TV Times

11th November 2001

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One Night Only with Elton John

By Sanath Weerasuriya
Elton John is the star attraction of this week's 'Original Music Competition', which is promoted by TV Times and M- Entertainment.

In terms of sales and lasting popularity, Elton John was the biggest pop superstar of the early '70s. Initially marketed as a singer/songwriter, John soon revealed he could craft Beatlesque pop and pound out rockers with equal aplomb. He could dip into soul, disco and country, as well as classic pop balladry and even progressive rock. His versatility, combined with his effortless melodic skills, dynamic charisma and flamboyant stage shows made him the most popular recording artiste of the '70s. Unlike many pop stars, John was able to sustain his popularity, charting a Top 40 single every single year from 1970 to 1996. During that time, he had temporary slumps in creativity and sales, as he fell out of favour with critics, had fights with his lyricist Bernie Taupin, and battled various addictions and public scandals. But through it all, John remained a remarkably popular artiste and many of his songs — including "Your Song", "Rocket Man", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" became contemporary pop standards.

Throughout the mid-'70s, John's concerts were enormously popular, as were his singles and albums, and he continued to record and perform at a rapid pace until 1976. That year, he revealed in an interview in Rolling Stone that he was bisexual; he would later admit that the confession was a compromise, since he was afraid to reveal that he was homosexual. Many fans reacted negatively to John's bisexuality, and his audience began to shrink somewhat in the late '70s. The decline in his record sales was also due to his exhaustion. After 1976, John cut his performance schedule drastically, announcing that he was retiring from live performances in 1977 and started recording only one album a year. 

The l997 follow-up The Big Picture delivered more of the same well-crafted pop, made the Top Ten, and produced a hit in "Something About the Way You Look Tonight". However, its success was overshadowed by John's response to the tragic death of Princess Diana — he re-recorded "Candle in the Wind" (originally a eulogy for Marilyn Monroe) as a tribute to his slain friend, with Taupin adapting the lyrics for what was planned as the B-side of "Something About the Way You Look Tonight". With the profits earmarked for Diana's favourite charities, and with a debut performance at Diana's funeral, "Candle in the Wind 1997" became the fastest-selling hit of all time in both Britain and the US upon the single's release, easily debuting at number one on both sides of the Atlantic; with first-week sales of over three million copies in the US alone and 14 weeks in the top spot, it was John's biggest hit ever. For his next project, John reunited with Lion King collaborator Tim Rice to write songs for Disney's Broadway musical adaptation of the story of Aida; an album of their efforts featuring a who's-who of contemporary pop musicians was released in early 1999, going gold by the end of the year. In late 2000, John landed a TV special with CBS, performing a selection of his greatest hits at Madison Square Garden; a companion album drawn from those performances, One Night Only, was issued shortly before the special aired.

To enter this contest, all you have to do is to answer the question on the coupon and send it to the address given below.

The address is "Listen to Original Music Contest, No. 58, C/o Maharaja Entertainments (Pvt.) Ltd., 330, T.B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10.

Tel: + 941672425-8, Fax + 941699070. E Mail: me@lgo.lk

All the entries must be originals from the TV Times and no photocopies or faxes will be entertained. All correct entries will be drawn by a panel of judges. 

The entries should reach the above address by November 20 , the latest. The decision of the judges will be final and the names of the winners will be announced in The Sunday TV Times accordingly.

Sir Elton John will live in Singapore on November 22 at 8.00 p.m. at the international stadium.

"A Journey Through Lifetime" is the name awarded to this tour which will feature Sir Elton John playing Solo, his 34 years of incredible hits. It also coincides with the release of his latest album "Songs From the West Coast" which celebrates the re-unification of the artiste with his song writing partner Bernie Taupin.

"The Holiday Shop", the leisure arm of Mackinnons Travels has arranged a special package to see the "Life Time" concert in Singapore.The package priced at Rs. 32,999 per person, includes return airfares, two nights accommodation with breakfast with twin sharing and transfer in Singapore.

The departure will be on November 21 and will be back on November 22. The concert tickets priced from $76 onwards, is included in the package.


'Vibration' from Chandimal 

Popular outfit Chandimal and the 2nd Connection plans to release their fifteenth CD this month. The title of this CD is "Vibration" and it will be a non-stop CD. There are about 30 baila hits of Sri Lanka and there will be a superb medley of big match "Papare" music using live trumpeters, said Chandimal. It's of 45 minute duration.

Currently Chandimal has the most number of CDs released in Sri Lanka. He was the first to release a CD, a double CD, a Video CD in Sri Lanka.

The band 2nd connection is currently playing at Holiday Inn, Colombo and at Mt. Lavinia Hotel.

"We will be flying to Doha, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand very soon", Chandimal said to TV Times.

They have also performed in Doha a five times and Bangkok, Australia and New Zealand for Sri Lankan shows. 2nd connection comprises of Sheridon, Chandana, Elsworth and Dev.

For the new year's eve, the band will be in action at the Airport Garden Hotel. This is their fourth successive year at Airport Garden.

Very soon we will be releasing a Sri Lankan Karaoke of a baila medley, he added.

They also have 14 Sri Lankan original songs on a CD tiled Rukshika. And that comes with the free video CD of the same songs.


Papara Band at the Galadari

"Calypso and Papara Band" will be in action at the new outdoor pastry shop every Friday and Saturday from 7.00 to 11.00 p.m.

Leader of the group Sanath Fernando has been in the music industry for the past 15 years and has performed at the SSC for over six years. Popularly known for performing at "Peduru Parties" and at all the Big Matches of the popular schools annually.

Pastry Shop is specialised with biriyani, seafood rice or noodle at lunch with kottu rotti, shawarmas and more for dinner. In addition to the desserts, which consists of a variety of ice creams, watalappan, caramel pudding, fruit trifle and chocolate mousse.

Pastry Shop is an open air food service outlet serving popular fast foods in a relaxed, five-star atmosphere. Open from 7.00 a.m. to midnight.


Japanese film Fest in Colombo

By Poorna Rodrigo
Internationally acclaimed line-up of Japanese films will be presented by the Embassy of Japan at Elphinstone Theatre from November 14-17.

Bondage is a film featuring a man who sacrifices himself to save those he loves. The action in "Sanjuro" is supplied by Kurosawa- the Director's characteristic super hero and the humour is furnished by such characters as the chamberlain's wife, who retains a calm mood amidst the havoc. The gushing blood scenes and the eerie sound effects as swords exerted a great influence on later period films.

Red Beard a film which has bagged many a awards such as Blue Ribbon award, Mainishi Cinema Contest award, Soviet Film Makers' Association prize, and San Giorgio Award at Venice film festival.

The entire film abounds with the spirit of humanism centred around the magnificent character of Red Beard. Mifuni Toshiro, always starring in films directed by Kurosawa and the playing the part of Red Beard, had to grow and keep a beard throughout the shooting of his film and therefore he could not play any other part in other films. In japan, where it is common to be playing more than one part at a time especially when shooting of one film is to be conducted over an extended period of time, this was a rare exception.

Sayonara Fraulein, Universal Laws and Bloom in the Moonlight are some of other films that are to be screened. All the films will be screened with English sub-titles and entrance will be free of charge. There will be two shows per day at 3.30pm an at 6.30pm.

Out of all the films, Sanjuro, Red Beard, Universal Laws and Bloom in the Moonlight will be shown at D.S. Senanayake Public Library Auditorium in Kandy on November 10 and 11 which is being presented by the embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Kandy Municipal Public Library.


Rohana's 'Ulu Gedara Arachchila' nearing completion

By Susitha R. Fernando
Pre-production of award winning teledrama director Sudath Rohana's maiden effort in cinema depicting, a historical story on land dispute in Sri Lanka, is nearing completion.

The script is based on the novel "Ulu Gedara Arachchila" written N. T. Karunatilake. Forty days heavy schedule of shooting was over in the locations in and around the areas of Nikawaratiya, Anuradhapuraya, Kalawewa, Tambuththegama and Kaltota and the film is ready to be edited by Elmo Halliday.

The story revolves around certain incidents that took place in 1930's in Sri Lanka, the time where the ownership of land was changed from local to ruling 'white' after introducing the Barren Land Act. 

The film portiays a struggle of one family and how the traditional living style along with cultural pattern of Sri Lankan people changed in the early stages with the arrival of the British.

Having started his career assisting film maker Tissa Abeysekara in the film "Viragaya" in 1985, Sudath Rohana made number of award winning directions to the mini-screen.

Some of the popular teleplays like "Bedde Gedara", "Yuga Wilakkuwa", "Wana Wadule Wasanthaya" and "Wikum Siha Kathandara" which had been filmed based on several short stories by Martin Wickremasinghe won him awards for the script writing and direction.

For the maiden venture young director Sudath had employed a talented cast with the veterans like Joe Abeywickrema, Sanath Gunathilake, Jackson Anthony, W. Jayasiri to play the principle roles.

Music directed by Navaratne Gamage and Lal Wickremaratne is behind the camera and the film still remains untitled. It scripted and directed Sudath Rohana.

Speaking on the maiden effort in the silver screen Sudath said the film had to under go through a hard time as the crew had to work during the recent severe drought around the Anuradhapura where a number of locations were selected.

"But the season also helped me as I wanted to depict a period like that where people faced much difficulties" he said.

The film is to be released early next year.


Spotlight on Young-Asia

The two Young-Asia productions 'Mihisara' and 'Sivuseta' programmes, being screened on Channel Eye, have been nominated for the 'Best young programme' section at the Asian Television Award Ceremony 2001.

These two programmes have been nominated from among 1200 other television programmes presented by India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, Bangladesh. The world famous ABS and CBN television station also presented young programmes for the ceremony.

Asian Television Award ceremony, organized by the TV Asia, is one of the main Television Award Ceremonies in the Asian Region.(SJ)


'Ben Hur' comes alive at Russian Centre

The Russian Centre in Colombo will be screening eleven Academy Award winner Ben Hur (1959) on November 24 at 5.00 p.m. Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet, Hugh Griffith star in Ben Hur directed by William Wyler and Andrew Marton.

William Wyler directed Ben Hur in 1959 and it became more than a cinema. The story starts when the Jews returned to Roman Province of Judea for an official count of population in the 7th year reign of Augustus Caesar and it was the day the Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.

As the story goes on years later Roman Commander (Stephen Boyd) who was brought up in Judea takes the command in Jerusalem was greeted by his boyhood friend Judah Ben Hur (Charlton Heston) who refused to name the Jewish patriots.

Messala (the Commander) then punished the family of Judah and then he vows to take the revenge and the story goes on. Be there at the Russian Centre Auditorium, No. 10, Independence Av., Colombo 07 on 24-11-2001 to watch the rest at 5.00 p.m.

For further details please call Chandi Aluvihare on 685429 or 685440 between 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.


Wasantha's latest film for EAP

A Muhurath Ceremony was held recently for the latest direction of veteran film maker Wasantha Obeysekara.

The film,which has not been named yet is the eighteenth production done by E. A. P Films.

Main cast in this include Kamal Addararachchi, Sanath Gunathilake, Jagath Chamila, Mahendra Perera, Meena Kumari, Veena Jayakody, Semani Iddamalgosda and Nilu Hettihewa. Jayanath Gunawardena directs the camera and editor is Ravindra Guruge.

Picture shows EAP chairperson Mrs Soma Edirisinhge with Wasantha Obeysekera with athe stars at the muhurath ceremony.


Indian MTV to promote tourism in Sri Lanka

Popular Music Television crew from India was in Sri Lanka last week on an invitation by the Tourist Board of Sri Lanka.

MTV was on shooting schedule to promote Sri Lanka's image as a prime tourist destination.

Cyrus Brocha VJ MTV was in Sri Lanka with a 15-member crew. Mr. Brocha VJ is a popular artist among youth and will carry out filming in Colombo, Pinnawala, Bentota and other tourist attractions.

The Tourist Board believes it as an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka tourism as the MTV reaches out to young viewers between the ages 20 - 35. Shows on MTV with Sri Lanka as a backdrop would change the perception of the destination. 

This show would air thrice a day for a week and is the only fashion based show on the channel.

MTV viewership in India is approximately 18 million and airtime value for three-minute publicity is around Indian Rs. 81,000/-.


ARENA celebrates First Anniversary

Arena, the lifestyle department store offering a wide range of US and European designer Brand Names for Ladies, Gents and Kids together with Jewellery, Lingerie, Accessories, Footwear and Homeware, will be celebrating its first anniversary on Saturday, November 17.

There's gonna be exciting entrance draws every 15 minutes, a 10% off on selected merchandise, a magic show for the kids at 12.00 noon, live music from 4.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m., plenty of cake going around, giveaways for the kids and adults and surprises galore!

Arena, which provides "high street fashion" at very affordable prices is open daily from Monday through Sunday, including Poya days too, from 10.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. So be there on the 17th and shop till you drop at Arena and just get it on!


Parfumerie launches 212

"The Parfumerie" last Tuesday evening launched two new fragrances - 212 and 212 Men - from Carolina Herrera at an elegant evening at the Deli Market of the World Trade Centre.

This launch saw the fusion of two great names - Carolina Herrera and her daughter Carolina Adriana - to bring two equally great fragrances.

Carolina Adriana, a stunning 31-year-old who works in the film industry, has been her inspiration and counterpoint, bringing life to 212. Her personality and lifestyle have given origin to this generous fragrance.

The fragrances get their unusual name from 212, the New York city code. This is where both mother and daughter live, and love living. The fragrances embody New York's multi-faceted variety from Soho to Park Avenue, from Tribecca to Sutton, Manhattan to Little Italy and from Harlen to Queens.

212, the fragrance, is thus, a fantastic result that opens up a new universe of sensations. It is the aroma of the new woman, intelligent, free and optimistic, an international fragrance designed for all hours of the day and right for any season. 

212 Men on the other hand, reveals an essence that is masculine, different and uniquely attractive. Its scent structure complements the women's fragrance and is equally distinct, innovative, elegant and subtle.

Complementing these modern fragrances are equally modern bottles. I'm told they're inspired by Carolina Adriana's interest in modern sculpture. Glass and unpolished metal join in an unusual, unique structure, making it close to an artistic concept than a mere form. The 212 launch evening at the World Trade Centre was a very chic and sophisticated affair, well planned and handled by Tharindra and Kumar de Silva of "Adahas" fame.


'Judgement Day' at Den

"Judgement Day" is the latest band to hit the scene in the local music industry.

"Judgement Day", though the name is new, the members of the band are highly experienced and immensely talented with years of experience behind them with popular bands, Rattlesnake and Venom. They are the heroes of rock scenario in Sri Lanka. After a long spell of silence they are coming together to satisfy their fans.

Judgement Day will be in action at the "Den Cafe & Pub"on every Friday and be in the company of Lanka's rock legends

The band comprises Keerthi Fernando (Vocals/Flute) Refai Tawseek (Drums), Rohan Facazis (Lead Guitar/Vocal), Prasanna Abeysekera (Bass/Vocal ) and Ananda - (Acoustic guitar/Vocals).


'Aswesuma' on the move again

Benette Ratnayake's Platinum award winning film "Aswesuma" (The Compensation) has been selected as an entry in the competitive section at the 25th Sao Paulo International Film Festival in Brazil.

The film also has been selected for two upcoming events in Montreal and Quebec City International Film Festivals in Canada recently.

The film won the Platinum award for the first direction at the 34th Houston International Film Festival and this was the first time that a Sri Lankan film maker was honoured with such an award.

The 'Aswesuma' was also selected to represent at the 4th International film festival in India next November.

The other international film festivals at which it has been screened are Moscow, Singapore, and Kerala. 

The film, depicting an old man's struggle to overcome his own guilt and his longing to correct some of the happenings for which he was responsible during his youth.

The story of the film revolves around elderly Guneris played by Joe, flash backing to the 1940s, his youthful years. 

The young Guneris is played by Jackson Anthony who starts a fresh life with his young wife played by Sangeetha Weeraratne. (SJ)


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