H. R. Jothipala

Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala (Sinhala: එච්.අාර්.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 an film actor. 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 Ranjan Ramanayake.[2] He also worked as an opera singer.[3] He died in July 1987 at the age of 51 year from cardiac arrest.

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

(1936-02-12)12 February 1936
Matara, British Ceylon
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
OccupationActor, Playback singer
Spouse(s)Blossom Winter
Children4
Parents
  • Hettiarachchige Reginald James (father)
  • Ahaliyagoda H.K. Podinona Perera (mother)

Biography

Early life

Jothipala was the first child in a middle-class family from Matara, Sri Lanka.[4] His father H.R. James was a tailor and mother Ahaliyagoda H.K. Podinona Perera a nurse. They later moved to Colombo.[5] He attended St. Lawrence College in Maradana and St. John's College in Dematagoda. He has four younger sisters and one younger brother. Jothipala would visit tea kiosks to hear music as his family didn't own a radio.[6]

He was married to Blossom Winter. They had 4 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.

Jothipala made his debut as a playback singer on Cyril P. Abeyratne's Surathalee, singing "Siriyame Sara", in 1956.[7] Prior to that, he had recorded a song for the late Sirisena Wimalaweera's Podi Putha. The song didn't make the final cut, as the Indian film composer on the film didn't consider Jothipala's voice good enough.

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. 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.

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 prolific film maker, 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.[8]

Success

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 criticised 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.

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. 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".[9]

Jothipala died in the first week of July in 1987.[10]

Use of Hindi melodies in his songs

Although Jothipala was very talented in his own respect, he was criticised for singing to the tunes of popular Hindi songs, particularly of Mohammed Rafi.[11]

Death

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. Next day he was admitted to the hospital. Jothipala died on 7 July 1987 at Ratnams Private Hospital. The cause of his death was said to be a 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 Ratnams 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 under way throughout the country for his commemorations.

Filmography and Playback singing

Jothipala is considered as the backbone of Sri Lankan playback singing. He has voiced wide array of actors across many decades in his era. Apart from singing, he also acted in 33 films.[12]

YearFilmActing roleOther rolesRef.
1956SurathaliPlayback singing
1958Ekamath Eka RatakaPlayback singing
1958Deyyange RatePlayback singing
1958DaskamaCrowd memberPlayback singing
1958Vana MohiniPlayback singing
1959AvishwasayaPlayback singing
1959Sri 296Playback singing
1959Gehenu GetaPlayback singing
1960SubhadraPlayback singing
1960SandeshayaPlayback singing
1960NalanganaPlayback singing
1961Suvineetha LalaniPlayback singing
1961Gan TheraPlayback singing
1962SansarePlayback singing
1962Suhada Divi PidumaPlayback singing
1963Sudu Sande Kalu WalaJothipala 'Nondi Jothi'Playback singing
1963DeepashikaPlayback singing
1964Kala Kala De Pala Pala DePlayback singing
1964Sulalitha SobhaniSoldierPlayback singing
1964Samiya Birindage DeviyayaPlayback singing
1964Samaje Api Okkoma SamanaiPlayback singing
1964Sithaka Mahima
yes
Playback singing
1965Hithata HithaPlayback singing
1965Satha PanahaPlayback singing
1965Sweep TicketPlayback singing
1966Athulweema ThahanamPlayback singing
1966Kinkini PaadaPlayback singing
1966Seegiri KashyapaPlayback singing
1966Sudu DuvaPlayback singing
1966Athulweema Thahanam
yes
Playback singing
1967Hitha Giya ThenaPlayback singing
1968Pini Bindu
yes
Playback singing
1968London HamuPlayback singing
1968WanasaraPlayback singing
1968Amathikama
yes
Playback singing
1968Ruhunu KumariPlayback singing
1968Dehadaka DukaPlayback singing
1969Oba NathnamPlayback singing
1969Mee MassoPlayback singing
1969Suranyangeth SurayaPlayback singing
1969Uthum SthriyaPlayback singing
1969Praweshamvanna
yes
Playback singing
1970Sumudu BharyaPlayback singing
1970Dan MathakadaPlayback singing
1970Athma PoojaPlayback singing
1970GeethaSamPlayback singing
1970Ohoma HaridaPlayback singing
1970Suli SulangPlayback singing
1971Davena Pipasa
yes
Playback singing
1971Hathara Denama SoorayoPlayback singing
1971AbhirahasaLoverPlayback singing
1971Seeye NottuwaPlayback singing
1971Sahanaya
yes
1972Adare Hithenawa DakkamaPlayback singing
1972Edath Sooraya Adath SoorayaPlayback singing
1972SujeewaDouglasPlayback singing[13]
1972Ada MehemaiPlayback singing
1972Hithaka Pipunu MalPlayback singing
1972Lokuma HindawaSingerPlayback singing
1972Me Desa KumatadaPlayback singing
1972Ihatha AthmayaSingerPlayback singing
1973Suhada PathumaPlayback singing
1973Aparadhaya Ha DanduwamaPlayback singing
1973ThusharaPlayback singing
1973Sadahatama Oba MagePlayback singing
1973Hathdinnath TharuPlayback singing
1973Hondama WelawaPlayback singing
1973Sinawai InawaiPlayback singing
1973SunethraAjithPlayback singing
1973Hondai NarakaiPlayback singing
1973Dahakin EkekPlayback singing
1973Hondata HondaiPlayback singing
1974DuleekaPlayback singing
1974Kasthuri SuwandaPlayback singing
1974Dinum Kanuwa
yes
Playback singing
1974SheelaPlayback singing
1974SurekhaPlayback singing
1974Kalyani GangaPlayback singing
1974Shanthi
yes
Playback singing
1974Onna Babo Billo EnawaPlayback singing
1974SuseePlayback singing
1974Duppathage HithawathaPlayback singing
1974LasandaPlayback singing
1974Sahayata DannySandunPlayback singing
1974WasthuwaPlayback singing
1974Jeewana GangaPlayback singing
1974Rodi GamaPlayback singing
1975Hitha Honda MinihekPlayback singing
1975Obai MamaiSanathPlayback singing
1975Pem KurulloPlayback singing
1975Raththaran AmmaPlayback singing
1975TharangaPlayback singing
1975Awa Soya AdarePlayback singing
1975Sukiri KellaSumithPlayback singing
1975Kohoma KiyannadaPlayback singing
1975Cyril MalliPlayback singing
1975Mage Nangi Shyama
yes
Playback singing
1975Lassana KellaPlayback singing
1975KokilayoPlayback singing
1975GijulihiniyoPlayback singing
1975Sooraya SoorayamaiPlayback singing
1975Ranwan Rekha
yes
Playback singing
1975Jeewana Geethaya
yes
1975Damayanthi
yes
Playback singing
1975SikuruliyaPlayback singing
1975Lassana DavasakPlayback singing
1975Sadhana
yes
Playback singing
1975Hadawathaka WasanthayaPlayback singing
1975SangeethaPlayback singing
1976Pradeepe Ma WewaPlayback singing
1976Nayana
yes
Playback singing
1976Kawuda RajaPlayback singing
1976WasanaPlayback singing
1976GangaPlayback singing
1976Harima Badu ThunakPlayback singing
1976WanarayoPlayback singing
1976Unnath Dahai Malath DahaiPlayback singing
1976Onna Mame Kella PanapiPlayback singing
1976Saradielge PuthaPlayback singing
1976Adarei Man AdareiPlayback singing
1976NedeyoPlayback singing
1976Ran ThilakaPlayback singing
1977NeelaPlayback singing
1977SakunthalaPlayback singing
1977Sudu ParaviyoPlayback singing
1977HithuwakkarayoPlayback singing
1977Sri MadaraPlayback singing
1977Hariyanakota Ohama ThamaPlayback singing
1977Hithuwoth HithuwamaiPlayback singing
1977NilukaPlayback singing
1977Pembara MadhuPlayback singing
1977Chin Chin NonaPlayback singing
1977Honda HithaPlayback singing
1977Yali IpadePlayback singing
1977SajaaPlayback singing
1977Sikuru Dasawa
yes
1977Chandi PuthaPlayback singing
1977Aege Adara KathawaPlayback singing
1977Maruwa Samaga WasePlayback singing
1977Tom PachayaPlayback singing
1977YakadayaPlayback singing
1978Sithaka SuwandaPlayback singing
1978Chandi ShyamaPlayback singing
1978VishmayaPlayback singing
1978MadhuwanthiPlayback singing
1978Sri PathulaPlayback singing
1978Hitha MithuraPlayback singing
1978KundalakeshiPlayback singing
1978TikiraPlayback singing
1978Sally
yes
Playback singing
1978ApsaraPlayback singing
1978DeepanjaliPlayback singing
1978ApekshaPlayback singing
1978Kumara KumariyoPlayback singing
1978SasaraPlayback singing
1978Sandawata RantharuPlayback singing
1978AnupamaPlayback singing
1979SamanmaliPlayback singing
1979GeheniyakPlayback singing
1979Minisun Athara MinisekPlayback singing
1979Jeewana KanduluPlayback singing
1979Amal BisoPlayback singing
1979Hingana KollaPlayback singing
1979Raja KurulloPlayback singing
1979Eka HithaPlayback singing
1979Rosa Mal ThunakPlayback singing
1979AnushaPlayback singing
1979Akke Mata AwasaraPlayback singing
1979SugandiPlayback singing
1979Sawudan JemaPlayback singing
1979SubhaniPlayback singing
1979Wisihathara PeyaPlayback singing
1979Hari PudumaiPlayback singing
1980Tak Tik TukPlayback singing
1980SilvaPlayback singing
1980Ektam GePlayback singing
1980SeethaPlayback singing
1980Adara RathnePlayback singing
1980Doctor SusanthaPlayback singing
1980Sasaraka PathumPlayback singing
1980Bambara PahasaPlayback singing
1980Muwanpalessa 2Playback singing
1980Raja DawasakPlayback singing
1980SankhapaliPlayback singing
1980SabeethaPlayback singing
1980Api DedenaPlayback singing
1981Mihidum SihinaPlayback singing
1981RangaPlayback singing
1981Sathweni DawasaPlayback singing
1981ValampuriPlayback singing
1981SenasumaPlayback singing
1981Amme Mata SamawennaPlayback singing
1981Ridee ThallaPlayback singing
1981GeethikaPlayback singing
1981JeewanthiPlayback singing
1982Thana GiraviDineshPlayback singing
1982Sakvithi SuwayaPlayback singing
1982Thani TharuwaPlayback singing
1982Sudu AyyaPlayback singing
1982Pethi GomaraPlayback singing
1982Eka Diga KathawakPlayback singing
1982Sanasanna MaPlayback singing
1982AnuradhaPlayback singing
1982Rahasak Nathi RahasakPlayback singing
1982Kiri SuwandaPlayback singing
1982SitharaPlayback singing
1982Hello ShyamaPlayback singing
1982Thakkita TharikitaPlayback singing
1982Newatha HamuwemuPlayback singing
1982Miss MallikaPlayback singing
1982Rail ParaPlayback singing
1983Ran Mini MuthuPlayback singing
1983SandamaliPlayback singing
1983SumithuroJayantha HettiarachchiPlayback singing, Producer
1983Samuganimi Ma SamiyaniPlayback singing
1983Yali Pipunu MalakPlayback singing
1983Karate JoePlayback singing
1983Thunhiri alPlayback singing
1983Senehasaka KanduluPlayback singing
1983Loku ThaththaPlayback singing
1983Mal MadhuPlayback singing
1983Muwanpalessa 3Playback singing
1983Hithath Hondai Wadath HondaiPlayback singing
1983BonikkoInspector
1984Kiir KawadiPlayback singing
1984Thaththai PuthaiPlayback singing
1984Binari Saha Sudu BandaPlayback singing
1984Bambara PatikkiPlayback singing
1984KokilaPlayback singing
1984Namal RenuPlayback singing
1984Rana DeranaPlayback singing
1984Hadawathaka WedanaPlayback singing
1984BattiPlayback singing
1984Ara SoyzaPlayback singing
1984BirindaPlayback singing
1984Jaya SikuruiPlayback singing
1985Araliya MalPlayback singing
1985Channai Kello DennaiPlayback singing
1985Obata Diwura KiyannamPlayback singing
1985Adarayaka MahimaPlayback singing
1985Sudu MamaPlayback singing
1985Doo DaruwoPlayback singing
1985Kirimaduwal
yes
Playback singing
1986Mal WarusaPlayback singing
1986PrarthanaPlayback singing
1986PeralikarayoPlayback singing
1986Gimhane Gee NadePlayback singing
1986Jaya ApataiPlayback singing
1987Yugayen YugatayaPlayback singing
1987Hitha Honda ChandiyaPlayback singing
1987Kiwulegedara MohottalaPlayback singing
1987Yukthiyada ShakthiyadaPlayback singing
1987KawuluwaPlayback singing
1987Raja WadakarayoPlayback singing
1987Ran DamwalPlayback singing
1987Obatai Priye AdarePlayback singing
1987AhinsaPlayback singing
1988Chandingeth ChandiyaPlayback singing
1988Amme Oba NisaPlayback singing
1988AngulimalaPlayback singing
1988Nawa Gilunath Ban ChunPlayback singing
1988SatanaPlayback singing
1989Mamai RajaPlayback singing
1989Badulu KochchiyaPlayback singing
1989Waradata DanduwamaPlayback singing
1990Dese Mal PipilaPlayback singing
1990Sambudu MahimaPlayback singing
1991Salabak HandaiPlayback singing
1992Sakvithi RajaPlayback singing
1992Roomathiyay NeethiyayPlayback singing
1993ChayaPlayback singing
1997VijayagrahanayaPlayback singing
1998Aeya Obata BaraiPlayback singing

Notes
  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. Sinhala Jukebox. "Tribute to Deathless H R Jothipala!!". Sinhala Jukebox. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  5. sooriya.lk. H.R.JOTHIPALA
  6. Uvais, Ramesh. ""Jothi, always alive in our hearts"". Archived from the original on 17 March 2005. Retrieved 28 September 2013.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link). Daily Mirror. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  7. Sinhala Jukebox. "Tribute to H R Jothipala!!". Sinhala Jukebox. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  8. Uvais, Ramesh. ""Deathless Jothi, always alive in our hearts"". Archived from the original on 17 March 2005. Retrieved 28 September 2013.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link). Daily Mirror. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  9. "Sara Sande Sina Sele". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  10. Sinhala Jukebox. "Tribute to H R Jothipala!!". Sinhala Jukebox. Retrieved 20 November 2006.
  11. "Hindi Songs Turned Sinhala - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  12. "H.R. Jothipala - එච් ආර් ජෝතිපාල ( 1936 - 07 ) filmography". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  13. "All about Sujeewa". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
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