One voice, many faces

by Aditha Dissanayake

In the world of show biz, anything is possible. Even singing your own birthday song. This is what Srimath Indrajith Liyanage will be doing (metaphorically) on December 11, 2006 - celebrating his birthday with a musical fiesta he has arranged, titled Madu Mal Thotilla.

Indrajith, whose career as a TV and radio personality spans over 15 years is currently in the limelight as the voice behind Rishab Balaji (Ronin Roy) in Praveena. He says Chaminda Keerthiratne of Sirasa had given him Balaji's role because of his deep voice. Needless to say Indrajith sees the day he met Shwetha Thiwari (Praveena) who stars as Balaji's wife as one of the most memorable days in his life. Shwetha had been pleased when she learnt Indrajith was her on-screen-husband's voice in Sri Lanka.

Talking about the tax imposed on movies dubbed in Sinhala, Indrajith says even though he, himself is not affected by this restriction on screening foreign movies, there are many dubbing artists who are finding it impossible to make ends meet due to the tax.

"It is good to have a tax, but the motive of some of the artists in encouraging the tax is simply due to the fact that they are scared their work will be ousted by foreign movies. This is not how things should be". explains Indrajith. "There are about 1,500 dubbing artists who are struggling to find the bread and butter for their families. It will be great if the money levied from the tax could be used to look after them and to help other artists who have no means of earning a steady income".

Basking in the positive reactions he has had from everyone who watches Praveena, Indrajith reveals he has been a dubbing artist in Oshin, Baywatch and 24 as well as giving voice to the magician in Harry Potter.

An actor, a journalist, a painter and also a writer, he will be launching two of his books; "Ratharan Amma" and "Panhindaka sanhinda" at his birthday bash.

"Keep the date free and come to the Elphinstone to taste a piece of cake and share the joy with me and my family" invites Indrajith to all those who have been with him through thick and thin throughout his career.

The show begins at 6.30 at the Elphinstone on December 11, 2006. Entrance is free. "I will be waiting to see you" says Indrajith. Be there to find out how many candles he will have on his birthday cake.