Playback King H. R. Jothipala

Legendary playback singer H. R. Jothipala (popularly known as Jothi) is the undisputed king in terms of cinema songs in Sri Lanka. It’s more than 30 years since he passed away, but even today he is the most popular singer. Analysts say his exceptional voice was most suitable for the silver screen.

Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala sang for actors ranging from Eddie Jayamanne, Ananda Jayaratne, Gamini Fonseka, Vijaya Kumaratunga, Sanath Gunathilaka, Ravindra Randeniya and several others. He was an old boy of St. Lawrence College, Maradana and St. John’s College, Dematagoda, and patronized nearby tea kiosks to listen to songs since his family did not possess a radio.

He made his debut as a playback singer in Cyril P. Abeyratne’s Surathalee singing ‘Siriyame Sara’ in 1956, but prior to that he had sung for the late Sirisena Wimalaweera’s ‘Podi Putha’. According to records, Jothi was selected for the film by music director B. S. Perera . When Surathalee producer Jabir A. Cader wanted to hear one of his songs to consider him for the film, Jothi was helpless since he did not possess enough money to cut a record. It was veteran musician the late Stanley Oumar who came to his rescue and helped him out, and Jothi sang ‘Siriyame Sara’ which is popular even today.

Jothi was fortunate to have worked with almost all reputed directors in the country. In the early stages of his career, Jothi had the opportunity to work with filmmaker Dr. Lester James Peries in the film ‘Sandeshaya’ in which he sang the evergreen number ‘Puruthugeesikara’.

In the late sixties and through the seventies, Jothi also became popular as an actor.