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50 years to Gratien Ananda
An iconic figure in popular music
by Ranga Chandrarathne
 Popular
music icon Gratien Ananda marks a milestone in life as he celebrates his
50th
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At the age of Seven |
birthday. Gratien received his secondary education from St.
Mathew's Collage Dematagoda.
Hailing from a family immersed in music; his grand father Brigadier
Charley Jayawardena Amadoru who served in the Royal Army was also a
musician from Tangalle, mother was also an accomplished pianist, Gratien
played mouth-organ as yearly as three years. Gratien then brushed up his
talents at the church.
Although Gratien spent his childhood in Kandy, he had to change
schools as any child changes warn out garments whenever his father, an
OIC in Sri Lanka police, was posted at diverse parts of the island.
Gratien studied at least 10 schools, from Little Flower Convent in
Tangalle to St.Mathew College Dematagoda. Then he moved to St.Joseph
College to sit for the Advanced Level Examination (or HSC).
His innate ability to play any instrument with facility won the
admiration of his teacher of music Rev.Father John Herath who taught him
to play trumpet. From trumpet, Gratien graduated to key-board and piano
which he learnt under accomplished musicians such as Lal Perera and
Claud Fernando. Gratien earned a Diploma in Western Music from the
prestigious Royal College of Music, London.
Gratien commenced his career in music while attending school and as
an earnest attempt to supplement his family income; he played with
diverse music bands into the late night and would go to school in the
following morning.
By 1976, Gratien had been playing with diverse pop-bands including
Stanley Perise's 'Fortunes'. A turning
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At the age of Sixteen |
point of Gratien's career was his meeting with musician Sarath
Dassanayake. Sarath invited Gratien to join his orchestra where he
played the guitar.
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With the family members |
He played the guitar, for the first time in the orchestra, to the
popular song 'Tajmahalak 'sung by H.R Jothipala. Soon Gratien became a
sought-after-player in the orchestra and elevated to the position of
Assistant Music Director in the orchestra.
He learnt classical Eastern Music (Ragadhari) from Sarath Dasanayake
and Mervin Perera.
Gratien made another step in his career when sang together with Neela
wickremasinghe for a disc. No sooner he sang for the disc than he was
invited to sing as a playback singer for films; the first film 'Eka
Malkakulu' directed by Sena Samarasinghe and the music was by Sarath
Dassanayake.
By now, he has sung for over 400 films and his composed music for
songs such as 'Etha Duraka Etha Pawela' and 'Tedini Viraja' sung by
Edward Jayakody became popular. With this, Gratien was invited to direct
music for 'Durga', a film by K.A.W Perera.
The film was also made a mark in Gratien's career as Neela
Wickremasinghe won the best songstress's ward
for the very first song of the film.
Then onwards, Gratien directed music for about 16 films including 'Dawala
Pushpaya', 'Randenigala Singhaya' and 'Singha Patau'. He sang play back
songs for two generation of actors from Gamini Fonseka to Channa Perera
(Angelika).
In recognition of his talents in diverse areas as a singer, player,
composer and lyricist, Gratien was presented a special award by His
Holiness the Pope Benedict at the Vatican city last year.
He is grateful to parents, teachers such as Sarath Dassanayake.
Gratien also hopes to carry on with his super concert 'Ananda Rathriya'. |
