Views: 22
CHATHURA ICON IN SIRASA FM FOR TWO DECADES AS TARZEN BAPPA USES EXAGGERATION AND RIDICULE, TO EXPOSE HUMAN HUMOUR , EVILS, ,NOW SCRIPT WRITER CUM ACTOR OF ‘ANDUN KUNDUN’-by Sunil Thenabadu
Chathura Lakmal Wijeratne is popularly known as Tarzen Bappa in Sirasa FM initially from the early decade of two thousand for a unceasing period of two years ,as the person who remained hidden . Chathura born in year 1981,, is a native of Digana area in the Kandy district.Apart from his beloved parents he is the youngest sibling having two elder brothers and three elder sisters known as a ‘Badapissa’ in the family.Chathura’s early education was in the Kingalla primary school. After which had attended after triumphing in the scholarship examination had gained entrance to the sixth standard at Walala A Rathnayake Central College.It was revealed by Chathura that it was after his admission to this school that his life took a drastic change .After a successfully completing the higher education had gained entrance to the Colombo University in the year 2001.to undergo a course in Management studies.
From Chathura’s younger days signs tilted to art had been perceived in numerous ways and instances. Chathura had been a forward person sans any fear not having stage freight.He recollects at the term end stage play Chathura had surprised many with his rendition of portrayal of a role. Those in the audience were flabbergasted as to how this little kid could perform like that.This Chathura attributes to as may have been owing to hereditary affiliations to his elder siblings who loved art to tall elevations. Having listened to quality songs during the tenure of his younger years via the radio also had provided him the opportunity to read a variety of books for him to amass knowledge in several zones. In this scenario there was a good environment for Chathura to accrue essential familiarity. This background had facilitated Chathura to sing, read and write fluently from his young days.This had abetted him to take part in school, all island literary, singing , instrumental and essay competitions having had the aptitude to triumph over his counterparts easily..His knowledge in English too was superior ,which had helped during his later university tenure,.It should be reminisced that Chathura had been the first student in the village ‘Daham Pasela’ had dominated in many competitions held at intervals. Chathura had added more to his future journey with such accomplishments Chathura had strode further by convincing many Buddhist students in the surrounding villages to form the rigid “Dumbara Lama Subasadaka Sangamaya’ through which through many projects had helped the villages immensely. By becoming a leading individual in the Sangamaya Chathura was able to eliminate his ‘stage freight’ completely which was a gigantic benefit when he grew as an adult specially when he entered to Walawe Rathnayake Madhya Maha Vidyalaya.During this period a senior student had been dominant in many art related arenas, a comparable devotion and emphasis was laid on Chathura though still was a six standard pupil. Chathura had been able to convince and impress them with his upright talents before long.
At school Chathura had been involved in all extra curricular activities in many fields to become a well know student in school.Chathura reminisces the music master Abiprema Amarasheela a native of Ambalangoda domiciled in Kandy area is the person who enhanced his music knowledge at which time he was not at all a competent vocalist and one who could not play any musical instrument. The shortcomings in singing of students the music teacher had identified had given instant remedial solutions to make them perfect singers. Chathura reminded about Mohan Dharshana who excelled in a Sirasa Super Star season had been his school mate adequately trained by the music teacher. This music teacher not only taught to play instruments and to sing had formed a band in the school had trained in eastern as well as to some extent knowledge in western music.This training had made certain hidden talents of Chathura to emerge .The music teacher had also made a drama team which were staged successfully.The Rupavahin news reader Chaminda Guneratne had been one year senior to Chathura.During that era for a lecture Mohan Samaranayake had visited his school for which students of many neighbouring schools too were invited.Chaminda Gunaratne had proposed Chathura to make the thanksgiving speech. After his speech many were astonished to know about the unique voice and ability too Chathura possessed. By this a huge place was established for Chathura in the Radio Channel. While attending to studies the ‘Band’ used to get bookings to play at functions like weddings while his studies were not neglected although there was objections from elder siblings who had then successfully navigated over the respective Management degrees from the Colombo University. Although there were objections from the elder brothers the elder sisters had supported him instinctively. In spite of all his extra curricular activities Chathura in year 1997 had obtained the best results in the entire school navigating over the GCE Ordinary Level creating a record sans attending to a single private class .At that time the Principal was HU Prematilleke who was later the Principal at Nalanda College has fad a close check on him owing to his numerous other extra curricular activities. Chathura could have easily entered to a better College in Kandy but he opted to remain in the same school as he wanted to enhance his extracurricular activities already involved in. While studying in the advanced level classes as his extra curricular activities were at a tall level even Principal Prematilleke was personally concerned had even perused his books.One day at a temple when Chathura was organizing a program for small kids he had met Kapila M Gamage of the SLBC ‘Kandurata Sevaya’. After a brief conversation he had noticed Chathura to have a upright voice for the radio and invited him to visit him.After a short lapse Chathura had joined with Chaminda Gunaratne who was then attached to the ‘Kandurata Sevaya’ to meet Kapila M Gamage.After a quick audition instantly he was selected to present a childrens’ program that day itself…To Chathura was a dream come tue as he was from his younger days was more or less glued to the radio listening to varied programs particularly dramas and entertaining programs of Berty Gunatilleke, Annesley Dias and Samuel Rodrigo. Chathura was interested in the efforts of the trio endeavoured to make people happy and laugh with their own scripts. In addition Chathura was used to read ‘theeru lipi’ dominant in Sinhala newspapers which he never failed to read, particularly to enhance his familiarity
While attached temporarily to ‘Kandurata Sevaya’ at which Chathura was able to produce his own themes for children in particular. While doing part time work Chathura triumphed in the University entrance to be selected to the Colombo University to follow a degree in Management faculty following the footsteps of his elder brothers. Simultaneously in year 2001 Chathura was able to join the SLRC as a news reader hence had to balance both pathways after entering the university prudently in year 2002. Chathura recollects 3000 had been called for the interview reminisces standing in a queue near the BMICH. Chathura also followed courses on Rupavahini programs to enhance in familiarity in television.But unfortunately after one and a half years his name was omitted in the broadcaster list Hence he was deprived of an income too.Chathura had commenced to teach students with a colleague.During this era Chathura had a friend Lalindra Pamunuwa old boy of his ‘alma mater‘ in the year twelve class who was a staunch pupil of Lionel Ranwela attached to Ranwela ‘Balakaya’.Through friend Lalindra ,Chathura had met in Colombo Lionel Ranwela and Sahan Ranwela.This was a blessing in disguise as at that Sahan was also following the same Management degree in the Management unit of the University but was in the third year.At the University Chathura was a famous for conducting the ‘Nawaka Probodana’ curricula within the University in particular excelled singing.After demise of Lionel Ranwela Chathura was invited by Sahan to join the ‘Ranwela Balakaya’.The talents Chathura had brought in from school era had commenced to rigidly illuminate. The association with Sahan and the ‘Ranwela Balakaya’ gave Chathura the opportunity to augment his singing skills in participating in many singing events in far off villages constantly singing folk and ritual songs.The trips to far away villages like Girandurukotte and other villages in Uva district etc. made to far off villages was enjoyable also as Sahan was a cheerful character. Chathura reminisced that while travelling in buses they used to sing ‘virudu’ ,’ standing Kavi’ ,folk songs while coordinating to make new creations .
Chathura had joined Sirasa FM radio ( Frequency Modulated ) along with Sahan had undergone training under Sahan in the program ‘Suriya Sirasa’ together as a trainee presenter. Reminisces had even erudite under Sahan sans a salary for months. During that era in the early decade of 2000 there had been a trend and enthusiasm among radio passionate personnel to listen to non -stop songs in many frequency modulated ‘(FM) Channels which were tuned in to many radios in many dwellings between 4 pm to 6 pm belt who were listening vigilantly also by those in moving vehicles ,cars ,buses etc.It was the suggestion of Chathura to the management to take attention away from non stop songs culture if basically a program with ‘jokes’ to draw away the attention of recurrent non stop spectacular. The management had taken his advice to substitute the non stop extravaganza in the 4 pm to 6 pm belt with diverse programs .At the time Chathura has had no idea to present such a program though Chathura had excelled to alarmingly high elevations in presenting ,singing and writing aptitudes. Though proposal of Chathura’s was accepted by authorities of Sirasa none of the presenters could take up the challenge all giving lame excuses. Ultimately an invitation was extended to Chathura to present the program between 4 pm onwards for three hours. But there was no indication whether it was to be presented changing his voice or a program of Tarzan.But he was to make witticisms which Chathura came equipped copying from newspapers and elsewhere. Chathura just before he stepped into the studio he was told not to mention his name, then he abruptly decided on the name ‘Tarzen Mahattaya”.Also he was asked not to speak in his distinctive tone, that challenge too was accepted by Chathura. For the initial programs it just flowed but not with much of response from anyone, public or members of Sirasa. One day Chathura had met a friend on the road who had uttered ‘ Kukka oba thamai mage atha happapu’.These lines inspired Chathura while he thought this was novel he had added some words as ‘ Handiya Kanuwen Genapu anda uda thiyagena nelawuoo kookka mage atha hapapu’.This Chathura had sung as a song lyrics in the program with his other lyrics to rhyme to a known melody which was accepted by audiences, more importantly the staff members of Sirasa The authorities wanted it to be backed up with music composed by a staff member competent in music at the studio itself with a guitar and bottles with nails inserted accompanied by beating on the tables etc. Thereafter Chathura with his singing competence commenced singing other songs with his own lyrics to rhyme with melodies which were accepted by many to delight audiences. To improve this concept many members of the staff were behind Chathura to make the program very audience friendly. At the first year end this program became interested by a huge audience..By the end of first year the presenter’s name changed to ‘Tarzen Bappa’. Audiences increased to tall elevations particularly as Chathura as Tarzan Bappa as earlier spoke in an unusual voice by slanting his mouth to generate a peculiar unfamiliar voice which was well accepted by all audiences. This program of three hours became very popular as such it had become the most popular program accepted by fifty percent of FM radio listeners while there were thirty seven FM radio channels then.The program for a duration of three hours, obviously it was a very stressful ,endeavouring always to speak with his mouth slanted rather a unique endeavour to produce an inimitable rare voice On this program people had begun talking regularly in many circles ,while praised in newspaper articles too.,
Other FM radio channels had commenced to copy this program .Below is typical example..”Nandamma nana baldiye pathule hil thibe, mama mi e kale enayakin nanda nethi welawe nana baldiye……These lyrics represented to the melody of the song ‘Ninda Noyana Rathriye’.
“Nanada enda udin rabar nayek path kale edeka bayawu duwa wetii nanda rohale,mamai ehul kale,beheth walata heta dahak evarai mamai vetune wale ,nanda rohale.”
Chathura possess a huge knack to substitute rhyming words instantaneously Even while speaking with a group of colleagues he could make lyrics on any focus instantly for which he is hugely gifted. Over the past nineteen years since year 2006 he had successfully presented ‘Tarzan Bappa’ had complemented Romesh de Silva for skilfully assisting him efficiently. This year at the Calin Popular awards 2026 Chathura clinched the award for the best male program presenter of radio year 2026’
Chathura had met his future wife Anusha Ekanayake also at the Colombo University following the same management degree a year junior a native of Wellawaya.Chathura recollects had got friendly with her by ragging her . her university card in ‘Bunty’.She also could sing which Chathura had got to know when she sang at year end socials.She is presently the lecturer in economics at Vishaka Vidyalaya.Chathura at a television dialogue did mention that she is busier than him as she shoulders other responsibilities in school as the in charge of school parliament, bestowed with another grade also she is busy answering calls from students to verify issues about economics. Anusha is more qualified than Chathura as she had a further qualification possessing a diploma too.The duo is married for nearly fifteen years has a son named Thesandu Uthwin Wijeratne twelve years old appears to follow father’s footsteps is a fifth standard student seems to be on the footsteps of father very attached to each other son never sleeps until father is back home after a party or assignment. The son Thesandu is heard to search in Google to explore finer details for enhance his knowledge something which a youngster of his age could do.At a television dialogue it was added he had searched for the ‘killer’ of Vijaya Kumaratunga which even we as adults would not have thought of.Anusha revealed that the duo have a perfect understanding as such Chathura will not take any decision sans consulting her.She did sau that at most times their decisions are very much similar hence the trio lead a very happy family life..Chathura added that Anusha does not like to appear for television programs dislikes farewells possessing a humble character. Once after Chathura lost the SLRC announcing vocation thought of following a chartered course as he was devoid of an income he had from the SLRC thought of following a chartered course, but Anusha had objected as his area is obviously ‘Media’ which had proved over the years.It should be emphasised that Chathura had scripted lyrics for many songs some have become popular particularly to ‘Ranwala Balakaya’ and to individuals too.
After the love affair was settled Anusha had only informed her mother, but for Chathura there was no issues at his dwelling.Once Chathura with Sahan his family mother had travelled past Wellawaya for a show. Anusha’s family as many in villages loves to entertain had prepared lunch for the guests. Once the table was laid in a grand style father who runs a boutique on the vicinity too had suddenly appeared and stridently said ‘Chathura if today the table laid is like this you can just imagine how it will be laid at your wedding day which made all dumbfounded. Sahan too in surprise was embarrassed all were looking at each other including Chathura too.
However ,Chathura is yet to record a song for his own lyrics which Anusha too is insisting but has been eternally postponed. The ability and capacity of Chathura to sing is at tall heights as he had been singing at the Sirasa FM for so long sans any flaws with acceptance and distinction.Chathura did say will record a song to a melody of Thilina Ruhunage soon for his own lyrics.
The latest triumph of Chathura is the lyrics writer and naming the latest comedy drama ‘Andun Kundun’ brain child of so Director Shevan Daniel a suitable name for which the management had been struggling to find for a length of time.The comedy drama “Andun Kundu’ has now completed one hundred episodes with high ratings with dominance in social media.Chathura already a brand had made a name for another brand in ‘Andun Kundun’ as script writer The three are mostly heard in Sirasa FM and Y FM radio are Binoli Jayamali, Romesh de Siva,,Lakmal Siriwardena directed by Dhanesh Upul.All protagonists are extremely talented hence the quality of Andu Kundun are at an unprecedented high level .From episode to episode are different to one another with diverse comedy in each episode.The “Andun Kundun” episode is telecast on Saturdays and Sundays at 9.30 am All participants hitherto were in Sirasa FM and Y FM channels only their voices were heard. Hence the opportunity for the foursome was well welcome as the faces were unfamiliar to audiences. The team members have participated in shooting at the set in the Stein studios after having attended to their respective belts in FM channels. But the foursome attends to shooting to the script of Chathura himself made abruptly with utmost enthusiasm with a little time to study lyrics. Chathura could be termed a person possessing ‘Satire’ which is characteristically a combination genre of the visual, ,literacy and performing arts in the form of fiction (falsehood) in which evils, stupidities, abuses, and deficiencies are spoken up with lyrics and sung to ridicule , often with the intent of exposing or shaming the perceived flaws of individuals, society itself to turn to enhance into improvement. Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism using wit as social criticism all made within his lyrics The work performed for twenty years as a prolific Sisara FM channel award winning presenter as ‘Tarzan Bappa’ will be etched in gold.
Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane email sthenabadu@hotmail.com WhatsApp 0061444533242
At eLanka, we respect the rights of creators. If we have used an image you own and you’d like it removed, please email us at info@elanka.com.au and we’ll handle it promptly.
Thanks.
eLanka team
eLanka Disclaimer
Content published on eLanka may be created by the eLanka team, submitted by contributors or third parties, reproduced or adapted from other sources with appropriate source acknowledgement, or provided as promotional/advertising material by our clients. While eLanka takes reasonable care in preparing and publishing content, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Views expressed are those of the respective authors or contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of eLanka. Third-party contributors, content providers and advertisers are responsible for the accuracy of material they supply and for ensuring they hold the necessary rights and permissions for its publication. Advertising and promotional content should not be regarded as an endorsement by eLanka of any product, service or claim.
