Life Online - Sri Lanka's Latest Lifestyle Food Factor Fashion & Beauty Updates-life.lk -

Randhir Witana

Jul 17 2013.

Full name

Randhir Yasendra Witana

Hometown

Colombo

Status

Single

Birthday

30 April

Idols

Jay-Z, Kanye West, Tupac Shakur, Boyz II Men, Russel Simmons, Sunil Perera and Rookantha Goonathilake

Passions

Music, Film, Beaches and Travelling

Favourite colour

Black

Favourite Cartoon

Family Guy, Archer, Fairy Odd Parents, Samurai Jack, The Simpsons and American Dad

What is your opinion about the young talent in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has a wealth of young talent and it is good to see the media networks developing reality programmes that give young talent a launch pad for their careers. The only thing missing in Sri Lanka is a proper legal framework and a performing rights society to protect both the intellectual property and commercial rights of the artistes.

Are you still in contact with any of your childhood friends? And what do they say about all your achievements?

I’m in contact with most of my childhood friends. They’re all pretty happy for me. They all know of my beginnings and have watched me grow from being the school kid who rapped and banged on a classroom desk to what I am now. I am what I am because my friends encouraged me and convinced me that I had talent.

What do you like watching the most on television?

I don’t watch a lot of television. If I do it’s mostly comedy series.

Who's played the most influential part in your life?

First of all my parents. Mom and Dad were insistent I get a university education. My university studies have opened my eyes to the world at large. Bathiya Jayakody and Santhush Weeraman have played the biggest role in crafting my music career. I have a music career to speak of thanks to those two.

Who or which band do you like listening to, the most?

When it comes to music I go through phases. I listen to everything. Right now I’m on a serious jazz-trip. I’ve been driving everyone in my studio nuts blasting Miles Davis and Count Bassie throughout the day.

Which movie would you like to watch again and again?

The Social Network. I love any movie with a rags to riches story.

When would you change your fashion statement (LOOK)?

Like with any musicians, my fashion statements change according to what I’m doing in my career. For example, the launch of a new album will always be accompanied by a change in image.

What made you enter the Sinhala Market? And how hard was it for you to sing your first song?

I entered the Sinhala market out of the need to be successful. It is the largest music market in this country. The first Sinhalese song I recorded was ‘Namal Mitak’. It became an instant hit and is the song that people remember me for to this day.

If there is no more tomorrow what would you do today?

Probably spend my last few hours alone in front of the ocean listening to my favourite music on my iPod and drinking espresso.

If you had to have a personal friend redecorate your house, who would you pick to do it?

Andre Estefan. That man has mad creativity. I already trust his hair salon with my hair.

If you could learn the total number of hours you have spent in your life doing one thing, what would it be?

Well statistically, human beings apparently spend most of their lives asleep. I’d say asleep and working on stuff.

If you could own a single prop from any film ever made what would you choose?

Storm Shadow’s white samurai sword set in G.I Joe

In the Spot

Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews. Out of the three name one who in your opinion is a great sportsman?

I’ve met all three of them and they’re all brilliant sportsmen. If I had to pick one it would be Mahela Jayawardane on account of his humble and friendly nature.

Umaria, Umara, Ashanthi. Out of the list, name only one who you think is international?

Ashanthi is currently international on account of her overseas album release last year. Umaria and Umara have the potential to go international.

Bathiya, Santhush, Gayan (FROM DADDY), Iraj. Your personal favourite voice?

Bathiya & Santhush have voices that are technically well trained. Gayan has a story-teller’s voice like Bob Dylan. Iraq has a raspy tone when he raps which is cool. It’s hard to choose really.

Ronny, Sunil. You like to do a collaboration with?

BOTH. I’ve already remixed two of Sunil Perera’s songs. Ronny would be amazing to collaborate with.

Corine, Ginger and Mariazel. Who sings your favourite Baila songs?

I’d say Corrine. She also has amazing stage presence.

Who are the top 5 people in your life?

1. Mom and Dad

2. Close cousins

3. Close Friends

4. Business Partners

5. Work Colleagues

Five songs on your iPod

1. Kanye West: I’m a God