QUEEN OF PLAYBACK SINGING NO MORE

Legendary playback songstress Angeline Gunathilake who mesmerised film and music lovers for several decades with her incredible voice, passed away recently and her funeral will take place at the Borella General Cemetery tomorrow, April 2 at 4 pm. Her remains now lie at her residence No. 39/3, Pagoda Road, Nugegoda.

Angeline was the most sought after playback songstress in Sinhala cinema’s golden era when she and H. R. Jothipala ruled the roost, drawing large crowds to cinema halls. The melodious musical voice she possessed brought her fame and fortune, after her tuneful chapter started as a little girl called Angeline de Lanerolle. She sang at many singing competitions and one such contest she won, paved the way for her to sing a duet for the movie ‘Sohoyuro’ produced by S. M. Nayagam. Her first film song was ‘Adara Ambare Alokaya ..’ with Sydney Attygalle. Hundreds of songs rendered by Angeline thereafter became super hits and are remembered even today. He duet ‘Sulang Kurullo’ with Haroon Lantra is also another evergreen hit. Born in Matara, as the seventh among ten siblings, Angeline de Lanerolle studied at St. Mary’s Convent Matara and later at S. Thomas’ College, Kotte. She later studied music under legendary musician Sunil Santha. She married Leslie Gunathilake in 1966 and was the mother of two daughters – Milani and Dilshani. Angeline was humble to the core and despite her success she remained modest. Her doors were always open to journalists with whom she shared her past, melodious experiences. She was a lover of plants and nature. She was fond of sharing whatever she grew, with whoever visited her. She was also engaged in charity work, especially helping needy children. Angeline Gunathilake may have gone, but her tuneful musical treasures will remain immortal.