‘Little Star’ set for stardom
Ruwini Jayawardana
Her cherubic face and sing-song voice are bound to sink into anyone’s
heart. For Hansi Sachila Jayakody singing comes naturally. The
eight-year old who hails from the outskirts of Gampaha proved that she
has more talent than that meets the eye when she took on the challenge
of competing for the title of ‘Derana Little Star’ - season three in the
under eight dancing and singing competition.
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Hansi Sachila |
Hansi competes for the title of the most talented vocalist which is
telecast on Saturdays on Derana TV and had been included among the three
finalists. The finals of the competition will take place towards next
month.
The student of Gothami Junior School, Gampaha, had always had her
heart on dancing. Her talent to sing did not come to light till she took
part in a competition organised by the Airport Aviation Unit for
Ranaviru Upahara on Independence Day.
“She won first place in the contest. She had always been shy. It was
D. D. Anoma, her class teacher who brought her out of her shell. She
would give her opportunities to sing in front of a crowd during school
assembly. Now she is confident enough to take up the mike in front of an
audience,”Hansi’s mother, A.L. Nadeera, revealed.
Since making her mark with her first competition Hansi had caught the
eye of Nilu Adikari who requested her parents to enter the little girl
for the Derana Little Star competition. She enthralled her fans with
songs by Mariazelle Gunathilake, Shanika Wanigasekara, Samitha
Mudunkotuwa, Christine Gunawardena and others.
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Hansi practising dance with her teacher |
“She even sang some gramophone numbers. Her voice is more Western
oriented and she is even fond of singing some English songs,” Nadeera
stressed.
Her love for music stems from her mother who was attached to the Navy
band. Her father, J.A. Hemantha Jayakody is attached to the Airport
aviation office. She has an elder sister, Umeshika Madhushani, who is
talented at dancing.
Speaking about the ‘Derana Little Star’ experience the young lass
says that it had indeed been a memorable experience which she would
cherish for the rest of her life. The competition not only gives
children the opportunity to explore their inner talents but it also
brings them to the limelight. Workshops conducted by some of the
prominent figures in the scene trains them for a future of stardom and
comment from the jury helps them to better themselves.
“One of my most memorable moments was when I had to sing one of
Christine Gunawardena’s songs in front of her. Tears came to her eyes
and she said that I had done justice to the song. She wished me well. I
have always had positive comments from the jury,” Hansi recalled.
Thushara Samarasooriya trains Hansi on keyboard while Devini handles
her voice training. Hansi’s ambition is to become a vocalist and this is
what she is striving to accomplish. She wishes to thank Ramesh of Sarima
band, Prasanna, Sugath, Nirmalee, Ajantha and all her teachers and
friends at school for their support. |
