Prof. Sanath Nandasiri’s exceptional voice and unparalleled talent have entranced audiences both within and beyond the borders of his homeland, leaving an indelible legacy that will serve as an inspiration for generations to come. His musical odyssey, marked by an unflinching passion for his art and an unwavering commitment to excellence, is an exemplary journey that started with his tutelage under DR Peiris as a tabla student, continued with his enrolment at the prestigious Bhatkhande Music Institute in India, and culminated in his illustrious career as a singer and composer.
Sanath Nandasiri, who was born on January 27, 1941, embarked on his musical journey at a tender age and swiftly established a formidable reputation in the industry. His prodigious talent was initially discovered at the age of 13, when he made a captivating appearance on Radio Ceylon. He subsequently collaborated with some of the greatest luminaries of his time, including Madawala S Ratnayake, Nanda Jayamanne, Karunaratne Abeysekera, and Sanath Wimalaweera.
At a mere 17 yearsold, he commenced his tutelage under Dr. Peiris, studying the tabla instrument in the esteemed maestro’s class at the YMBA Hall in Borella. Nandasiri was Peiris’ very first student, and under his mentorship, he was introduced to various radio and outdoor programs, including monthly appearances on radio folk singing programs.
Educational pursuits
In 1960, at the youthful age of 19, Sanath Nandasiri ventured to India to pursue higher education at the distinguished Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University. This privileged opportunity enabled him to study under the tutelage of some of the most prominent names in the Indian classical music scene, including Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa, GNNattu, Ustad Mokshut Ali, Pandit Hari Shankar Misra, and Ustad Rahimmuddeen Khan Daga. During his time in India, Nandasiri’s musical prowess led him to compose several songs that would later feature on Lucknow radio.
Nandasiri’s illustrious musical career spanned numerous decades, where he became renowned for his distinctive fusion of classical and folk music. As a prolific composer and performer, many of his compositions became household favourites in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Upon his return to Sri Lanka in 1965, Nandasiri commenced his singing career and entered the radio industry. Two years later, while teaching at Uhana Maha Vidyalaya in Ampara, he was selected to attend the Government College of Music. Although he applied for the position of University Lecturer, he was not granted an interview at that time. However, in 1974, with the assistance of IMRA Iriyagolle, Sanath Nandasiri was appointed as a lecturer at the University of Kelaniya.
During his tenure at the university, Nandasiri made noteworthy contributions, serving as the Head of Music from 1988 to 1992. He accomplished an impressive feat in 1992 by obtaining first-class honours and becoming the first Sri Lankan to complete the Part I examination in vocal music at the Sangeeth Nipun examination. In 1972, he recorded the song Mahada Veena, which featured in the Soorya album titled ‘Songs and Rhythms of Sri Lanka.’ In the 1970s, he recorded two additional popular songs, Sanda Balanna and Gamey Kopi Kade, both of which were composed by the renowned composer, PremasiriKhemadasa.
Due to his swift ascent to fame, Sanath Nandasiri was soon approached to showcase his talents in music direction and singing for the silver screen. In 1967, he made his debut as a playback singer in Sinhala cinema with the film Sedol Kandulu, which was released on July 31st. The song “Therak Ne Asha,” with lyrics by Henry Jayasena and music by Amaradewa, was Nandasiri’s initial contribution to the film industry.
A successful solo career
Sanath Nandasiri’s musical achievements are numerous and varied, but his first solo concert, Swarna Kundala, stands out as a testament to his prowess as a performer. Launched in 1974, the concert was an instant success, captivating audiences and earning him widespread acclaim. Its popularity was such that the concert was performed over 250 times, cementing Nandasiri’s place as one of the most beloved musical artists in Sri Lanka.
Following the success of his solo concert, Nandasiri recorded his first full album titled Swarna Kundala”for Gemtone in 1979, which included some of his most treasured compositions such as Kisiwak Nokiyana and Egodaha Kandey. This album served as a springboard for his career, and he went on to record three more major albums for Singlanka in 1980 and 1981. These albums featured some of his most renowned songs, including Eka Yayata Mal and Mama Nam Asayi, and helped to further establish his reputation as a musical icon.
In addition to his solo work, Nandasiri was also a prominent figure in the film industry, collaborating frequently with renowned composer Premasiri Khemadasa. However, Nandasiri’s contributions to the industry extended beyond his music, as he established the ‘Anuradha’ song concert in 1982. This concert was a family affair, with his wife, Malkanthi Nandasiri, also participating, and it was met with overwhelming success, further solidifying Nandasiri’s status as a beloved musical icon in Sri Lanka.
Teaching career
In 1998, Nandasiri founded Gandhari, a formal music education centre that offers classes in singing and tabla playing. The centre focuses on preparing students for the first and middle scholar examinations conducted annually by the Bhatkhande College of Music in India, as well as music related to the school syllabus up to grades 6–11. ‘Gandhari’ has become a highly respected institution for music education.
Sanath Nandasiri’s music career was marked by his impressive creativity and popularity. In his first Saralagee program, he recorded three songs that became instant hits: Evilunu Ginidel, Mahada Pem Ville, and Mihiravi. These songs, with lyrics by Bandara K. Wijetunga, showcased Nandasiri’s talent and paved the way for his success as a Super Grade Radio Artiste. He created numerous memorable songs such as Bo Maluwe, Adara Semarum, Eda Meda Tura, Mama Nam Asai, Senda Kaluwara, WaradakKalath, EthaEpita, and Mage Ratata Dalada Himi Sevanai. Nandasiri’s music has left a lasting impression on Sri Lankan fans both locally and internationally.
Sanath Nandasiri continued to excel in the world of Sinhala cinema, gaining fame and recognition for his playback singing in numerous films. He lent his golden voice to popular films such as Harimaga, Hanthane Kathawa, Samanala Kumario, Hathara Watte, Sihina Lowak, and Ahas Gawwa, among others. His talent was often utilised behind the beloved film star Vijaya Kumaratunga, with whom he created many memorable hits. Notably, Nandasiri sang a duet with the legendary Dharmadasa Walpola in the film Hingana Kolla (1979), which was Walpola’s last film song before his passing. Throughout his career, Sanath Nandasiri’s unique and captivating voice left an indelible mark on the world of Sinhala cinema.
Sanath Nandasiri’s talent in music extended beyond singing and playback singing. He also exhibited excellent expertise in music direction, which led him to direct music for several movies on Silver Screen. His directorial debut was in the film Ajasaththa in 1981, followed by Thuththiri Mal (1983), Ranmalige Vasanawa (1984), Mihidum Salu (1985), and Kiwulegedara Mohottala (1987).
Apart from movies, he also composed music for several teledramas, including Sandamalige Kathawa, which was one of the first teledramas to be telecast on Rupavahini Television.
Family performance
In 2015, Nandasiri held the Prathama Wasanthayai concert, featuring performances by his daughter Anuradha and Malkanthi Nandasiri. In March 2018, the Du Anuradha concert took place at Nelum PokunaTheatre.
In 2016, he was appointed Chancellor of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts by President Maithripala Sirisena following the passing of Pandit Amaradewa. Nandasiri was also recognised with numerous awards throughout his career, including an honorary award presented by President Sirisena at the Ninnada 2018 Thunpath Rata Swara Dehana concert and a Janabhimani Honorary Award at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
In October 2017, a book titled “Sinhala Sangeethaye Sanath Nandasiri Sanathana Gee Miyasi’ written by Yapa Bandara Seneviratne was released at the Colombo Public Library Auditorium.
Additionally, a collection of 100 lyrics and chords of Nandasiri’s songs titled Rasanandaya was released at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in September 2019.
The irreplaceable loss of Sanath Nandasiri on March 28, 2023, leaves a profound mark on the world of music. His prodigious contributions to the field shall undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of musicians. His timeless melodies shall endure as a tribute to his exceptional talent and boundless ardor for the arts, thereby immortalising his remarkable legacy for all eternity.