Popular actor and singer Buddhika Rambukwella is always in the news due to things he does differently. Even now he has set up a new band which is different from the other bands.

 

What’s this talk about ‘Reverse’?

 

Well, some may wonder if I am trying to create another world record driving in the reverse gear. No ‘Reverse’ is the name of the new musical group which has become a hot topic in the country today. The real meaning is that I take the people’s mindsets to the seventies  which produced the most scintillating music and songs of all times. My group has seven members who play 42 instruments including the drums, organ, guitar, violin, flute, all kinds of drums, basically covering western and oriental stuff.

Nilanka Kumarasiri who plays the keyboard can play several instruments and is also a folk singer. So is bass guitarist Chaminda who has played with a top band for 16 years with overseas exposure. Performing arts graduate Dhanuska Alagalla plays the rhythm guitar and sings in Hindi. Drummer Suresh is also a graduate. Shiran Sylvester who is the percussionist is multi talented.

He can play two trumpets simultaneously following musical notations and is also comfortable with any other instrument. He won the best percussionist trophy in Bangkok recently. Anuruddha Ananda who plays Sgt. Nallathambi’s role  is our vocalist. He can imitate the voices of several popular singers. Indika Rathnayake sings songs of H. R. Jothipala.

 

Dr. Sudantha Silva who serves at the director of the Southern Province Ranaviru Welfare Organization is our mentor. He sings songs of the late Gunadasa Kapuge. He has helped me with the investment needed for sounds. The specialty in our group is that the members of our team can imitate voices of more than 25 singers. Our aim is to entertain the audiences to the fullest with comedy segments too.

 

  

 

“We accept bookings for indoor functions, weddings, parties, corporate launches and events and the variety we possess can give anything that the people want. Acting-wise I am playing a key role in Nilantha Kumarasiri’s newest tele drama and also in a foreign film ‘Good Night Colombo’.

 

The records you have set during the past few years?

They were huge challenges. Driving in the reverse for more than 100 km at a speed of 72 kmph was indeed a significant record. It might be included in the next edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. I also drove with my legs covering a distance of 903 kilometers from Point Pedro to Tissamaharama via Devundara.

This is the first record of its kind. An international organization representing 158 universities presented me with a gold medal for my efforts. My next dream is to drive in the reverse with my legs covering the 18 bends.

 

Your exposure with bands?

I have performed with top bands in the country imitating 24 voices. I am especially thankful to Ajith of Seeduwe Sakura and Neil of Sun Flowers. This experience has really helped me to guide my newest group ‘Reverse’.

 

 

 

 

By Vasantha Wimalasinghe