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Milton Mallawarachchi

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Milton Mallawarachchi
මිල්ටන් මල්ලවාරච්චි
Born
Sumanasiri Mallawarachchi Don

(1944-04-07)April 7, 1944
Kotte, Sri Lanka
DiedMarch 10, 1998(1998-03-10) (aged 53)
Colombo, Sri Lanka
EducationAnanda Sastralaya, Kotte
Occupation(s)Singer, composer, playback singer
SpouseSwarnamala Malathi (m. 1973)
Children4 including Ranil Mallawarachchi
Parents
  • Upasena Mallawarachchi (father)
  • Agnes Wickramarachchi (mother)
RelativesPavan Mallawarachchi (grandson)
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals, Tabla, Sitar
Years active1969–1998
Labels
  • Exvee
  • Silverline
  • Gemstone
  • Ransilu
  • Torana
  • Singlanka
  • Tharanga
Signature

Sumanasiri Mallawarachchi Don (7 April 1944–10 March 1998: Sinhala: මිල්ටන් මල්ලවාරච්චි), popularly known as Milton Mallawarachchi, was a Sri Lankan singer and musician.[1] One of the most respected singers in Sri Lankan music history, Mallawarachchi was a trending act in Sri Lanka for more than a decade, performing nearly a total of 850 songs with over 35 albums.[2] He is also known to be a music composer for most of his songs, a film play-back singer for the silver screen, a talent tabla and sitar player.[3]

Personal life

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Mallawarachchi was born on 7 April 1944 in Kotte, Colombo, Sri Lanka as the only child in the family. His father was Upasena Mallawarachchi and mother was Agnes Wickramarachchi. He lost his father at an early age, where he was a courageous child who struggled to win the battle of life with his mother in the midst of many hardships during his school days. He completed his education at Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte.[4] After completing his education, he got his first job as a bill clerk at the Welikada Co-operative and later worked as a cashier at the Nawaloka business.[2]

On December 23, 1973, he married Swarnamala Malathi Panangala.[5] The couple had four children: Ranil, Harshini, Nadija, and Tharaka.[6] The song, "Etha Epita Dura Akase", written by Karunarathne Abeysekara for Mallawarachchi, is dedicated to his wife Swarna.[7][8]

Eldest son, Ranil Mallawarachchi, continues his father's legacy by performing his songs in shows and concerts.[9][10][11] Ranil is married to Nirasha, a fashion blogger.[12] The couple has one son and one daughter. Ranil's son, Pawan Mallawarachchi also entered music to his grandfather's legacy.[13][14] Pawan is the youngest pilot to train as a pilot in Sri Lanka and Australia.[15] Milton's younger son Tharaka is also a singer who sang the songs: Satuṭin Samugena, Virasaka Sitaṭa Lanvelā and A Dine Patan.[16]

He died on 10 March 1998, at the age of 53,[6] and is buried in the Borella cemetery.

Singing career

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As an early singer in the music industry, he became more involved in Hindi singing and also excelled as a guitarist, dholak drummer and tabla player. He was a member of a short-lived musical band called the "Sakyans"[17] and subsequently the "La Ceylonians" since 1965. Mallawarachchi's vocals on the latter group's Daha Duke Vidyahala and Mal Ravamal led to his discovery by producer Patrick Corea.[18] Corea offered to record four songs with the Mallawarachchi: Oruwaka Pawena, Ran Kooduwak Oba Sadu, Sansare Sewanalle and Mangale Neth Mangale in 1969. These songs were released on the Exvee label as a double set of 78 rpm records in 1969 and gave Mallawarachchi his first popular hit with Oruwaka Pawena. It was the last 78 rpm record set issued for non-film songs in Sri Lanka. These songs created a unique style of singing for Mallawarachchi, and all the melodies he sang became a mesmerising love song that captivated thousands of fans.[2]

As the song became popular among radio listeners, he had to undergo a voice audition with the help of radio personalities Premakeerthi de Alwis and Ariyadasa Peiris, and in 1970 he became a Grade A singer at Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. After the first hit, music composer Patrick Denipitiya gave the songs such as Ivuru Thala, Maa Haa Eda and Maa Nisa Oba a modern touch.[3] The song Sayura Theredhi helped him to become a huge success in outdoor musicals.[2] Mallawarachchi sang songs by Karunaratne Abeysekera, K. D. K. Dharmawardena, Premakirthi de Alwis, Clarence Wijewardena, Upali Danawalawithana, Dharmasiri Gamage, Upali Kannangara, Ajantha Ranasinghe, Shelton Weeraratne, Kularatne Ariyawansa, Ananda Padmasiri, Vernon Perera, Chitrananda Abeysekera, Bandara K. Wijethunga and Vijaya Ramanayake.[19][20] In 1969, Milton had the opportunity to sing the theme song Ran Dedunu Ran Patin composed by Siri Kularatne for the film Matara Achchi directed by Sathischandra Edirisinghe under the guidance of musician Victor Rathnayake. In 1970, he sang few songs for the film Ran Onchilla directed by Dharma Sri Caldera under the music of Premasiri Khemadasa. Mallawarachchi debuted as a playback singer in the 1971 film, Poojithayo which was screened before Ran Onchilla.[18] In this film, his first playback song was Sakwala Rathwana.[21]

His first duet was Bindu Bindu which was sung with R. Chitra. In 1974, musician Clarence Wijewardena composed the songs Gana Andure, Eda Rae, Mata Men Ohutada and Maga Thotadhii for an EP release on Gemstone.[3] Wijewardena also wrote the popular songs Awasara Natha Mata, Sulange Pawe, Thaniwee Sitinai. In the same year, Mallawarachichi sang with Rukmani Devi on Clarence's song Prem Raja Dahane. After Rukmani's demise, he sang the song with Indrani Perera and Samitha Mudukonduwa.[22] Until 1975, he recorded several radio songs composed by Victor Rathnayake such as Seethala Lana Pini, Paa Sinaha Ae, Obe Neth Epa and Sukha Wedana.[2]

One of Mallawarachchi's most successful songs was Me Mai Gaha Yata produced by Melroy Dharmaratne in 1976. It was released on the Silverline label as an EP along with Ran Mudu and two songs - Andanne Epa and Ma Samanalayak - by Shiromie Fernando."[19] Mallawarachchi was fortunate to be able to perform the last vocals of the Gramophone era as well as the early vocals of the cassette era. In 1978, Mallawarachchi released the first music audio cassette in Sri Lankan Sinhala music history,[1] "Sanden Eha", on the Tharanga label, under the guidance of Vijaya Ramanayake.[18] Mallawarachchi never performed an overseas concert turning numerous invitations down because he was afraid to fly.[15]

He was the main male playback singer in the movie Senakeliya which was a box office hit in 1974. Its songs included Reyak Upadda and duets with Indrani Perera on "Samanala Renak Se" and duets with Victor Ratnayake and CD Fonseka.[18] The music director was Patrick Denipitiya. In 1984, he was honored with the best playback singer award at the Sarasaviya Awards for Kendan Yannam sang with Priya Suriyasena and Gratien Ananda a song from Sena Samarasinghe's film Aethin Aethata. He has contributed backing vocals to nearly 150 films.[23] It is reported that Mallawarachchi made the largest number of background songs for Gamini Fonseka started with song Reyak Upadda in 1974 film Senakeliya.[21] At that time Gamini–Milton–Sarath was able to captivate the fans with a wave of film songs: Muwa Madahāsē, Ananga Ran Hīyen, Vikasita Pætuman (1978 film Aśā Dæsin), Mee Amba Aththē, Kīna Dam Miṭak (1981 film Chanchala Rēkhā).[2]

Meanwhile, he starred in only two films: Sena Samarasinghe's films Mal Kekulu (1980) and Yali Hamuwennai (1980). He also sang Sinhala songs for many Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi films such as Sadākal Rændēvā, Sinha Pæṭaw, Doankāraya, Ayya Nagō, Mis Lankā, Vana Ræjina, Sebaḷiyō, Sāgara Peraḷiya and Oṭṭuyi Bæruvaṭa. After his stint with Tharanga label, he later teamed up with Sing Lanka label, which introduced a number of popular songs until the 1990s. Some of them include: Andurin Piri, Hitavatānangē, Tæluvē Num̆baṭayi, Veedi Konē, Pæṇi Kurullanē, Sændævē Ranvalā, Palathuru Vikuṇana Malanuvanē, Yālē Ayālē Giyā and Punchi Sinā Kohēdo. Meanwhile, he sang the songs Ranil Puthe, Duwe Harshani, Pipunu Mal Dekaku and Tharaka Puthe for his four children.[2]

Mallawarachchi was a popular live attraction; at a time when there was no TV in Sri Lanka, his appearances at variety shows sponsored by the Ceylon Tobacco Company drew huge crowds.[24] Mallawarachchi appeared alongside the Super Golden Chimes at the Super Concert 101/102 organized by Clarence and Cheruka Weerakoon. The one last song he recorded is Aga Rejiniya on the album "Senehasa Biduwak". Mallawarachchi sang the song Sanda Sulange Pawee for one last time for the television serial Hima Kadalla. In 1997, he sang for two movies (before the voice record by director of movie) Mohothin Mohotha and Re Ru, both released after his demise 1998 and 1999 respectively. in Mohothin Mohothata movie, Milton re-singing Pera Nasu E geethe from Raththaran malli movie

Filmography

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Year Film Roles Ref.
1971 Poojithayo Playback Singer
1971 Ran Onchilla Playback Singer
1971 Seeye Nottuwa Playback Singer
1972 Adare Hithenawa Dakkama Playback Singer
1973 Matara Achchi Playback Singer
1973 Sinawai Inawai Playback Singer
1974 Senakeliya Playback Singer
1974 Wasthuwa Playback Singer
1974 Jeewana Ganga Playback Singer
1975 Kaliyuga Kaale Playback Singer
1975 Cyril Malli Playback Singer
1975 Lassana Kella Playback Singer
1975 Kokilayo Playback Singer
1975 Rajagedara Paraviyo Playback Singer
1975 Damayanthi Playback Singer
1975 Lassana Dawasak Playback Singer
1976 Ganga Playback Singer
1976 Duhulu Malak Playback Singer
1976 Loka Horu Playback Singer
1976 Aasha Playback Singer
1976 Hariyata Hari Playback Singer
1976 Saradielge Putha Playback Singer
1976 Mangala Playback Singer
1976 Nilla Soya Playback Singer
1977 Sri Madara Playback Singer
1977 Maruwa Samaga Wase Playback Singer
1978 Seetha Devi Playback Singer
1978 Madhuwanthi Playback Singer
1978 Asha Dasin Playback Singer
1978 Apeksha Playback Singer
1978 Kumara Kumariyo Playback Singer
1978 Sandawata Rantharu Playback Singer
1978 Ahasin Polowata Playback Singer
1979 Nuwan Renu Playback Singer
1980 Mal Kekulu Playback Singer
1980 Kanchana Playback Singer
1980 Silva Playback Singer
1980 Seetha Playback Singer
1980 Api Dedena Playback Singer
1981 Sayuru Thera Playback Singer
1981 Eka Dawasak Ra Playback Singer
1981 Aradhana Playback Singer
1981 Samawenna Playback Singer
1981 Chanchala Rekha Playback Singer
1982 Mihidum Sihina Playback Singer
1982 Thani Tharuwa Playback Singer
1982 Anuradha Playback Singer
1982 Jeewithayen Jeewithayak Playback Singer
1982 Newatha Hamuwemu Playback Singer
1983 Chandira Playback Singer
1983 Samuganimi Maa Samiyani Playback Singer
1983 Athin Athata Playback Singer
1983 Thunhiri Mal Playback Singer
1983 Samanala Sihina Playback Singer
1984 Shirani Playback Singer
1984 Niwan Dakna Jathi Dakwa Playback Singer
1984 Hadawathaka Wedana Playback Singer
1984 Batti Playback Singer
1984 Birinda Playback Singer
1985 Rajina Playback Singer
1985 Sudu Mama Playback Singer
1986 Yali Hamuwennai Playback Singer
1987 Obatai Priye Adare Playback Singer
1990 Dedunnen Samanaliyak Playback Singer
1990 Pem Rajadahana Playback Singer
1990 Madhu Sihina Playback Singer
1991 Sihina Ahase Wasanthaya Playback Singer
1991 Bambara Kalapaya Playback Singer
1993 Sergeant Nallathambi Playback Singer
1993 Lassanai Balanna Playback Singer
1994 Sandamadala Playback Singer
1995 Inspector Geetha Playback Singer
1995 Rodaya Playback Singer
1995 Ira Handa Illa Playback Singer
1995 Chandiyage Putha Playback Singer
1995 Edath Chandiya Adath Chandiya Playback Singer
1995 Sudu Walassu Playback Singer
1996 Sihina Vimane Kumariya Playback Singer
1996 Bawa Sasara Playback Singer
1996 Madhuri Playback Singer
1997 Surayo Wedakarayo Playback Singer
1997 Ramba Saha Madhu Playback Singer
1997 Good Bye Tokyo Playback Singer
1998 Mohothin Mohotha Playback Singer
1999 Re Ru Playback Singer
1999 Ayadimi Sama Playback Singer
1999 Rathu Aluyama Playback Singer
2000 Danduwama Playback Singer
2001 Oba Magema Wewa Playback Singer
2008 Superstar Playback Singer
2008 Ai Oba Thaniwela Playback Singer

References

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  1. ^ a b "Remembering Milton". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "It has been 18 years since Milton passed away". Divaina. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "Milton Mallawarachchi: The voice of a thousand love letters". Daily News. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  4. ^ "Ananda Sastralaya Kotte celebrates 115 years". Sunday Observer. 2005. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2007.
  5. ^ "An interview with Milton's wife Swarna". Divaina. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  6. ^ a b "7 Year Death Anniversary of Milton Mallawarachchi". Sinhala Jukebox. 2005. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 12 November 2007.
  7. ^ Milton Mallawarachchi comes alive again at Nelum Pokuna
  8. ^ A son’s tribute to an immortal voice
  9. ^ "How can you forget that loving voice?". Divaina. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  10. ^ Ranil Mallawarachchi Singer Information
  11. ^ "Ranil-Nalin clash". Divaina. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  12. ^ "My son and daughter want me to dress nicely". gossip.lankahotnews. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  13. ^ "I sing because my mom likes it. I have loved my grandfather's songs since I was a child. "- Pawan Mallawarachchi". gossip.lankahotnews. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  14. ^ "Milton's grandson is from Melbourne". Divaina. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  15. ^ a b "Grandson of Milton's who is a pilot". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  16. ^ ""A Dine Patan" Milton's son Tharaka". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  17. ^ "Herbert was a man of many parts". Sunday Times. 2001. Retrieved 6 June 2007.
  18. ^ a b c d "Twenty years after his death, Milton Mallawarachchi is still popular". saaravita. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  19. ^ a b "Milton Mallawarachchi biography".
  20. ^ "A lyricist reflects on the songs he is interested in". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Milton who comforted by a heartbreaking song". Silumina. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  22. ^ "Milton Mallawarachchi classics". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  23. ^ "Milton sang from his heart". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  24. ^ "That voice, those songs". SundayTimes. 1998. Retrieved 12 November 2007.
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