Amaradeva @ 85

By Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

Amaradeva, literally, the name implies “Immortal God”. With the appellation ‘Pandit’, the name has established itself as a household word. But, how did this name originate?

Was this conferred upon him by his prestigious Alma Mater – Bhatkhande Musical University in India? Or else, was it given by Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra, as some tend to believe?

Pandit Amaradeva

Whatever may the origin be, it is well-known in intimate circles, that ever witty and jocular Ediriweera Sarachchandra adapted it to the moniker Amaaru Deva (The God who is difficult to be got hold of.)

The eternal cadences of the endless waves of the Indian Ocean, must invariably have provided a rhythmic inspiration to the soul of infant Amaradeva. His childhood village Koralawella, existed in cozy adjacency with the sea.

Attention

The ultra-sensitive little Amaradeva, would have listened with rapt attention to the many voices of the deep waters that formed part of his childhood environment.

I say this with good reason. I have seen on many an occasion, how, mature Amaradeva listens with sustained absorption to another person, without interrupting him in his say. This rare variety of outstanding ‘quality’ listening, can emerge only as the end-product of disciplined lending of the ears, over a long period of time. As a routine process the exquisite listener has evolved eventually into a spell-binding vocalist.

As part of my own growing up, I have been able to witness the amazing evolution of Amaradeva from youthful vocalist to world-class singer and musical genius.

Way back in the late 1940s, I was an undergraduate at the first university of this country - ‘ University of Ceylon.’ The stern but benevolent Vice Chancellor Sir Ivor Jennings was the Supreme presiding genius, whose spirit fully pervaded this pioneering institution of tertiary education. Although, later on, Sir Ivor famously and crushingly declared that Sri Lanka was a “cultural desert,” art and culture blossomed surprisingly during Sir Ivor's tenure.

As part of this aesthetic reawakening, the undergraduate community of that day, launched a musical “Mela.” The venue for these cultural events was “Samson's Bungalow”, a building that has now vanished, bowing to the irrevocable imperatives of relentless time.

Sunil Shantha

Those undergraduates, who foregathered at these musical “Melas” at Samson's bungalow, were regaled by two young exponents of music, Sunil Shantha and W.D. Albert Perera.

Foremost among the organisers of these ‘Melas’, was music – enthusiast – Vinnie Vitharana (now, Prof. Vinnie Vitharana). He would occasionally go along to Koralawella, Moratuwa, to bring along W.D. Albert Perera, a young violinist. Their common attachment to music linked them together with intimate ties of friendship. The undergraduates were fascinated by these musical sessions. The co-eds of the day especially loved them. The compelling force was not only the music. The presence and the personalities of the musicians too exerted an enticing charm.

Back then, Don Albert Perera, was not that much of an eminent personality. Music played a prominent role, in his early childhood. His father, in the course of his professional work, repaired musical instruments. Child Albert would have handled those musical instruments as readily available toys.

Violin

His father presented him a violin. Some say it was made of wood. According to others, it was a tin violin made in Japan. Those details do not matter functionally. The crux of the matter was, that the musical enthusiasm of youthful Albert Perera, progressed in leaps and bounds. ‘Partying’ was very much a part of the lifestyle of the Moratuwa folk – then, as much as today. Young Albert Perera and his violin would add to the zest of these folk get-together. With time, Albert Perera, acquired a folk-popularity.

Keenly ambitious, young Albert Perera, yearned to strengthen his built-in musical enthusiasm, with a substantial academic discipline. India beckoned him, as a traditional “Temple” for those devoted musical pilgrims.

But, funding proved a sizable obstacle. When other sources failed, the masses he entertained in his own way, came to his rescue. They raised the financial provisions he needed.

At Bhatkhande Music School in Lucknow, India, his gurus discovered his wealth of talent. They tended it with ready assistance. And W. D. Albert Perera from Sri Lanka emerged brilliantly to his true destiny.

Returning to Sri Lanka as Amaradeva he dominated the aesthetic landscape of mother Sri Lanka. When the Sinhala cinema was born in 1947, he acquired a re-incarnation as singer, dancer and actor.

Eventually, he proved a life-enhancing force of the new medium, playing a complex role as music Director and background singer.

With a well-directed effort, he brought about a seamless fusion of living folk rhythms with age-old, time hallowed ragas. As an exponent of profound music, crafted to fit the folk rhythms and mass frequencies, he ushered in an era of new and escalated music.

Talents

The world - especially India - has recognised his talents amply. India conferred upon him high national honours. He is an awardee of the prestigious Magsaysay Award presented by the Philippines.

At 85, Pandit Amaradeva is just five years young to me. (My birthday is Dec.3 1922). I have been with him in numerous private, personal and formal occasions. In all these, what comes through vividly is his genuine, true sense of humanity.

There is not even a trace of ersatz either about his music or his personality. The avid attention and the total absorption with which he listens to people, to my mind, is indicative of the ever-curious child that lurks within him perpetually.

I am now 90. My full-hearted wish is may he reach my age safely and soundly and surpass it.

Amaradeva is the unified lyrical voice of the whole nation.
When he sings, the whole nation sings with that voice.
Amaradeva – immortal god.

But then, how did that name originate?