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| Sunday, 15 June 2003 |
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Superstitious by nature The song bird Aanjalie continues to thrill her audience with her lilting voice singing regularly at the Airport Gardens with her band Aanjalie and the Rhythm Knights and also at the Heist, Ceylon Continental. Hers is a wide, repertoire that stretches from the 50's to present day. An experienced singer she hails from a family of musicians - her brother Bobby an outstanding soul singer. A popular band at weddings and corporate functions, Aanjalie sings from her soul. Name: Aanjalie Waidyasekera Birthday: December 3 Fav colour: Not one colour but two- black and red. Since I'm a singer, black is dressy while red suits my skin. Trendy outfits: Yes I do go for the trendy outfits, especially those that suit my figure. I've always worn long dresses or pants, and I adjust to be in vogue. Hair do's: I love the normal straight hair fashion. Tinting is nice and exciting but I don't want to destroy my hair. I did tint my hair once but I started losing my hair. I also like all upswept styles it's very regal. Fav music: Soul and soul ballads. I'm a Shirley Bassey fan and when I started my career in '76 my oft sung song was. Never, Never, Never. But remember I'm a singer and so my repertoire is wide that it includes Hindi, and Continental songs as well. Fav song from the '80s and '90s: From the '80s its Irene Cara's 'Flashdance,' while from the '90s its 'Power of Love' by Jeniffer Rush. Your career beginnings: When I was young I had this dream of being a singer. And you know how it is. You stand in front of the mirror and sing your heart out and hope your dreams come true! Lets see now. My first appearance was with 'Strangers' led by Lalith Gunasekera, then I sang with the 'Pioneers' and after that with Sam the Man. In '78 I formed my own group 'Blow Up.' This was a five piece band with Kamal Perera - guitar (Mirage), Lyndon Boustead - bass, Peter Weldt - drums and keyboards by Carlyle Walpola and Peter Almeida. We performed at Browns' Beach Negombo and we were competitors on the music scene with bands like the Jetliners, X'periments and Amazing Grace. Later on there was Istanbul with a Turkish band, after that a duo scene with Suriyakumar and Cecil Rodrigo's band, then with Denver Rodrigo another duo scene before I moved out on my own. Was it tough going: At that time the most important thing was dedication and doing what is right. I had a lot of support from my band members who were hardworking. Nowadays this hardworking spirit has diminished in strength among musicians. As a singer how do you reject advances from men: I'm a friendly person, so I make a joke out of it, so that they get the message. I'm not rude. Are you superstitious: Oh yes I am. I won't start attending to matters of importance until after noon. I find the warmth of noon day successful for me. On Wednesdays I avoid any new project, even sewing any dresses. Do you contribute to the diet, work out syndrome: Yes. Not that I go to a profession place - it's all at home. Every morning when I get up, I say my prayers, drink a glass of water and exercise for 20 minutes for my stomach muscles and other simple exercises. Are you a dreamer by nature: Yes I am. I enjoy reading books and picture myself in the story or the places! What's your pet hate: People taking advantage of me because of my kindness. I don't like it being done to others. I don't like to be let down. What makes you happy in life: My job of course, my singing. I may have tons of worries but once I get on to the stage all my worries are forgotten. There's my family too and oh! I nearly forgot my cocker spaniel doggie and cat as well. Where would you like to be most now: Sri Lanka is my home - the best place ever. My career has taken me abroad,I was in Istanbul for five years but always I look forward to coming back. If you were not a singer what other profession would you like to be in: A teacher. My family and I we thought I would turn out to be a teacher. I enjoy being with people. I'm doing the same in my career now, being with people. What would you do if you ruled the world: I'll ensure that everybody lives the same kind of life with no poverty, no hunger, no violence, all happy and contended. Your fav food? Do you cook?: Sri Lankan food has always been a firm favourite. I don't like fast foods. They are oily. Do I cook? Oh yes! mutton curry is my speciality. If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?: I don't want to change. I like myself as I am. Ideal holiday destination?: Maldives - it is so calm, there is no pollution and the water is blue and cool. Worst hit song: Madonna's La Isla Bonita - I keep it out of my repertoire. Any fav rap star?: I don't like rap. I don't understand what the singers are singing. To me lyrics and music of a song must be listenable and be understood. If Elvis were still alive what would he be doing: He'll still be singing. Singers of his calibre will never give up. The King of Rock'n Roll - he can't give up. He would have introduced more and more rock'n roll and you can bet our bands would play the songs. |
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