Pandit Amaradeva: The Musical Genius
The country’s most celebrated music icon Pandit W. D. Amaradeva passed away two years ago at the age of 89. His 91st birth anniversary was yesterday, December 5.
Pandit Amaradeva started studying music under yesteryear music director Mohamed Ghouse who realised his unique potential as a violinist and absorbed him into the orchestra of the second Sinhala film ‘Ashokamala’ (1947). Here he made his mark as a playback singer.
The music scores Amaradeva Master created for movies like Gamperaliya, Ranmutuduwa, Ransalu, Getawarayo, Delovak Atara, Akkara Paha, Sadol Kandulu, Thun Mang Handiya, Parasathu Mal, Saravita and Madol Duwa speak volumes of his unique musical expertise.
Among his evergreen songs are
Ira Handa Payana
Loke, Rathna
Deepa Janma
Bhoomi, Sasara
Wasana Thuru, Swarnamaliye, Bamaraku
Awai, Adawan Woo Denethin, Pera Dinayaka Ma Pem Kala, Heena Hathak Meda, Mala Hiru Basina, Sannaliyane, Mindada Hee Sara, Maha Wessaka, Paloswaka Sanda and hundreds of other hits. Having joined the select band of Philippines Ramon Magsaysay Award winners in 2001, Pandit Amaradeva clinched Asia’s Nobel Prize for his outstanding contributions to music in the local and international arena.
In 1963, he won his first Sarasaviya film award for the music direction of ‘Ranmuthu Duwa’
and his winning streak continued for more than five decades since then.
He also won several important awards and honorary tiles including India’s Padma Sri award in 2002, the French government’s prestigious honour – the Chevalier, Kala Keerthi (1986), Deshamanya Honorary title (1998) and several other awards including the ‘Pandit’ title bestowed on him by Bhatkande Institute of Music in India, degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PH.D) – Fine Arts ‘Honoris Causa’ in 1991 by the Kelaniya University and the degree of Doctor of Literature (D. Litt) in 1993 by the Ruhunu University.
His funeral was held with full state honours at the Independence Square in Colombo on November 5, 2016.