Sunday Times 2
Golden star takes her fans back in time
View(s):A singer of yesteryear whose songs were frequently broadcast over the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) in the 60s, Amitha Vadisinghe will take her fans back to her era once again, with her upcoming concert ‘Anothaththa Vila’ to be held on January 30 at Ananda Vidyalaya (Kularathne Hall) from 6.30 p.m.
A golden star whose popular hits include Bedda Pura, Senkadagala Pura Dalada Budhu Res, Mey Udara Lanka Boomiyai, Pinna Mal Pipi being frequently aired on radio, Amitha last held a music concert back in 1995. Amitha who started off as a child singer at the age of eight in 1950s with the SLBC’s Lama Pitiya programme, made her presence felt in the film industry as a singer with her popular song Paramitha Bala she sang in the 60s for the film Ranmutuduwa. As a vocalist, she contributed to about 10 films including, Bandura Mal, Sagarika, Bakmaha Digey.
With a music degree obtained from the College of Fine Arts, in addition to the Visharada qualifications she received from Bhatkhande Music College in India, she entered the teaching profession in 1977, by joining Ananda College primary as a music teacher. While in India, Amitha had an opportunity to sing for a Sinhala music programme aired on India’s broadcasting service. Amitha also served as a Education Department’s Music Director for Kalutara District overseeing the subject of music in all schools coming under the region.
After her retirement in 2002, she started as a music teacher of a private school where she continues to date.
As to the reason why she decided to hold a concert after two decades, Amitha says she is ageing and she feels she would not be able to sing for a very long time.
“I had a lot of fans….I still do. Their love kept me going as an artiste. So I want to give my fans another chance to enjoy their favourite music,” she said. Tickets for the concert are available at Sarasavi Bookshop Nugegoda, Sagami Tours and Travels Nugegoda, Sadeepa Bookshop Borella, Salaka Union Place, Oxon Institute Borella. Tickets could be purchased at Ananda College entrance on the day of the show.
For more information please call – 0719468763.