70th birth anniversary on February 6

Jothy, still the toast of music fans

MUSIC: A recent event significant to both the local cinema and music world passed without much humdrum or fanfare. It was the 70th birth anniversary of the immortal H. R. Jothipala whose unique voice mesmerised generations of music lovers.

Not that Jothy, as he was popularly known, would have minded. For every day was a celebration for this swashbuckling, handsome entertainer who lived life to its fullest while bringing joy to the lives of millions with his unique blend of good looks and lilting voice before death robbed Sri Lanka of one of its greatest musical personalities who bestrode the local music scene like a colossus.

Jothy would have turned 70 on February 6 this year. Although he is not among us, the legacy he left behind will surely stand the test of time, for his contribution towards the quality enrichment of the Sinhala music form.

The demand for his songs even 20 years after his death goes to prove that his image is firmly embedded in the hearts of his mass of fans who still idolise this remarkable entertainer.

Never has there been such a vocalist who dominated the local music scene which was unchallenged for nearly three decades.

His pervasive influence on the local music scene was such that no musical event big or small was held without his imposing presence. His stage presence was such that he even earned the sobriquet of local Elvis Presley among the more elite of his fans.

As a playback singer for over 1000 films, Jothy had no peer and his screen voice that blended uncannily with screen legends such as Gamini and Vijaya is still being talked of with nostalgia.

The popularity of Jothy's songs among the present generation of music lovers who were not even born at the time of his death goes to demonstrate the enduring quality of his voice.

Jothy held sway over the local film and music scene so much so that there was a clamour for his songs over the airwaves in the early sixties.

The cassette revolution in the late seventies only sent his popularity soaring. His duets with Angeline Goonatilake are unmatched to this day and are still on the lips of music lovers of another vintage. Jothy's musical career coincided with many top performers who sang the same genre of songs as Jothy. Among them J. A. Milton Perera, Priya Suriyasena and Milton Mallawaarachchi stand out.

This was the most vibrant and dynamic era of the Sinhala music scene enriched by also the presence of artistes of the calibre of Latha Walpola, Rukmani Devi and a coteries of baila singers who made their mark.

Twenty years after his demise the songs of Jothy lives on. His overreaching presence over the local music scene will surely endure the test of time.

Rodney

'I love Sri Lanka', says Bollywood superstar

PERSONALITY: Bollywood idol John Abraham visited Sri Lanka for the second time on February 17, to take part at the "Yamaha Day" as the Yamaha Brand Ambassador. The Yamaha Day was held to celebrate 25 years of partnership between Yamaha Motorcycles and their distributor AMW.

The 6'-1'' tall superstar is the latest heartthrob of thousands of fans all around the world. With the looks of a Greek god and his charming personality John Abraham has conquered the hearts of billions of people.

The model-turned-actor was born in Mumbai on December 17, 1973 and started out as a media planner in an advertising agency. Since then his gradual rise to the pinnacle was solely due to his devotion and extraordinary talent, not only in acting but also in charming fans even far beyond India. And today he is one person most sought after by film directors.

"I have always been crazy about motorbikes since I was a kid. When I was 11 my older brother wouldn't let me touch his bike. 'But I'm your brother' I pleaded him. 'Yeah, and this is my bike' was the instant reply," says John revealing his long standing craze for bikes.

"That's when I wowed to myself that I will own a bike one day." According to John he was selected to be the Yamaha Brand Ambassador because his very first motorbike had been a Yamaha. "I was first a biker, then an actor", says John.

I plan to be the Yamaha Brand Ambassador for another year, unless of course I fail in my career really badly and Yamaha decides they don't need me anymore, John says in lighter vein.

When asked whether his love for bikes would take him as far as racing a bike, a smiling John replied that he would love to, but the risk was too much as the film producers whom he had signed contracts with for the future would have a heart attack if he as much as gets a bruise. "They have millions at stake if I even get a small scratch, and they are not going to appreciate it."

Starting as Kabir, a young man seduced and manipulated by a young woman in the renowned film Jism, John has played star roles in numerous other films including Kaal, Dhoom, Aitbaar, Madhoshi, Karam and Virudh. John's most recent hits were Garam Masala and Water, which is a film entirely shot in Sri Lanka.

John happily recalls his days in Sri Lanka shooting 'Water' which was directed by Deepa Metta and is now succeeding in the Toronto Film Festival. "It was a most enjoyable experience.

Sri Lanka is such a gorgeous country. And the Sri Lankan people are so lovely to be with, always smiling and being so polite. Their hospitability is beyond words. You should learn hospitality from the Sri Lankans. And the Sri Lankan food is just great. I ate so much of it when I was there," John says.

John also says that he could only think of the most wonderful things about Sri Lanka to say, and that he hoped to visit the country soon again.

John Abraham's legendary relationship with the sexy Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu is always one of the hottest pieces of gossip going round. The magical chemistry between the two had been obvious in movies like Jism, Aithbaar and Madhoshi starred by the lovers.

In complete contrast to his sexy-hunk outer shell John is extremely traditional where love is concerned. He believes that love is all about giving and not about expecting.

John's lucky stars have been shining brightly at the beginning of the year with his latest release 'Zinda' hitting the top of the Box-Office. Briefing the press on his movies to be screened this year the striking star said that 'Taxi number 9211', 'Rande Basanthe' and 'Babul' would be released this year.

When asked how he would feel about taking part in a Sinhala film, the hunk said that he'd love to star in a Sinhala film as he loved performing and entertaining large audiences. But the small hitch would be that I can't speak Sinhalese, and I think I'm a bit too old to start learning it, the smiling star said.

John's visit to Sri Lanka was limited to only 36 hours, and he was to take part in many events of the "Yamaha Day" including the 'Yamaha Riding Challenge Programme.'

Lakmini Rodrigo

Nilar's Kiri Kodu Hithata over Rupavahini

MUSIC: The Kiri Kodu Hithata musical concert marking one and a half decades of creative life of the renowned young lyricist Nilar N.Cassim that was staged at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall recently will be telecast over Rupavahini on March 5 at 10.00 p.m.

Popular singers including Edward Jayakody, Abey, Niranjala, Amarasiri Peiris, Nirosha, Bhathiya, Santhush, Nelu Adhikari, Kasun, Rukantha, Chandralekha, and Asanka Priyamantha are featuring in this programme enlivened by the Sihasakthi musical band.

Performing scenes are by Kamal Addaraarachchi, Sangeetha Weeraratne, Semini Iddamalgoda, Anarkali Akarsha, Roshan Ranawaka and Panchali Kaushalya under the direction of Channa Wijewardene and Upekha Gangodawila.

Kiri Kodu Hithata compered by Saddhamangala Suriyabandara and Indika Upamali was directed by Sagara Lakmal de Mel.

Sinhala dramas at Lionel Wendt

THEATRE: A festival of Sinhala theatrical plays by Professor Ediriwira Sarachchandra will be staged at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on March 3,4 and 5 at 3.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. on each day. The plays will be 'Maname', 'Sinhabahu' and 'Mahasara'.