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Gratien Ananda

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Bajjala Walawwe Gretien Ananda Abeykoon (Sinhala: ග්‍රේෂන් ආනන්ද; 15 March 1957 – 29 December 2010), also as Gration Ananda or Greshan Ananda, was a Sri Lankan singer, composer, songwriter and a lyricist.[1] Considered as the best Sinhalese film score musician to have emerged in the country since the veteran artist the Late H.R. Jothipala, Ananda sang for more than 400 films with a musical career that spanned nearly three decades.[2]

Greshan Ananda
ග්‍රේෂන් ආනන්ද
Born
Bajjala Walawwe Gretien Ananda Abeykoon

(1957-03-15)15 March 1957
Tangalle, Hambantota
Died29 December 2010(2010-12-29) (aged 53)
National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo
NationalitySri Lankan
EducationSt.Mathew College Dematagoda
Saint Joseph's College, Colombo
Occupation(s)Singer, player, composer and lyricist
SpouseSrima Abeykoon
Children2
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1976–2009
Labels
  • MEntertainments
  • Nilwala
  • Torana
  • Ransilu

He died at the age of 53 while receiving treatments at National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo.[3]

Personal life

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He was born on 15 March 1957 to a family immersed in music. His father Bajjala Walawwe Shelton Abeykoon was a police officer and mother Bernadette Bernadine Jayawardena Amadoru, was a music teacher and a pianist.[4] His grand father Brigadier Charley Jayawardena Amador was a renowned musician who served in the British Army.[5] He spent his early childhood in Kandy, after he moved to hometown Tangalle for primary education. The family had to move frequently as the father's job was transferred from time to time, where he attended to as many as 10 schools.[4] He first went to Little Flower Convent in Tangalle and then to St.Mathew College Dematagoda. Then he completed Advanced Level Examination from Saint Joseph's College, Colombo.[6]

He was a devoted Catholic, where he never missed a Tuesday mass at St Anthony's Church, Kochchikade in Colombo.[2] He polished his music ability as a chorister of All Saints' Church in Borella by Reverend Father John Herath OMI.[7]

As a result of a romantic relationship, Ananda married his longtime partner Srima Abeykoon on January 11, 1985, at St. Cecilia's Church, Colombo. The couple has one daughter,[8] Dulanjalee Chathurya and one son, Mario Angelo.[9] His son Mario Ananda was born on 12 May 1991 and completed education from father's school, St.Joseph College.[10] He started music career after Gratien's death to continue his legacy.[11] In October 2020, his daughter Dulanjali released her maiden song Nidahase with a music video.[12]

Career

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As a singer

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His music education took place in his own home, since his mother was a music teacher, he was able to associate various musical instruments at his home. When he turns five, he will be able to play the mouth organ wonderfully. Ananda started to play mouth organ since the age of 3. His music ability was first identified by school music teacher Rev.Father John Herath, where Ananda started to play trumpet and then keyboard.[4] He practiced piano under Lal Perera and Claud Fernando. Then he graduated from Royal College of Music, London with a Diploma in Western Music.[5]

In 1976, Ananda started to play under different bands most notably Stanley Perera's Fortunes, which became his turning point. During that time, he met musician Sarath Dassanayake and joined his orchestra to play guitar.[4] Within the orchestra, his first played the guitar for H.R. Jothipala's Taj Mahalak song. With his extreme musical talent, he was elevated to the position of Assistant Music Director in the orchestra. Under Sarath Dasanayake and Mervin Perera, he started to learn classical Eastern Music.[5]

Later, he worked as the Lead guitarist for many bands including Dreamers, Earnest and the Combo, Superset and Seac for many years.[6] He was also invited to play as a guitarist for Victor Rathnayake's SA Concert.[7] Sanath Gunathilaka was the most successful actor to match Gretien's voice. Ananda first rendered his voice to Gunathilaka's acting in Yasapalitha Nanayakkara's Newatha Hamuwemu. Since then, the Sanath-Greshan combination has created a huge number of film songs. It is also significant that all of these songs are extremely popular.[4]

He released his first cassette in 1978.[9] Ananda was able to sing together with Neela Wickramasinghe for a disc in 1978. His first LP Record contained four songs and all songs had been composed musically by Gration himself. With that song Atha Duraka Detha Pawela, Ananda was invited to sing as a playback singer for films. His maiden playback singing came through Sena Samarasinghe's film Mal Kekulu through the duet Bindu Bindu Kandulu Gala with Shyami Fonseka. After the film, he continued his enormous contribution to Sinhala cinema, where he sang for more than 400 films.[5]

In 2004, he celebrated 25 years in music with a concert Ananda Rathriya at the BMICH on 25 September at 6.00 pm.[9][13] The DVD of the concert was released in 2005 with the brand Torana Music Box. The DVD comprises 20 popular songs sung by Ananda.[14]

His final song album was Desithaka Gee produced in year 2007 with 12 new songs.[7] In 2009, he launched a CD at the Namel Malini Punchi Theatre on 14 February at 9 am. The CD comprises 23 songs sung at Ananda Rathriya and his son Mario also launched Gayana Gayum made up of 16 tracks on the same day.[15]

Music direction

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He started to compose music for songs Etha Duraka Etha Pawela by himself and Neela Wickramasinghe and Tedini Viraja by Edward Jayakody. Both songs became popular hits, where K.A.W Perera invited Ananda to direct music for his film Durga. With that film, he directed music for about 16 films such as Dhawala Pushpaya, Randenigala Singhaya, Sinha Patawu, Hai Master and Hitha Honda Gaheniyak.[5]

He also composed music for television serials. His first tele-drama music came through Gamana and Premada Weadi, both by K.A.W Perera.[9]

As a lyricist

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Ananda composed melodies for his fellow artistes, some of them became very popular. Some of his lyrics include Mage Punchi Kumari and Mage Athita Diviya (Wrote by great actor Sanath Gunathilake) for Milton Mallawarachchi, Aradhana Nethu Chaya and Sudu Rosa Mal for Priya Suriyasena, Mangalle Mal for Chandralekha Perera, Sandalatha for Sanath Nandasiri.[7]

Legacy

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  • For his enormous contribution to Sri Lankan cinema and music industry, he was awarded with a special award by the Pope Benedict in Vatican City in 2006.[5]
  • Sarasaviya Award for the Best Film Director 1988 – nominated (Durga).[7]
  • Sarasaviya Award for the Best Male Vocalist 1994 – won (Raja-Daruwo).[6]
  • Sarasaviya Award for the Best Male Vocalist 2007 – won (Anjalika).[7]
  • OCIC SIGNEES International Award – won (for contribution to Sri Lankan field of Art).[7]

Illness and death

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On 22 December 2010, Ananda was hospitalized to receive treatments for a number of illnesses including liver failure.[16]

In December 2010, Ananda died at the age of 53 while taking medical assistance at the Colombo National Hospital.[6] He was cremated at the Borella Cemetery. Hospital confirmed that, he died at 6.45 am while receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).[17]

Playback singing filmography

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Year Film
1988 Durga
1989 Randenigala Sinhaya
1994 Dhawala Pushpaya
1996 Hitha Honda Gahaniyak
1980 Mal Kekulu
1982 Bicycale
1982 Thani Tharuwa
1982 Newatha Hamuwemu
1983 Chandira
1983 Athin Athata
1983 Samanala Sihina
1984 Hitha Honda Kollek
1984 Sasara Chethana
1984 Jaya Sikurui
1985 Rajina
1985 Aya Waradida Oba Kiyanna
1985 Rosy
1985 Varsity Kella
1986 Prarthana
1986 Dushyanthi
1986 Jaya Apatai
1986 Soora Saradiyel
1986 Dinuma
1987 Thaththi Man Adarei
1987 Yukthiyada Shakthiyada
1987 Raja Wadakarayo
1987 Randamwal
1987 Obatai Priye Adare
1988 Rasa Rahasak
1988 Nawa Gilunath Ban Chun
1988 Satana
1988 Newatha Api Ekwemu
1989 Mamai Raja
1989 Okkoma Rajawaru
1989 Nommara 17
1990 Dase Mal Pipila
1990 Thanha Asha
1990 Jaya Shakthi
1990 Yukthiyata Wada
1990 Dedunnen Samanaliyak
1990 Weera Udara
1990 Hodin Naththam Narakin
1990 Pem Rajadahana
1990 Madu Sihina
1990 Chandi Raja
1990 Honda Honda Sellam
1990 Wana Bambara
1991 Uthura Dakuna
1991 Paradise
1991 Wada Barinam Wadak Na
1991 Sihina Ahase Wasanthe
1991 Obata Pamanai Adare
1991 Asai Bayai
1991 Raja Sellan
1991 Salambak Handai
1991 Ran Hadawatha
1991 Cheriyo Doctor
1991 Dhanaya
1991 Suwadena Suwadak
1992 Ranabime Weeraya
1992 Sakwithi Raja
1992 Sakkara Sooththara
1992 Sinha Raja
1992 Kiyala Wadak Na
1992 Umayangana
1992 Oba Mata Wiswasai
1992 Suranimala
1992 Sathya
1992 Sinhayangeth Sinhaya
1993 Chaya
1993 Sargent Nallathambi
1993 Sasara Sarisarana Thek Oba Mage
1993 Come o Go Chicago
1993 Yasasa
1993 Bambadara Bisaw
1993 Sandareka
1993 Lassanai Balanna
1993 Lagin Giyoth Ahak Na
1993 Soora Weera Chandiyo
1994 Rajawansen Ekek
1994 Abhiyogaya
1994 Sujatha
1994 Mawubime Weerayo
1994 150 Mulleriyawa
1994 Hello My Darling
1995 Wasana Wewa
1995 Vijay Saha Ajay
1995 Ira Handa Illa
1995 Pudumai Eth Aththai
1995 Wairayen Wairaya
1995 Demodara Palama
1995 Chandiyage Putha
1995 Age Wairaya
1995 Cheriyo Captain
1996 Mana Mohini
1996 Hiru Sanduta Madiwee
1996 Mal Hathai
1996 Cheriyo Darling
1996 Bawa Sasara
1997 Soorayo Wadakarayo
1997 Ramba Saha Madhu
1997 Apaye Thappara 84000k
1997 Raththaran Minihek
1998 Yudha Gini Meda
1998 Re Daniel Dawal Migel
1998 Sathutai Kirula Ape
1998 Girl Friend
1999 Ayadimi Sama
1999 Koti Sana
1999 Seetha Samire
1999 Nagaran
2000 Danduwama
2000 Thisarawi
2000 Jack And Jill
2001 Oba Koheda Priye
2001 Wasanthaye Kunatuwak
2001 Dinuma Kageda
2001 Rosa Wasanthe
2002 Seethala Gini Kandu
2002 Kamasuthra
2002 Magul Sakwala
2002 Jolly Halo 2
2002 Somy Boys
2003 Vala in London
2004 Diya Yata Gindara
2004 Sumedha
2004 Left Right Sir
2006 Dedunu Wassa
2006 Samaara
2006 Anjalika
2006 Double Game
2007 Weda Beri Tarzan
2007 Hai Master
2008 Rosa Diganthe
2008 Ai Oba Thaniwela
2009 Juliya
2009 Sinasuna Adaren
2010 Mago Digo Dai
2015 Sanjana

Track listing

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No. Song Film Accompany singers
1 Semata Pihitawana Re Daniel Dawal Migel Nuwan Gunawardana and Champa Kalhari
2 Mal Mal Sihinaya Re Daniel Dawal Migel Nuwan Gunawardana and Champa Kalhari
3 Maa Rahasin Amatha Re Daniel Dawal Migel Latha Walpola
4 Wennati Oba Edath Pemwathi Numba Nadan Apita Pissu Uresha Ravihari
5 Adara Wassak Numba Nadan Apita Pissu Uresha Ravihari
6 Pemkala Chamara Sala Sala Numba Nadan Apita Pissu Uresha Ravihari
7 Getapichcha Suwandata Seethala Gini Kandu Chandrika Siriwardena
8 Heda Pennuwe Raja Wani Seethala Gini Kandu Victor Vijayantha, Walter Fernando, Maya Damayanthi, Susil Perera
9 Dewathi Dewa Nommara 17 Angeline Gunathilake
10 Meda Sale Bandanne Nommara 17 Vijaya Kumaratunga, Angeline Gunathilake
11 Handa Wage Handa Mage Vala In London Uresha Ravihari
12 Ninden Sihinen Vala In London Uresha Ravihari
13 Sanda Wathure Ran Tharaka Ai Oba Thaniwela Milton Mallawarachchi, Latha Walpola, W. Premaratne
14 Dan Dan Munen Ai Oba Thaniwela Milton Mallawarachchi, Latha Walpola, Malini Bulathsinhala
15 Seetha Meedume Seetha Sakwale Koti Sana Nirosha Virajini
16 Ahase Meedum Duhul Walaa Oba Koheda Priye Latha Walpola

Solo tracks

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  1. Adara Seenuwa
  2. Adari Sagari Ma Hade Mandire
  3. Akasha Gangawe Pawee Gena
  4. Anupama Senehe
  5. Bale Punchi Kale Wage
  6. Bindu Bindu Kandulu Gala
  7. Chandana Allen Nala (Originally sung by H.R. Jothipala)
  8. Datha Dilena Bandi Walalu
  9. Dathe Ran Muthu
  10. Dawadi Thilina Ran Mini Muthu
  11. Deege Bara Bage
  12. Didulana Podi Ran Tharuwak
  13. Dilidune Daruwane
  14. Ea Geetha Rawe
  15. Ea Kale Wage Na Adare
  16. Eeye Men Oba
  17. Ganga Nadiye Hamuwu
  18. Gangule Iwure
  19. Gata Pichcha Suwandata
  20. Geetha Gaya (Supem Pa)
  21. Hama Hawasaka Ma
  22. Hawasata Paya
  23. Hima Kandu Yahane
  24. His Veedo Bandun
  25. Hithumathe Jeewithe
  26. Jayasri We Kumariye
  27. Jeewithayata Maga Penwa
  28. Kalaya Galana Me Nadiye
  29. Kawadada Hitha Hinahenne
  30. Kowula Kohedo (his last song)
  31. Kreedakayo Tharagaye Yedena
  32. Kumariye Oba Langa Ma
  33. Lassana Midule
  34. Ma Awe Pawasannai
  35. Ma Dayabara Priyawiye (Originally sung by Milton Mallawarachchi)
  36. Ma Ha Ae Suratha Dara
  37. Ma Upanna Deshayai
  38. Mage Jeewithaye Pa Sandu Se
  39. Mage Loke Sihine Oba We
  40. Mahada Sanasu Preme
  41. Mal Sinaha Pawe (I Love You)
  42. Mama Raga Thala
  43. Mangalle Mal Mala Dala
  44. Maranaye Dora Aree
  45. Mayawa Randawu Sinawe
  46. Me Punchi Hithakata
  47. Me Seetha Ra Yamaye
  48. Mee Bindu Gala Gala Thibunu
  49. Minisiyawe Mahima Thawa
  50. Mulu Lowa Mawitha Kalo
  51. Muwa Hasaral Mawuye
  52. Nawa Aare As Bandum Enne
  53. Nethu Piya Wasa
  54. Pata Pata Suwanda Hamana
  55. Pera Wasanthaya
  56. Pin Pata Pipi Mala
  57. Punchi Punchi Punchi Patawune Ma
  58. Ra Thun Yame Palu
  59. Raja Madure Ipadeela
  60. Rallen Ralla Wellen Wella
  61. Ranin Mala
  62. Rayak Dawalak Nopeni Nodani
  63. Sammani Duwani
  64. Sanda Langa Danga Kala
  65. Sanda Se Nisha Thalawe
  66. Sanda Seethalada
  67. Sanda Yame Paya Tharu Uyane
  68. Sandu Sagawela
  69. Sangawee Yannata Bari Wu
  70. Sara Sande Sina Sele (Originally sung by H.R. Jothipala)
  71. Sathutin Nidalle
  72. Senehasa Pibidi
  73. Senehe Irak Patha
  74. Sihina Ahase Wasanthe (solo slow)
  75. Sihinayaki Jeewithe
  76. Sihiniga Nalawenna
  77. Sithata Ganna Wera Wadanna
  78. Sithehi Yamak Nam
  79. Sithumi Duwe Visura Puthe
  80. Snehaye Handa Jesuni
  81. Sonduru Rayaka Yame
  82. Suhada Madura Preme
  83. Sunil Wala Salu Pili Patala (Originally sung by H.R. Jothipala)
  84. Sura Anganawo Ra Ahase Paya
  85. Sura Lowa Madale Geetha Gayanne
  86. Tharu Yaye Athin Athata
  87. Tharuwak Pipi Ra
  88. Vil Jale Pipena Nelumata
  89. Wareka Sada Sulagak Wagei

Duets

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  1. Ada Nathuwada Awi Mana – with Anjalin Gunathilaka
  2. Ada Vinode Sapa Soyala – with Anjalin Gunathilaka
  3. Adara Geetha Gayala – with Kalawathee
  4. Adare Nam Pothe – with Champa Kalhari
  5. Adaredo Dasin Pawasa Giye – with Shyami Fonseka
  6. Al Hene Pal Rakiddi – with G.S.B. Rani Perera
  7. Ananda We Jeewithe – with Nathasha Perera
  8. Amma Amma - with Milton Mallawarachchi
  9. Ananda Wena - with Milton Mallawarachchi, Latha Walpola and Anjalin Gunathilaka
  10. Api Santhosen Inne – with Milton Perera
  11. Asha Nura Sanda Paya – with Mariyasel Gunathilaka
  12. Ashawe Ashawe Paya – with H.R. Jothipala
  13. Atha Duraka Desa Pawela – with Neela Wickramasinghe
  14. Awa Awa Adare Soyala – with Chandraleka Perera
  15. Ayachana Obe Netha Randu Sithuwame
  16. Cheriyo Kiyala Me – with Freddie Silva
  17. Dase Obe Senehe Mawewi – with Uresha Ravihari
  18. Gee Rasa Denna – with Chandrika Siriwardena
  19. Hima Kumariye – with Nathasha Perera
  20. Hima Renu Watena – with Latha Walpola
  21. Hinahedo Jala Rakusa – with H.R. Jothipala
  22. Jeewithe Mal Supipunu Mawathe – with Dayan Witharana
  23. La Neela Akashaye – with Anjalin Gunathilaka
  24. Ma Ha Lanwela – with Milton Mallawarachchi
  25. Ma Mal Kumarayo – with Anjalin Gunathilaka
  26. Madura Prema Nimnaye – with Sujatha Aththanayaka
  27. Mage Adare Vimane – with Uresha Ravihari
  28. Mal Mee Man Math (Ding Dong Oh Baby) – with Chandrika Siriwardena
  29. Mal Loke Pavi Pavi Yawi - with Milton Mallawarachchi
  30. Mal Muthulel Hiripoda Warusawaka – with Malani Bulathsinhala
  31. Mala Gira Jodu Sadi – with Chandraleka Perera
  32. Malliye - with H.R. Jothipala
  33. Manaliyak Sanda Wage – with Anjalin Gunathilaka
  34. Me Gee Sandawe – with Kumari Munasinghe
  35. Mey Gangaadhare - with Milton Mallawarachchi and Latha Walpola
  36. Nil Nuwan Sandalle – with Nirosha Virajini
  37. Nilla Madin Yan Adara – with Maya Damayanthi
  38. Nindedi Rathri Sihine – with Chandrika Siriwardena
  39. Oba Ewidin - with Uresha Ravihari
  40. Obage Denethin Galai Adare – with Latha Walpola
  41. Pawee Pawee Seetha Maruthe – with Anjalin Gunathilaka
  42. Payana Sanda Kirane – with Latha Walpola
  43. Pem Loke Pavi Pavi Yawi – with Milton Mallawarachchi
  44. Pipena Male Suwanda Dane – with Latha Walpola
  45. Punchi Ranpata Samanalayo – with Nathasha Perera
  46. Rosa Mal Wimanaye – with Chandrika Siriwardena
  47. Sagare Wageya Mage – with Uresha Ravihari
  48. Sansara Gee Rawaye – with Latha Walpola
  49. Sihina Lathaviya Sathapena Dase – with Neela Wickramasinghe
  50. Sinaha Kandulu – with H.R. Jothipala
  51. Sihina Ahase Wasanthe - with H.R. Jothipala and Anjalin Gunathilaka
  52. Sudu Muthulal Sihine – with Latha Walpola
  53. Thisara Vile – with Samitha Mudunkotuwa
  54. Udarata Sinhala Porane – with W.D. Amaradewa
  55. Wadath Agei Hadath Penei – with Freddie Silva

References

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  1. ^ "Greshan Ananda music". infolanka. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Gratien Ananda: An innocent musician". Daily News. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  3. ^ "Gratien Ananda passed away". Lankan Stuff. 29 December 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d e "It is ten years since Gretien Ananda passed away". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "An iconic figure in popular music". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  6. ^ a b c d "Gratien Ananda has passed away". lankadesha. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "Gration Ananda the Enchanting Music Maestro". PC World. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  8. ^ "From a real-life movie about Gratien's life". Silumina. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  9. ^ a b c d "Celebrating 25 years". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  10. ^ "Mario's night". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  11. ^ "Mage Thaaththa... a song to Gratien Ananda from his Son..." lankanstuff. 31 December 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  12. ^ "Gratien's daughter Dulanjali brings 'Nidahase'". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  13. ^ "Gration: Born to sing". Daily News. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  14. ^ "'Ananda Rathriya' on DVD". Sunday Times. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  15. ^ "Father-son combination with new CDs". Novataxa. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  16. ^ "Gratien Ananda passes away". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  17. ^ "Veteran artiste Graetian Ananda die". onlanka. 29 December 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2019.


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