out Nash and Pretorius and securing the antiserum moments before the bombers drop their payload and the sick and dying of Kabongo Lieutnant Jonker is airlifted to the village carrying the precious antiserum, and Lang, having seen Tip's obvious skill and poise in the most intense combat situations, finally realizes that Tip isn't to blame for his brother's death.

'Mathura' moves to Maradana

By Ganga Krishnakumar

It is time to tickle your taste buds again. The owners of Mathura, the name which has almost become synonymous with providing authentic Indian cuisine, have started their second restaurant in Maradana. Mathura is a partnership between Buddhi Keerthisena and Madras Woodlands.

The new branch was opened on June 23 at a colourful function, with a smattering of film stars gracing the occasion.

The first restaurant, located on Havelock Road, has been attracting a wide variety of people since its inception in 1998. The success of this restaurant was one of the reasons, which prompted Keerthisena to start another one. However, he has a larger plan in mind for this complex in Maradana, where the restaurant is located.

'We plan to have four cinema halls, a couple of shops, some office space and, of course, the restaurant, within this complex,' he says. Once the complex is completed, Keerthisena plans to have a cafeteria on the ground floor (in the area where the restaurant is currently located) with the main restaurant moving to the second floor. The cafeteria will provide snacks like idlis, dosas and vadais as well as beverages. Meals will only be served at the main restaurant. Those who have been to the Havelock Road restaurant will find this one far more spacious. Keerthisena decided on the furniture and decor here, with the objective of making it simple and comfortable.

Keerthisena feels what has made Mathura popular is the fact that they make authentic Indian cuisine made from spices and herbs, which are brought from India. The quality of South Indian and North Indian cuisine available here is on par with some of the best restaurants in India. Their wide variety of dosas is especially popular with those who frequent the restaurant.

Ask Keerthisena why he chose Maradana and he quickly cites various reasons, one of the main being the lack of good quality restaurants for middle-class people in this locality. There is a big spare parts market here and the owners and managers of these shops did not have any good place to eat. So we realised that this place has a lot of potential, he adds. The other reason, he adds, is that there is a flowing crowd from the railway station nearby, cinema halls as well as from Pettah, where there are lot of Sri Lankan Tamil businessmen and many people of Indian origin. For these people, who may well have been hunting for a good vegetarian restaurant in the area, Mathura could well be a haven.

According to Ramakrishnan, the Manager at the Havelock Road Mathura, the restaurant attracts about 200 people on an average every day.

Though Keerthisena is pleased with this performance, he is worried about the rising costs of gas, electricity and transport, which have increased their expenses by 15 to 20 per cent.

In spite of these problems, there is no looking back for the owners of Mathura. In another month, they plan to start a free delivery service within Colombo city limits.

This is not all. Keerthisena, who has always believed in planning ahead, is scouting for land on the Colombo-Kandy highway to start an eating joint there. "We want to start something like a dhaba (an open-air restaurant with a rustic ambience), many of which dot the Indian highways" he says. Going by his success rate in the past, his new ventures should certainly go down well with the eclectic Sri Lankan crowd.

Bonsoir marks French National Day

On July 14, way back in 1789, the people of Paris stormed the Bastille the symbol of royal power and despotism setting up the chain of events which cme to be known as the French Revolution. The Bastille prison also became its principal symbol. Hence French National Day is popularly called '"Bastille Day."

Join ' Bonsoir' on its special programme to mark French National Day in the company of the Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka Elisabeth Dahan.

Filmed entirely on location at the 'Residence de France' in Colombo, this programme features, the Bastille Day story, the parade on the Champs Elysees, a visit to the Paris of 1789, the all important event that was born out of the French Revolution in 1789 - the Declaration of Rights of Man and the Citizen.

You're then invited to join French historian Francois Furet and take a look at the French Revolution from a modern point of view and also go to the Castle of Vizille in the French Alps, where the Museum of the French Revolution brought together works from 75 different public and private collections, to evoke the pre- revolutionary period.

"Bonsoir" on Monday 8.00 pm - ITN

Yasorawaya brothers reunited in 'Sohoyuro'

"Yasorawaya" directed by Parakrama Niriella stole the limelight in the 1980s for its excellence. This was a period when teledramas were few unlike today.

The two brothers "Baladasa" played by Lucky Dias and "Podda" played by Amiththa Weerasinghe still haunt our memories with their scintillating and accomplished roles. The elder brother Baladasa was a teacher who played the role of the pedagogue without a blemish. Podda could not find a job to suit his qualifications.

These two brothers have come to act again in a teledrama "Sohoyuro" (Brothers) directed by Malini Fonseka almost after fifteen years.

The teledrama is to be telecast every Thursday at 8.30 pm on Rupavahini Channel 1.

The story begins when Rohan who has been abroad for a long time hears from his mother , Thennakone Manike that his brother who had got married without the family's blessings was not welcome in the house.

But Rohan persuades his mother to bring the elder brother back into the fold.

However Mahendra is determined to satisfy his mother by finding a suitable wife for his younger brother who had strived to bring the family together.

Meanwhile Rohan had started a secret love affair with Nanda who works in their Walauwa helping his mother. The elder brother when made aware of this development manages to send Nanda away from their home. Rohan who does not know what his brother has done, tries to find Nanda and when he fails he had to agree to the proposal brought by his brother and mother.

Even though Mahendra married by his own choice his married life with "Trilicia" was a success. Their joy increases when they find they were in the family way. Nanda, who left walauwa lived with one Charlie. She too was found pregnant at the same time. Rohan when he becomes aware that it was his brother Mahendra who separated him from Nanda he begins to hate his brother.

Both Trilicia and Nanda are to give birth at the same time but everyone had to face a tragic period with these new births.

The main roles of "Sohoyuro" are played by Lucky Dias, Amiththa Weerasinghe, Damayanthi Fonseka, Rathna-wali Kakunawela Rebecca Nirmali etc.

Live at 8 on Swarnavahini

A novel concept in the Current Affairs Programme will be introduced on 'Swarnavahini' from July 7, at 8.00 p.m. The Programme 'Live at 8' will be a live presentation. The series will be presented by three well-known presenters Chandana Sooriyabandara, Arun Dias Bandaranaike and Nalin Karunaratne. In the beginning it is expected to be telecast every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The programme series will cover Current issues in the following area: Social, Political, Cultural, Foreign, Sports, Health, Development etc.

While the programme will be targeted at a youth and adult audience it is expected to present the programme in a friendly, but responsible manner. People related to current issues will also be invited to the studio to express their views and concerns pertaining to the general public while telephone comments and reports will be linked to the presenters. The series will undoubtedly be popular among the general public who are eager to experience novel but worthwhile TV programmes.

Meanwhile Swarnavahini's Political Programmes RathuIra' and Deshapalana Sathiya' are back on Tuesdays at 9.00 pm and on Fridays 9.00 PM respectively.

Birthday bash at JAIC HILTON

It is not just another Celebration! Saturday July 15 spells out sheer excitement 'coz the Union Bar and Grill Room of JAIC Hilton will be blowing out two candles that evening when it celebrates it's 2nd Birthday.

Enjoy a crawly 15% discount on our Seafood Symphony Dinner Buffet, plus a 25% discount on Carlsberg Draught Beer. Take part in the Quiz and the crazy games and win attractive prizes.

There's a Business Card Draw too with a return airline ticket to Mumbai up for grabs and weekend stays too!!

Live music from the man himself Derek Wickramanayake and his band"Wind fire" will be on.

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