Geeth Maduri – bringing back old Hindi film songs

Cultural relations between India and Sri Lanka have traditionally been close and friendly, transcending recorded history, reflecting shared cultural and civilisation heritage and further reinforced by the continuing cultural exchanges. A facet of this relationship is the huge popularity of Hindi films and songs in Sri Lanka, playing an important role in strengthening people-to-people contacts. Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation’s (SLBC) collection of Indian film songs, particularly old songs, is unmatched.

The Old Hindi Film and Song Lovers’ Society of Sri Lanka has brought together three generations of Sri Lankans who have grown up listening to melodious old Hindi film songs. The society, founded by Priyantha Gamage in 2001 with the objective of promoting and sharing their common love of old Hindi films and songs, has phenomenal membership.

‘Geeth Maduri Musical Show,’ organised by the Old Hindi Film and Song Lovers’ Society of Sri Lanka with the support of the High Commission of India, at the Bishop’s College Auditorium in Colombo on Sunday 12 February, was appreciated by a fully-packed house. The event was attended by over 700 persons, including young children from all walks of life and having a liking for old Hindi songs.

The musical show was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Deputy High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka P. Kumaran, renowned Sri Lankan singers and committee members of the society. 

The musical afternoon began with a beautiful rendition of Lata Mangeshkar’s 1956 classic song “Rasik Balma” sung by a 13-year old girl Chaya Prabashwari. The event saw talented singers enthrall the audience with old Hindi film songs and ably supported by an orchestra conducted by the renowned Sri Lankan Music Director Sarath De Alwis. Among the male singers were Dev Shyaman Priyankar, Ajith Premalal, Clement Silva, Dhanushka Perera and the female singers included Shashikala Samarsinghe, Devika, Nirmala Gamage and Sabina Kanodia.

The Indians present at the event were so touched by the excellent performances that they spontaneously presented gifts to the singers.  The organisers of the event were thankful for the support extended by the High Commission of India and in particular to the High Commissioner of India Ashok K. Kantha, who himself is a keen lover of old Hindi film songs, for encouraging the activities of the society. The High Commission of India, through the Indian Cultural Centre, India-Sri Lanka Foundation and through its various schemes has been promoting cultural cooperation between India and Sri Lanka by supporting organisations and institutions involved in propagating our shared cultural heritage and traditions and has been endeavouring to present in Sri Lanka facets of diverse genres of art, music, dance, painting, architecture present in India.