H. R. Jothipala

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Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala (Sinhala: එච්.ආර්. ජෝතිපාල; 12 February 1936 – 7 July 1987), popularly as H. R. Jothipala, was a Sri Lankan playback singer in the Sinhala cinema as well as a film actor and producer. Considered as the best playback singer in Sri Lankan film history,[1] Jothipala lent his voice to all classes of actors ranging from Eddie Jayamanne to Shashi Wijendra.[2] He also worked as an opera singer.[3] He died in July 1987 at the age of 51 year from cardiac arrest.[4]

H. R. Jothipala
එච්.ආර්. ජෝතිපාල
Born
Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala

(1936-02-12)12 February 1936
Died7 July 1987(1987-07-07) (aged 51)
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Resting placeBorella cemetery
NationalitySri Lankan
Other namesHadawatha Raththaran Jothi
Education
  • St. Lawrence College, Maradana
  • St. John's College, Dematagoda
Occupation(s)Actor, Playback singer
Years active1956-1987
SpouseBlossom Winter (m. 1958)
Children4
Signature

Personal life

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Jothipala was born on 12 February 1936 in Dematagoda, Colombo, Sri Lanka as the first child in a middle-class family.[5] His father H. R. James was a tailor in Matara and mother Ahaliyagoda H. K. Podinona Perera was a nurse. Their home town is Matara, Sri Lanka & They later moved to Colombo.[6] He attended St. Lawrence College in Maradana and St. John's College in Dematagoda. He has four younger sisters and one younger brother.[7]

Jothipala would visit tea kiosks to hear music as his family didn't own a radio.[8] He cleaned medicine bottles at the Sulaiman Hospital on Armor Street, Colombo. Later he worked as the peon in M. D. Gunasena and the company.

He was married to Blossom Winter, they had four daughters together. He came to be known by his initials "H. R." and was loved as "Hadhavatha Raththaran Jothipala", meaning "golden-hearted Jothipala", due to his kindness to people of all ages, communities, and families.[9]

Career

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Early days

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Nadarajah, one of the best radio tabla players in the country at the time, was living at Kosgas Junction in Grandpass, Colombo. One day he heard Jothipala singing and chose to sing Hindi songs at the weddings of the Colombo aristocracy.[7] B. S. Perera, the famous film music director who was the head of the radio orchestra who first recognized Jothipala's talents. In 1952, there was a program on the radio called 'Adhunika Peya', which showcased the talents of amateur singers, courtesy of the Queen Sweets Company. He competed in this competition and became the winner. From there he went to the radio program "Jayagrahi Pelapaliya" and won first place.[10]

In 1955, he missed three golden opportunities to become a playback singer. At first, he went to meet Wimalaweera master who composed music for the film Podi Putha. During the audition, Wimalaweera informed Jothipala that his voice is not right, where it trembles and not sweet. In February, Jothipala and Chandrasena went Negombo and met B. A. W. Jayamanne and Rukmani Devi. Even though they satisfied about his voice, Jothipala could not go to India for playback as he did not have a passport. In the third time, he met A. B. Raj, director of the film Perakadoru Bena. He refused Jothipala due to having rough voice.[10]

Jothipala made his debut as a playback singer on Cyril P. Abeyratne's Surathalee, singing "Siriyame Sara", in 1956.[11] Jothipala has said that he contemplated taking his life when he went with his friends to watch Podi Putha and found out that his song was not included. Later when Surathalee producer Jabir A. Cader wanted to hear one of his songs to consider him for the film, Jothipala almost passed on the offer as he did not possess enough money to create a record.[7] He was helped out by veteran musician Stanley Omar who financed him for the sum of 35 rupees – a large amount of money at the time. Jothipala's song on the film, "Siriyame Sara," still remains popular in Sri Lanka, having recorded the popular number under the direction of T.R. Papa at Wahini Studio in India.[10]

Jothipala has worked with many reputed directors of Sri Lanka. In the early stages of his prolific career, Jothipala got the chance to work with the prolific filmmaker, Lester James Peries on the movie Sandeshaya. Jothipala sang the song "Puruthugeesi Karaya" for the film, which was composed by the legendary Sunil Santha and written by veteran lyricist Arisen Ahubudu.[12]

Success

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Jothipala was the undisputed choice in films that were made in the late sixties and through the seventies, the period during which he also began to act. Though Jothi was criticized for singing to the tunes of popular Hindi songs, particularly of Mohammed Rafi, he also sang under the batons of P.V. Nandasiri, Premasiri Khemadasa, Sarath Dassanayake and Milton Mallawarachchi. Jothipala is considered the backbone of Sri Lankan playback singing. He has voiced a wide array of actors across many decades in his era. Apart from singing, he also acted in 33 films.[13]

He sang in hundreds of films including popular hits like Kasthuri Suwanda, Thushara, Sweeep Ticket, Hitha Honda Minihek, Kawuda Raja, Hondata Hondai, Wasana, Sangeetha and others.[7] The award-winning singer also played some memorable roles in films including Ethulweema Thahanam, Sulalitha Sobani, Sujeewa, Sukiri Kella, Abirahasa, Bonikka, Shanthi and his own production Sumithuro and Obai Mamai.[14] He made his film debut as an actor in 1963 with a lame character in the film Sudu Sande Kalu Wala and later played mostly villain characters.[10]

Although Jothipala was very talented in his own respect, he was criticized for singing to the tunes of popular Hindi songs, particularly of Mohammed Rafi.[15] Jothipala sang many duets with Sujatha Attanayake and Latha Walpola,'but largely with Angeline Gunathilake.[16] Jothipala's best friend was the then popular singer J. A. Milton Perera. In the late 1950s, the duo debated their theme song "Anangaya" cult on the radio commercial service. Jothipala won the Best Singer award for his song "Mee Jeevanaye" from the 1974 film Onna Babo Billo Enawa. At the 1983 Sarasaviya Awards, Jothipala won the Award for Best Singer for the song "Sara Sande" from the film Meedum Sihina and for the song "Paalu Susane" from the 1986 film Obata Divana Kiyannam.[10]

The Sinhala Baila song Pissu Vikare (Dagena Polkatu Male) by H. R. Jothipala, Milton Perera, M. S. Fernando is a cover version of the Tamil song Dingiri Dingale (Meenachi) from the 1958 Tamil film Anbu Engey. And it was covered again in Sinhala as a folk song named Digisi/Digiri Digare (Kussiye Badu).

Death

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Two days before his death, on 5 July 1987, he participated in "Gam Udaawa", a patriotic project by late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, and sang on his final open stage. But while singing he felt pain but finished the singing successfully. The next day he was admitted to the hospital. Jothipala died on 7 July 1987 at Ratnams Private Hospital.[17] The cause of his death was said to be liver failure. "He came to our hospital very regularly. Ramya Fleming was in charge of the ICU and was at home when she got the call to come in. As soon as news spread of Jothipala's death, people surrounded Ratnam Private Hospital. All of Union Square was filled with fans, and some even jumped over the hospital gate just to get a glimpse of Jothipala.

Numerous activities are still underway throughout the country for his commemorations.

Filmography and Playback singing

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Year Film Acting role Other roles Ref.
1956 Surathali Playback singing
1958 Ekamath Eka Rataka Playback singing
1958 Deyyange Rate Playback singing
1958 Daskama Crowd member Playback singing
1958 Vana Mohini Playback singing
1959 Avishwasaya Playback singing
1959 Sri 296 Playback singing
1959 Gehenu Geta Playback singing
1960 Subhadra Playback singing
1960 Sandeshaya Playback singing
1960 Nalangana Playback singing
1961 Suvineetha Lalani Playback singing
1961 Gan Thera Playback singing
1962 Sansare Playback singing
1962 Suhada Divi Piduma Playback singing
1963 Sudu Sande Kalu Wala Jothipala 'Nondi Jothi' Playback singing
1963 Deepashika Playback singing
1964 Kala Kala De Pala Pala De Playback singing
1964 Sulalitha Sobhani Soldier Playback singing
1964 Samiya Birindage Deviyaya Playback singing
1964 Samaje Api Okkoma Samanai Playback singing
1964 Sithaka Mahima
yes
Playback singing
1965 Hithata Hitha Playback singing
1965 Satha Panaha Playback singing
1965 Sweep Ticket Playback singing
1966 Athulweema Thahanam Playback singing
1966 Kinkini Paada Playback singing
1966 Seegiri Kashyapa Playback singing
1966 Sudu Duva Playback singing
1966 Athulweema Thahanam
yes
Playback singing
1967 Hitha Giya Thena Playback singing
1968 Pini Bindu
yes
Playback singing
1968 London Hamu Playback singing
1968 Wanasara Playback singing
1968 Amathikama
yes
Playback singing
1968 Ruhunu Kumari Playback singing
1968 Dehadaka Duka Playback singing
1969 Oba Nathnam Playback singing
1969 Mee Masso Playback singing
1969 Suranyangeth Suraya Playback singing
1969 Uthum Sthriya Playback singing
1969 Praweshamvanna
yes
Playback singing
1970 Sumudu Bharya Playback singing
1970 Dan Mathakada Playback singing
1970 Athma Pooja Playback singing
1970 Geetha Sam Playback singing
1970 Ohoma Harida Playback singing
1970 Suli Sulang Playback singing
1971 Davena Pipasa
yes
Playback singing
1971 Hathara Denama Surayo Playback singing
1971 Abhirahasa Lover Playback singing
1971 Seeye Nottuwa Playback singing
1971 Sahanaya
yes
[18]
1972 Adare Hithenawa Dakkama Playback singing
1972 Edath Sooraya Adath Sooraya Playback singing
1972 Sujeewa Douglas Playback singing [19]
1972 Ada Mehemai Playback singing
1972 Hithaka Pipunu Mal Playback singing
1972 Lokuma Hindawa Singer Playback singing
1972 Me Desa Kumatada Playback singing
1972 Ihatha Athmaya Singer Playback singing
1973 Suhada Pathuma Playback singing
1973 Aparadhaya Ha Danduwama Playback singing
1973 Thushara Playback singing
1973 Sadahatama Oba Mage Playback singing
1973 Hathdinnath Tharu Playback singing
1973 Hondama Welawa Playback singing
1973 Sinawai Inawai Playback singing
1973 Sunethra Ajith Playback singing
1973 Hondai Narakai Playback singing
1973 Dahakin Ekek Playback singing
1973 Hondata Hondai Playback singing
1974 Duleeka Playback singing
1974 Kasthuri Suwanda Playback singing
1974 Dinum Kanuwa
yes
Playback singing
1974 Sheela Playback singing
1974 Surekha Playback singing
1974 Kalyani Ganga Playback singing
1974 Shanthi
yes
Playback singing
1974 Onna Babo Billo Enawa Playback singing
1974 Susee Playback singing
1974 Duppathage Hithawatha Playback singing
1974 Lasanda Playback singing
1974 Sahayata Danny Sandun Playback singing
1974 Wasthuwa Playback singing
1974 Jeewana Ganga Playback singing
1974 Rodi Gama Playback singing
1975 Hitha Honda Minihek Playback singing
1975 Obai Mamai Sanath Playback singing
1975 Pem Kurullo Playback singing
1975 Raththaran Amma Playback singing
1975 Tharanga Playback singing
1975 Awa Soya Adare Playback singing
1975 Sukiri Kella Sumith Playback singing
1975 Kohoma Kiyannada Playback singing
1975 Cyril Malli Playback singing
1975 Mage Nangi Shyama
yes
Playback singing
1975 Lassana Kella Playback singing
1975 Kokilayo Playback singing
1975 Gijulihiniyo Playback singing
1975 Sooraya Soorayamai Playback singing
1975 Ranwan Rekha
yes
Playback singing
1975 Jeewana Geethaya
yes
1975 Damayanthi
yes
Playback singing
1975 Sikuruliya Playback singing
1975 Lassana Davasak Playback singing
1975 Sadhana
yes
Playback singing
1975 Hadawathaka Wasanthaya Playback singing
1975 Sangeetha Playback singing
1976 Pradeepe Ma Wewa Playback singing
1976 Nayana
yes
Playback singing
1976 Kawuda Raja Playback singing
1976 Wasana Playback singing
1976 Ganga Playback singing
1976 Harima Badu Thunak Playback singing
1976 Wanarayo Playback singing
1976 Unnath Dahai Malath Dahai Playback singing
1976 Onna Mame Kella Panapi Playback singing
1976 Saradielge Putha Playback singing
1976 Adarei Man Adarei Playback singing
1976 Nedeyo Playback singing
1976 Ran Thilaka Playback singing
1977 Neela Playback singing
1977 Sakunthala Playback singing
1977 Sudu Paraviyo Playback singing
1977 Hithuwakkarayo Playback singing
1977 Sri Madara Playback singing
1977 Hariyanakota Ohama Thama Playback singing
1977 Hithuwoth Hithuwamai Playback singing
1977 Niluka Playback singing
1977 Pembara Madhu Playback singing
1977 Chin Chin Nona Playback singing
1977 Honda Hitha Playback singing
1977 Yali Ipade Playback singing
1977 Sajaa Playback singing
1977 Sikuru Dasawa
yes
1977 Chandi Putha Playback singing
1977 Aege Adara Kathawa Playback singing
1977 Maruwa Samaga Wase Playback singing
1977 Tom Pachaya Playback singing
1977 Yakadaya Playback singing
1978 Sithaka Suwanda Playback singing
1978 Chandi Shyama Playback singing
1978 Vishmaya Playback singing
1978 Madhuwanthi Playback singing
1978 Sri Pathula Playback singing
1978 Hitha Mithura Playback singing
1978 Kundalakeshi Playback singing
1978 Tikira Playback singing
1978 Sally
yes
Playback singing
1978 Apsara Playback singing
1978 Deepanjali Playback singing
1978 Apeksha Playback singing
1978 Kumara Kumariyo Playback singing
1978 Sasara Playback singing
1978 Sandawata Rantharu Playback singing
1978 Anupama Playback singing
1979 Samanmali Playback singing
1979 Geheniyak Playback singing
1979 Minisun Athara Minisek Playback singing
1979 Jeewana Kandulu Playback singing
1979 Amal Biso Playback singing
1979 Hingana Kolla Playback singing
1979 Raja Kurullo Playback singing
1979 Eka Hitha Playback singing
1979 Rosa Mal Thunak Playback singing
1979 Anusha Playback singing
1979 Akke Mata Awasara Playback singing
1979 Sugandi Playback singing
1979 Sawudan Jema Playback singing
1979 Subhani Playback singing
1979 Wisihathara Peya Playback singing
1979 Hari Pudumai Playback singing
1980 Tak Tik Tuk Playback singing
1980 Silva Playback singing
1980 Ektam Ge Playback singing
1980 Seetha Playback singing
1980 Adara Rathne Playback singing
1980 Doctor Susantha Playback singing
1980 Sasaraka Pathum Playback singing
1980 Bambara Pahasa Playback singing
1980 Muwanpalessa 2 Playback singing
1980 Raja Dawasak Playback singing
1980 Sankhapali Playback singing
1980 Sabeetha Playback singing
1980 Api Dedena Playback singing
1981 Mihidum Sihina Playback singing
1981 Ranga Playback singing
1981 Sathweni Dawasa Playback singing
1981 Valampuri Playback singing
1981 Senasuma Playback singing
1981 Amme Mata Samawenna Playback singing
1981 Ridee Thalla Playback singing
1981 Geethika Playback singing
1981 Jeewanthi Playback singing
1982 Thana Giravi Dinesh Playback singing
1982 Sakvithi Suwaya Playback singing
1982 Thani Tharuwa Playback singing
1982 Sudu Ayya Playback singing
1982 Pethi Gomara Playback singing
1982 Eka Diga Kathawak Playback singing
1982 Sanasanna Ma Playback singing
1982 Anuradha Playback singing
1982 Rahasak Nathi Rahasak Playback singing
1982 Kiri Suwanda Playback singing
1982 Sithara Playback singing
1982 Hello Shyama Playback singing
1982 Thakkita Tharikita Playback singing
1982 Newatha Hamuwemu Playback singing
1982 Miss Mallika Playback singing
1982 Rail Para Playback singing
1983 Ran Mini Muthu Playback singing
1983 Sandamali Playback singing
1983 Sumithuro Jayantha Hettiarachchi Playback singing, Producer
1983 Samuganimi Ma Samiyani Playback singing
1983 Yali Pipunu Malak Playback singing
1983 Karate Joe Playback singing
1983 Thunhiri al Playback singing
1983 Senehasaka Kandulu Playback singing
1983 Loku Thaththa Playback singing
1983 Mal Madhu Playback singing
1983 Muwanpalessa 3 Playback singing
1983 Hithath Hondai Wadath Hondai Playback singing
1983 Bonikko Inspector
1984 Kiir Kawadi Playback singing
1984 Thaththai Puthai Playback singing
1984 Binari Saha Sudu Banda Playback singing
1984 Bambara Patikki Playback singing
1984 Kokila Playback singing
1984 Namal Renu Playback singing
1984 Rana Derana Playback singing
1984 Hadawathaka Wedana Playback singing
1984 Batti Playback singing
1984 Ara Soyza Playback singing
1984 Birinda Playback singing
1984 Jaya Sikurui Playback singing
1985 Araliya Mal Playback singing
1985 Channai Kello Dennai Playback singing
1985 Obata Diwura Kiyannam Playback singing
1985 Adarayaka Mahima Playback singing
1985 Sudu Mama Playback singing
1985 Doo Daruwo Playback singing
1985 Kirimaduwal
yes
Playback singing
1986 Mal Warusa Playback singing
1986 Prarthana Playback singing
1986 Peralikarayo Playback singing
1986 Gimhane Gee Nade Playback singing
1986 Jaya Apatai Playback singing
1987 Yugayen Yugataya Playback singing
1987 Hitha Honda Chandiya Playback singing
1987 Kiwulegedara Mohottala Playback singing
1987 Yukthiyada Shakthiyada Playback singing
1987 Kawuluwa Playback singing
1987 Raja Wadakarayo Playback singing
1987 Ran Damwal Playback singing
1987 Obatai Priye Adare Playback singing
1987 Ahinsa Playback singing
1988 Chandingeth Chandiya Playback singing
1988 Amme Oba Nisa Playback singing
1988 Angulimala Playback singing
1988 Nawa Gilunath Ban Chun Playback singing
1988 Satana Playback singing
1989 Mamai Raja Playback singing
1989 Badulu Kochchiya Playback singing
1989 Waradata Danduwama Playback singing
1990 Dese Mal Pipila Playback singing
1990 Sambudu Mahima Playback singing
1991 Salabak Handai Playback singing
1992 Sakvithi Raja Playback singing
1992 Roomathiyay Neethiyay Playback singing
1993 Chaya Playback singing
1997 Vijayagrahanaya Playback singing
1998 Aeya Obata Barai Playback over 15,000 more than singing

Notes

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  1. ^ "සිරියා මෙ සාරා සිට රමණීය කමණීය අපේ ආදරේ දක්වා". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  2. ^ A TRIBUTE TO JOTHI: THE SINGER AND HIS SONG
  3. ^ "30th commemoration of Jothipala". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  4. ^ "Wonderful information about the life of HR Jothipala who would have turned 84 if he had been alive". lifie. 11 February 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  5. ^ "Unrevealed stories of H.R. Jothipala in his triumphant journey | Daily FT".
  6. ^ sooriya.lk [1] Archived 4 November 2019 at the Wayback Machine. H.R.JOTHIPALA
  7. ^ a b c d "Jothipala is a fan-based popular singer". Dinamina. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  8. ^ Uvais, Ramesh. ""Jothi, always alive in our hearts"". Archived from the original on 17 March 2005. Retrieved 28 September 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Daily Mirror. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  9. ^ "The undisputed superstar of Sinhala popular music: HR Jothipala". fmderana. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Immortal Jothi in the world of singing". Silumina. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  11. ^ Sinhala Jukebox. "Tribute to H R Jothipala!!". Sinhala Jukebox. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  12. ^ Uvais, Ramesh. ""Deathless Jothi, always alive in our hearts"". Archived from the original on 17 March 2005. Retrieved 28 September 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Daily Mirror. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  13. ^ "H.R. Jothipala - එච් ආර් ජෝතිපාල ( 1936 - 07 ) filmography". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  14. ^ "Sara Sande Sina Sele". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  15. ^ "Hindi Songs Turned Sinhala - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  16. ^ "Jothi who combined song and good heart". Divaina. Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  17. ^ Sinhala Jukebox. "Tribute to H R Jothipala!!". Sinhala Jukebox. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  18. ^ "All about Sahanaya". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  19. ^ "All about Sujeewa". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
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