Mario Ananda – the 21-year-old gifted son of popular musician and vocalist Gratien Ananda who mesmerised the nation for decades – will hold his maiden solo musical event on December 1 at the Musaeus College Auditorium in Colombo.

He will be joined by Kalashoori Lata Walpola, Uresha Ravihari, Anuradha Nandasiri and Nathasha Perera in the duets while the music orchestration will be handled by Athula Adhikari and compering by Saranga Dissasekara.

The mega musical extravaganza titled ‘Mario Anandaneeya Rathriya Gee Rea 1’ will indeed mark a tuneful chapter in young Mario’s life.

Born on May 12, 1991 Mario studied at St. Joseph’s College Colombo where he excelled in studies too. Like his father, Mario too believes in dishing out beautiful music to the people with beautiful hearts in this country.

 

Are you going to sing your father’s songs at this show?

“Yes, my father’s songs have been evergreen and the people still crave for such songs. But I will make use of this platform to sing my originals too. I will always protect the rights of the songs sung and set to tune by my father. But I am helpless with regard to songs melodied by other musicians. On top of all that I do not want to get into to any friction over such issues.   

 

But your father’s songs have been sung by others in recent times?

“I know but I am helpless. It is more an ethical issue. I will never record any of my father’s songs for monetary purposes. I want to make a name for myself with a voice that is unique to me. I want to have a good rapport with everyone in the music field. Even my father was such a man with a big heart.

With newcomers singing creations of old singers and promoting them in the market, the next generation will be deprived of knowing who the original singer is. Today’s melody makers and singers must try to be more creative and original.”

 

What is the objective of this show?

Well, this will mark my entry as a professional singer. I will get the golden opportunity of performing and showing my full potential before the people. It is indeed a turning point in my career. I don’t have any financial strength to pursue my higher studies. My only asset is my voice and my father’s good name.

I hope to be part of this music industry as a professional singer and consolidate my position in life. I am glad how the people treat and respect me, not because I am Mario but because I am the son of Gratien Ananda. I am also planning to do a DVD of this show.

“I am extremely grateful to Shiran Wijegunawardana, Upali Ariyasiri, all my senior co-artistes who will be joining me in the show especially Kalasoori Lata Walpola, my mother Srima Chandrani, my sister Dulanjali Ananda who will also be singing at the show and all those who have helped me even in a small way,” said Mario.

 

Tickets are now available at Sadeepa Bookshop Borella, Sarasavi Bookshop Nugegoda and Salaka Senkada Town Hall. For more details contact 0724178000 or 0722284834

 

 

 

By Ramesh Uvais