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| Sunday, 8 February 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Parama Ramani : Tribute to G.S.B.Rani
Gnai Seenar Bongsajaya, who won fame under her Nightingale name, 'G.S.B. Rani Perera' as a play back singer in Sinhala film industry and a radio artiste since the time of 'Radio Ceylon' will be completing the sixtieth year in her singing career this year. Since she was born to Malay parents Rani was brought up in an orthodox family. But nothing could stop her from falling in love with music, when she heard the mellifluous tunes sung by great singers of that time like Rukmani Devi, Juthika Roy and Noor Jahan. So, at the age of 14, Rani stepped into the singing world. The beautiful voice of the teenage school girl was recognised by the experts of that time like Mohommed Ghouse Master. After singing for Urdu and Hindi programmes, Rani sang her first Sinhala song 'Samagi Bale Pamu' with late veteran Mohideen Baig. Under the guidance of late veteran musician U.D.Perera Bongsajaya became G.S.B.Rani. And with her marriage to Anton Perera in early 1950s, Rani began to go by the name of G.S.B. Rani Perera. Rani is not merely a singer, but a talented actress as well. Her appearance in stage dramas as Madree Devi in `Wessanthara' directed by J.D.A. Perera, and also as Premila Bisawa in 'Daskon' directed by Upali Wanasinghe were among the momentous performances that mirrored her talents. She proved her versatility by being engaged in administrative work in media institutions from time to time. At present she holds a consultant post at the SLBC. 'Parama Ramani' - a tribute to the service rendered by this songbird will be held at the BMICH on February 17 at 6.30 pm. Rani will be felicitated at the 'Parama Ramani' musical show which denotes the return of the veteran singer back to the performing stage after a long pause of silence. 'Lak Handa' Radio and Independent Television Network (ITN) will be the media sponsors along with the ANCL, Lake House newspapers. A cassette and a CD, with twenty songs sung by her during the early period of Sri Lanka Broadcasting service (SLBC) which was then known as Radio Ceylon, would be launched at the show. Seven male vocalists Ishaq Baig, W. Premaratne, Suneth Walpola, Amith Walpola, Sudath Samarasinghe, D.D. Gunasena and Gratian Ananda will assist her in singing at the 'Parama Ramani'... Rani will sing her newest duet with Sangeeth Visharada Edward Jayakody. A book titled 'Parama Ramani' written by Dayananda Ratnayaka will also be launched at the 'Parama Ramani' musical show along with CDs and Cassettes. Sarath de Alwis will conduct music. The choreography whipped and blended by Ravi Bandu Vidyapathy and Pradeepa Ariyawansa will harmonise with the evergreen melodies of Rani. The old songs of the celebrity was provided for the CD by Ranjan De Silva. Tissa Nagoda will be presenting some memorable scenes in old popular Sinhala films to which Rani made a great contribution as a play back singer. The show which is presented by Sarisara is free of charge, and open to all old and young fans of G.S.B.Rani Perera. The credit of organising the series of felicitations for the renowned singer goes to Charitha Priyadarshani, Priyantha Seneviratne and Jayantha Peiris. L.W. |
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