Nostalgic musical extravaganza with Kamal Addararachchi on 16 Sept.

From left: You and I musical extravaganza Event Coordinator Sudath Kannangara, Advisor Asela Iddawela, Event Coordinator Anurani Tissera, Artist Kamal Addararachchi, Artist Indrani Perera, Artist Subuddhi Lakmali, and Music Composer Priyantha Gamage, at the Kamal Addararachchi You and I musical extravaganza press briefing in Colombo 

By Divya Thotawatte 

Kamal Addararachchi recently announced, ‘You and I’, a musical extravaganza, to be held on 16 September this year. It has been designed to awaken nostalgic memories while celebrating his art and career. 

The event will be held at Water’s Edge where Addararachchi will perform some of his most popular and beloved songs with the aim of taking fans on a musical trip down memory lane. He will perform over 25 songs picked from different Sri Lankan cinematic works and Sinhala television dramas in which he has performed and acted. 

“The recognition and the good reputation I have gained as an actor and musician is mainly due to being selective and honourable with my art that I shared with my fans throughout my career. However, right now I’m in the process of sharing the work I’ve done previously from an archive of my own art, which is still valued by the people. Some of them have been composed by giants of the industry such as, Master Premasiri Khemadasa.”

At the musical extravaganza, Addararachchi will perform with senior Sri Lankan musician Indrani Perera, and other singers such as, Uresha Ravihari and Subuddhi Lakmali. He will also collaborate with skilled Sri Lankan musicians including Priyantha Gamage and Kalani Perera. The collaborations would provide the audience with the nostalgia of familiar popular music combined with the novelty of a new experience. 

He said, masterful art that create a true influence on people was rare today, and the most powerful music belonged to a past that is long gone. In an effort to revive an era of compelling tunes and meaningful lyricism through a musical evening, Addararachchi, along with the organisers of the event, have chosen songs that are not only well-recognised by fans, but also lyrically-deep and soulful. 

“Depth in music is necessary in this culture where we seem to be losing the power of good lyricism. Today, people sometimes depend on a visual performance for enjoyment and understanding. We will provide a theatrical and visual performance, with songs coupled with powerful lyricism,” he said. In addition to his own music, Addararachchi will perform selected popular songs by other artistes too. 

Addararachchi's performances are unique because of his dual role, acting and singing, which is unusual in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry. It allows him to participate more in the songs, letting the audience witness a more emotional and expressive rendition, he said.

From the songs and performances to the lighting and stage setting, the musical extravaganza is an experience carefully designed for the audience’s enjoyment and emotional engagement. There will be no presenter hosting the event as the music is prioritised to guide all parties present. Hence, the reason for naming the event as, ‘You and I’. 

Differently priced tickets will be available soon to determine the seating of the fans, while refreshments will be served for the tickets’ worth, the organisers said. 

- Pix by Ruwan Walpola