They shine... they mesmerise... they rock ...:

They are the Dancing stars!

Ruwini Jayawardana

Sirasa TV, the popular television channel is at it again but this time the show is in the form of a dancing competition compromising celebrities and experts in the dance sector. Yes, it is the reality TV concept again but with a new face.

The music is on, vibrating the H2O Night Club near the Town Hall, Colombo, and there is the buzz of activity everywhere with the crew setting up cameras and the artistes rehearsing their steps. Susara Dinal de Silva, Head of Sirasa TV shares the scoop with Daily News 'Art & Soul' on the origin and progress of their newest project - 'Sirasa Dancing Stars'.

Tell us about the 'Sirasa Dancing Stars'. How was this idea formed?

"This is another programme related to reality TV. 'Sirasa Dancing Stars' follows the success of 'Sirasa Superstars'. We noted that such programmes relating to stars performing on stage are very popular among audience around the world.

Stars from diverse fields: actors, vocalists, sportsmen and sportswomen take part in these dance competitions. However they have to choose a professional dancer as their dance partner. The duo has to plan their dance routine. The spectators can expect a difference style of dance as the theme changes in each of the rounds.

A panel of judges compromising veterans in the music and cinema industry will advise and grade them. All this will be captured on camera. Then the rest is up to the audience. They decide whom to eliminate and whom to keep for the next round."

How many contestants will there be in this contest?

"We have engaged 10 male stars and 10 female stars for the event. All together there will be 20 celebrities.

That makes 20 partners competing for the title. We hope to present five partners per segment. Only four of the partners competing will make it to the next round.

The programme will be telecast for around six months on weekends."

How did you choose the contestants?

"We phoned most of the stars and held a discussion with them on how the programme is going to proceed. Around 75 per cent were taken up with the idea because they had seen similar programmes telecast on Indian television channels."

What is in store for the winners?

"They will each receive a car or cash prizes."

Who are the contributors to this project?

"Putting together a reality show is no easy task because there are a number of cameras from which separate recordings are done.

We have Dhammika Fonseka and Thushan Karunaratne as executive producers. Sisil Ratnayake is the set designer.

Nalaka Dayanda is the editor of the show and Kenneth Weerakkody is the cameraman."

'Sirasa Dancing Stars' is telecast on Sirasa TV on Saturdays and Sundays.

Let's ask the contestants...

With minutes ticking by and the tension heaping we ask some of the contestants who are ready to shake the dance floor why they decided to take part in the fun-filled event...

Semini Iddamalgoda:

Many established artistes hesitated to take part in the event especially because it is in form of a contest. They feared that being eliminated early will tarnish their image.

I have watched similar programmes telecast on Indian channels. If nobody volunteers to take part we will not be able to experience new concepts. I am an actress, not a dancer but I will not shrink from this challenge."

Teesha:

As a performing artist I believe that I will be able to perform well in this competition. 'Sirasa Dancing Stars' provides an opportunity for me to showcase my talents. I hope to wander away from my usual style so expect something new from my side."

Anusha Damayanthi:

I took a long period to decide whether to take part in this programme or not. My mother encouraged me to join in and I surrendered to her wishes in the end. I am a good dancer but sometimes I feel that my talents have not been showcased properly.

I have faced many unjust situations in my career but I believe the audience is wise enough to place the suitable person in the appropriate place.

The whole show is in their hands. Their love and devotion are the biggest prizes I hope to receive.

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Guru Geethaya for the whole family

Nilma Dole

A 'Muhurath' ceremony revealed a new teledrama into the scene at the Hilton recently. Renowned director Burmin Lylie Fernando unveiled his new teledrama Guru Geethaya along with the help of producer friend Gayan Thenuwara and the scriptwriter T.B. Herath wishing Burmin success in the teledrama industry. Gravity Entertainment is the film company sanctioning this teledrama.

The main actor is Ranjan Ramananayake who for the first time acts as an older man in the role of a principal. Popular actress Dilhani Ekanayake acts as his daughter.

The story is woven around the old-age senior citizen's life when he offers guidance in the form of tuition to his grandchildren. It is a sad family teledrama revolving around the principal and his son played by Ashwin Manjula.

There is immense family teledrama when his son tries to use the family property to construct a major real estate project.

However, the principal wants to construct a school to teach children.

The climax of the story is when the principal is physically beaten by the villains and then only the son realises his mistake but at that time it's too late. The supporting cast include a youthful and talented bunch: Kanchana Mendis, Arjun Kamalanath, Palitha Silva, Nirosha Maithree and others.

The teledrama consists of 30 episodes and depicts how making money, greed and the drive to manage a business overrules vital elements like education. Guru Geethaya is expected to make its presence felt on the Swarnavahini.

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Pabasara excels in ballet

Pabasara Harshanee was adjudged the best child actor at the recently concluded 2007 National Ballet Festival children's section for her lead role in the Ballet Kalu Hansaya.

A grade 11 student of Chilaw Ananda National School Harshanee learns ballet and dancing at the feet of Visharada Thushara Jayasinghe and Mrs. Nilanthi Dassanayake of the Chilaw Sankha Kalayatanaya.

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Muthu Kirilli to take wings on ITN

Ruwini Jayawardana

Muthu Kirilli, a story directed by Lilantha Kumarasiri, will be the next on line to join ITN's lengthy teledramas such as Batti and Paba. Based on a family oriented love story the teledrama revolves around the Ranabahu and Wijewardena families.

Samadi Ranabahu encounters Anupama Wijewardena while being trained as a chef at her mother's restaurant 'Royal Food'. From their first meeting both feel attracted to each other but Anupama knows her only as Muthu as Samadi is forced to hide her true identity.

The tale plunges into misunderstandings and clashes between the characters but one question remains. Is Samadi and Anupama's relationship strong enough to withstand all barriers?

Muthu Kirilli is Kumarasiri's third lengthy teledrama. He had directed the comedy series Dosthara Saha Dosthara and Kethamuthi Neyo. Menaka Rajapaksa from the Jeewa Chakra fame and Nehara Peiris who is also acting in Senehasata Aaderay and Jeewithe Lassanai will take the lead roles.

Shooting will start on February 22 in locations around Colombo. The teledrama will take over the small screen from April on weekdays. Muthu Kirilli is presented by ITN and Skylark production.

Credits

Director: Lilantha Kumarasiri
Producer: Sandya Mendis
Script Writers: Aruna Premaratne, Pubudu
Subashana Kurugala
Assistant Script Writers: Chammi Iresha
Mahinda Prasad Masimbula
Lakmi Praba
Nipuna Balasooriya
Chamal Ratnayake
Gayan Hettiarachchi
Production: Saliya de Soyza
Music: Rohana Weerasinghe
Cameraman: Thilak Ranjan
Make up: Sameera Madu Kidelpitiya
Art Director: Akuramboda Piyatissa
Assistant Director: Mahinda Prasad Masimbula
Editor: Thilanka Niranjan Bandara
Production Executive: Janaka Sampath
Lyrics: Bandula Nanayakkarawasam
Bandula Weerakkody

Telestar Cast:

H.A. Perera
Priya Ranasinghe
Wijeratne Warakagoda
Deepani Silva
Irangani Serasinghe
Wathsala Diyalagoda
Niroshan Wijesinghe
Menaka Rajapaksa
Harsha Bulathsinhala
Nehara Peiris
Ajith Lokuge
Nirmala Wijesekara
Surangi Kosala Kumari
Nimal Jayasinghe
Kanthi Fonseka