Pradeep Rangana's venture:

From medicine to Music

Ruwini Jayawardana

Pradeep Rangana became a household name after being singled out as the chosen one among many music lovers of the country. With immense talent, good looks and a charming smile the famous young vocalist joined Art & Soul to shed light on his future endeavours.

ä What are you up to these days?

I am mostly engaged in recording songs for my album.

ä When can we expect your album?

Hopefully in April. It will comprise 16 tracks and different styles of music. I have already composed six songs Pana Wage Pena Heenay, Adambarakari, Mal Warusavae, Sanda Tharam Eliya Dun, Hade Anda Mal Rata and Mura Devathavi. They have already become popular among the fans.

I did a number with Romesh and Lakshan. I hope to do a duet with Gayani Madusha as well.

ä How would you describe your music?

I do not like to limit my talents to a particular style. I have sung songs belonging to various genres of music. I hope to continue that and gain recognition as a versatile singer.

ä You express your wish to experiment with different genres of music. Does this include English and Hindi tracks as well?

I have sung both English and Hindi tracks before but now my preference lies in Hindi songs. Though we do not understand most of the terms there is an attractive element in Hindi music.

ä How did you begin?

I did music for O\Ls but turned to Bio Science for my A\Ls. Therefore I had less time for music. My next encounter with music was during the 'Sirasa Superstar' competition.

ä Recall your earliest memory in front of an audience.

When I was in S. Thomas' College, Bandarawela, I sang at some of their functions. I was eight years old then.

ä Do you think your future would hold music or medicine?

I hope to focus mainly on medicine but I do not wish to keep my musical talents aside.

So I would say both. I had to skip one year at the Karapitiya Medical College but I hope to start my studies in June or July.

ä Have you been on tours?

Yes, I went to South Korea for two shows. They were successful and the crowd cheered us. I got a special gift from one of my fans - a classical guitar! Now I am taking classes so that I can learn to play the instrument (smiles).

ä There is an issue related to artistes miming on stage at live concerts. What is your view concerning this matter?

Unless there is a special reason for doing so, I do not approve miming on stage. Doing something live in front of the audience proves that you are an original - the 'real' thing.

ä Do you still keep in touch with the 12 finalists of the competition?

Yes, of course. They are good friends and we meet often at musical shows.

ä What is your most memorable moment in life?

That's a tough question!(thinking hard) mmm... Taking part and winning the title of 'Sirasa Superstar'.

ä Are you satisfied with your achievements?

Yes, but I need to improve myself. No one is perfect.

ä What is your advice to those who are eager to join the field?

Do not stick to one style and follow the advice of your seniors. I respect our senior artistes as they have much experience in the field. We can learn a lot from them.

ä Are there any special shows to watch out for?

I am involved with a programme called 'Help Samitha'. She is an undergraduate at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, who met with an accident at the BMICH on February 15. Her spinal cord is damaged. We are planning to hold a musical concert in June to help her with her finances. If you wish to help her with a donation please forward it to Student Rehabilitation Fund: 7620252, Bank of Ceylon , Regents' branch, Colombo. I hope all my fans will join us in this worthy cause.

ä Aren't you interested in an acting career?

No. I believe I can dedicate myself to two activities but not three. My main focus is my studies. My personal belief is that as an actor you need to sacrifice a lot of things in your lifetime. I am not ready to do that.

ä What qualities do you expect in your future part ?

She should be religious, smart, educated and fair (smiles). I am not hoping to have a girlfriend for another five years.

ä What is your most touching moment as a celebrity?

There are many but I like it when mothers say that they wish they had a son like me. That phrase really touched my heart.

ä What does the future hold for you?

I hope to complete my education and serve the country as a doctor.

ä Any message for your fans?

I wish to thank them for being with me and I hope they will be by my side in the future even when 'Sirasa Superstar' season three begins.

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Full name: Pradeep Rangana Abeysinghe

Date of birth: November 12, 1983

Age: 24

Schools: Ferguson High School, Ratnapura and S. Thomas' College,

Bandarawela

Family: Father - Y.M. Abeysinghe (Businessman),

Mother - Chandrani Abeysinghe,

Elder sister - Susitha Sanjeewani,

Younger sister - Nisansala Sewwandi

Favourite singer: Kasun Kalhara

Favourite song: I like my songs now so it's Mal Warusawae Api Themuna

Favourite food: Sprats

Favourite slogan: Believe in what the

Buddha said

Address: 3/4, Temple Road, Weralupa, Ratnapura

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Pictures by Saman Sri Wedage

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Dee Ga brings 'Daring Daughter'

There are intelligent women and there are exceptionally brave women. One needs to really know Sandalee Sandagala to make out whether she falls in this category. She is the eldest of a family of five, caught between her responsibilities and her success. With an irresponsible brother, a thoughtless sister and helpless parents Sandalee is faced with a choice between her duties and love.

This is the storyline of Dee Ga Somapala's newest teledrama, Diriya Doni (Daring Daughter). The script is by Somaweera Senanayake and the lighting and camera direction are by G. Nandasena. The music is by Rohana Weerasinghe while Sanjaya Nipunaarachchi handled the makeup. Sampath Wanniarachchi is the art director and Jagath Weerathunga is the editor. Nelu Adikari, Kapila Pugalaarachchi, Nissanka Diddeniya, Rohana Weerasinghe, Dinusanjuna, Navoda Sandamali Gajadeera and Induni Prasadika Ramanayake contribute in vocals.

Vasanthi Chathurani, Kanchana Kodithuwakku, Himali Sayurangi, Amila Abeysekara, Udayanthi Kulathunga, Gihan Fernando, Kusum Renu, Upeksha Swarnamali, Nisshanka Diddeniya, Harsha Bulathsinhala and many others star in the teledrama. Diriya Doni will be telecast on Swarnavahini from March 20, every Thursday at 9 p.m. and is produced by Aruna Mendis and Ruwan Mendis.

- RJ

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Communication and theatre arts workshop

Ranga Silpa Shalika Drama and Theatre Training Course:

The Ranga Silpa Shalika Drama and Theatre Training Course which was initiated by veteran dramatist, the late Dhamma Jagoda, in the 1970's will be re-launched with a new format shortly.

The institute which will be named "Thidora Theatre Institute" will begin its communication and theatre arts work shop headed by eminent personalities like Prof. Sunanda Mahendra, Buddadasa Galappaththi, Gamini Haththotuwagama, Wasana Wickremasena, Marshel Janatha, Suminda Sirisena and Kalasuriy Rohana Deva Perera.

The course will consist of weekly workshops conducted by experienced artistes and lecturers. Those interested may submit their applications along with a self addressed stamped envelope to Rohana Deva, Thidora, No. 1136/B5, Pannipitiya Road, Thalawathugoda.