‘Maliniye Nanda’: A grand tribute to a living legend
View(s):By Sanath Weerasuriya
Sri Lanka’s iconic songstress Nanda Malini turned 82 on Saturday, August 23 and the milestone was marked with a historic musical tribute that brought together some of the country’s most respected western musicians.
In a heartfelt gesture of admiration, T. M. Jayaratne, Deepika Priyadarshani, Rajiv Sebastian, Shyami Fonseka, Raymond Fonseka, Priya Peiris, Walter Fernando, Corrine Almeida, Athula Adhikari, Sewwandi Ranatunga, Piyal Perera, Sohan Weerasinghe, Damian Wikkramatillake and Mario Ananda joined voices to celebrate her towering contribution to Sri Lankan music. The result was Maliniye Nanda, a moving tribute song composed and conceptualised by Rajiv Sebastian, backed by his ensemble Rajiv and the Clan.
The production was sponsored by Sanjaya Padmaperuma of SAT, while Ravi Jayawardena of Maliban Biscuits ensured the gift was perfectly coordinated, making it the most memorable present for the legendary artiste on her special day. The music video, now available on YouTube, has already begun to capture the hearts of audiences who grew up listening to Nanda Malini’s timeless songs.
For over six decades, Nanda Malini has stood as a symbol of artistry, resilience and truth in Sri Lankan music. With a career spanning from her earliest recordings with the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation to her iconic collaborations with Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne, she carved a niche that was not merely about melody, but about meaning. Her songs have addressed themes of love, social change, humanity, justice and the everyday struggles of ordinary people, earning her the reputation as the voice of the people.
From unforgettable classics such as ‘Malsara Heesara’, ‘Sudu Seethala Mala’, ‘Sanda Madale Api Giya’, ‘Tharuda Nidana Maha Re’, ‘Yovun Wasanthaya’, ‘Ammavarune’, ‘Raththaran Duwe’ and ‘Mage Sihinaya’ to socially conscious works like ‘Pavana’ and ‘Kunkuma Pottu’, Malini has never shied away from weaving truth into her artistry. Her music has not only entertained but also provoked thought, inspired change and preserved cultural identity.
The tribute song ‘Maliniye Nanda’ is not just a birthday gift, it is a symbolic passing of respect from one generation of musicians to another, acknowledging the unparalleled legacy of a living legend who continues to inspire.
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