Sandun - Clark Kent of our generation

Ishara JAYAWARDANE

There is something different in Sandun Sasanka that sets him apart from other famous Sri Lankan singers. After spending five minutes with Sandun Sasanka, one will understand that he is an unassuming, modest, soft spoken, mild mannered Clarke Kent type of person.

He has every reason to be proud, being a famous superstar but his attitude is humble and inconspicuous. He is unobtrusive and unpretentious. Narcissism is a common trait in the famous, especially amongst artistes but right throughout our interview he was without airs.

This down to earth young man had an almost childlike innocence to him. This singing superstar who came second in the Swarnavahini Singing Star (2008-2009) is very much a superman without a cape, but he doesn't have an alter ego or doppelganger. What you see is what you get.

Sandun's tale is a tale that probably many artistes have in common. In short they never expected to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But one may say that discovering the pot of gold has not turned this man's head. But it wasn't a single man crusade...he received a lot of help from his parents and kin.

So, round after round Sandun climbed the ladder to fame on the wings of SMS. After each round he firmly imprinted his mark in every household becoming a household name.

"Swarnavahini Singing Star was actually a very broad contest and it was challenging because there were times when you had to sing the songs you were given. It really was a very magnificent experience. I initially wasn't a huge fan of reality programmes but this was a really novel experience.

It was really unthinkable and I think to appreciate what I am saying you really have to be a part of such programmes. I have absolutely no regrets about not coming first," Sandun said.

Sandun also spoke about the bonding he had with the other contestants.

That itself is a special connection that a contestant cherishes. Sandun feels he had an edge over the other contestants having played in a band before but preferred not to elaborate on that.

Sandun's first video was done by Manoj Dissanayake with the lyrics by Lahiru Mudalige. Manoj is an old friend of Sandun's. Both went down different paths - Manoj went on to do videos and Sandun went on to do singing. Sandun's life is a life of warm relationships.

Having lost his father at the age of six, Sandun received his musical experience through his maternal side. His grandmother is a skilled musician herself and is able to play any instrument.

"I initially started out as a guitarist then took to singing and after that completely devoted myself to playing the guitar and subsequently did both at the same time. I feel I was born with these gifts and I have never looked back. I gained everything and lost nothing. My ability with the guitar was honed by Nimal Jayakody. I met Nimal Jayakody as a stripling in Grade 1 or 2. He was my music teacher."

As to what his future plans are Sandun feels that music is a good thing. "Of course you need to make a lot of sacrifices practicing music in Sri Lanka. And I am willing to make a commitment and make those sacrifices. I want to continue doing music because I have a genuine passion for it. I'm also set to release an album in the middle of this year. I have also released four singles amongst which Ahas Viyanata has received acclaim. Ahas Viyanata is a beautiful song - it is simple and has lovely lyrics.

Another song from the four singles that I like is Sihinaya Kumari which also has some lovely lyrics."

While not ruling out the possibility that through sheer determination you can climb the rungs of the music industry...Sandun feels that music is an innate gift. And that largely you need to have that inborn gift otherwise sheer determination alone is not enough.

Sandun's singing and playing is not his only interest. As an on the side thing he is also doing a business. Sandun simply says he deals with commodities/merchandise.

Hang on Ladies! I haven't forgotten the most important question. Is he available? Sandun has no girlfriend but enjoys hanging with his mates. And his birthay falls on February 28.