‘Api Honda Hitha Mithuro’: Tribute to late Mahesh Silva
View(s):Veteran musician Mahesh Kumar Silva passed away recently after a brief illness at the age of 58.
Popularly known as ‘Maiyya’ or ‘Mahesh Bada’ amongst his friends and in the music circle, Mahesh was the leader and the creator of now defunct popular band ‘Simple’. Simple led by Mahesh was a very popular outfit in the late nineties and during the early years of the millennium, rocked the music scene with his innovative and unmatched style of music with his ‘Midas touch’ on keyboards.
Mahesh played an active role as a musician since his College days at St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa. ‘Fire Stars’, ‘Flame’, ‘Simple’ and later with ‘Super Chimes’ with Annesley Malawana, Mehash was the key figure in creative music for dancers, fun fares, concerts and all school functions around the country.
MKahesh started his solo music career in early twenties and created music for most of the leading stars in the scene. He was a brilliant studio musician and worked with a number of popular reality shows in the television.
His best buddy Lalith Perera penned little appreciation note about Maiyya
‘My Dear Maiyya
I still recall you as a curly haired chubby little chap when we first met you on our first day at school at St Sebastian’s College , Moratuwa in early seventies. At the age of 14, we became best friends. It’s been nearly 45 years since then and we have been together at every stage and different phases of our lives, supporting each other whenever in need.
In 1977, we formed the then popular band ‘Fire Stars” (along with Gihan Lalith, Ian, Lerroy and Pemlath) and transformed it in 1980 as ‘FLAME’ (with Lalith, Niresh, Rohan, Chandana).Our musical journey sailed somewhat awkwardly with ups and downs but we enjoyed the career as young musicians. Mahesh was the strength for the forward march. Then again in 1990, we formed the band ‘Simple’ with Vajira, Ajith, Senaka and Clyde.
You have always been a good friend and brother to all of us, a loving husband to Chandrani and a great father to your children. I know that you are in a better place now and until we meet again, I pray for your eternal peace in heaven, my friend. Goodbye Maiyya’.
Lilaith Perera and Gihan de Silva made a tribute song ‘Api Honda Hitha Mithuro’ in loving memory of Maiyya- Mahesh Kumar Silva and is now available on youtube and face book pages of Lalith and Gihan.