No more the entertainer of entertainers

Farewell to singer who enthralled Lanka with his music and song

Last Sunday night, Lanka’s legendary music maestro Sunil Perera finally hung up his hat and retired to the Great Beyond, after a sensational singing career spanning fifty years.

This one man music industry, composer, songwriter, singer and producer Sunil first hit the limelight performing with the Gypsies, the band his father, Anton Perera of Glucorasa fame, set up in 1970 for his five sons, Nihal, Sunil, Nimal, Lal, Piyal and nephew Neville. By the turn of the decade, with hits following smash hits, the Gypsies had become a household name with Sunil established as the livewire leader of the group. The rest is music history.

So who was the man behind the song, the real Sunil beneath his hat which had become his signature wear?

Though born and bred a Catholic, he became a free thinker in later years, and embraced all religions hailing them all as one, with only priestcraft creating divisions and discord. He practised the universal message of love and charity, and preached endless the value of helping those in need.

This was a virtue deeply ingrained in him by his father who told him when he received his first payment for performing with the Gypsies: “Whatever money you earn from your performances, keep ten percent aside to help others.’ Throughout his life, Sunil heeded his father’s advice and practised charity without noise; and advocated all to do the same, be it with money or in kind. ‘Do what you can do to help another,’ he says, ‘and you’ll be blessed.’

What got Sunil’s goat most is Lanka’s dirty politics. An outspoken social critic, he satirised politicians in his songs, lampooning them as being incorrigibly corrupt and thoroughly inept. He reserved his wrath in particular for those who rattle the drums of racism for their own political gain and prevent all races living harmoniously in this island as Sri Lankans.

But while flaying others for their vices, Sunil was the first to admit he was no saint; and had revealed his own warts with complete transparency and candour. Often he spoke of his marriage to a girl of 15 when he was 30. ‘I guess it was destiny’, he had said, ‘She was 15 years younger, still at school and just 15. I bought a blouse and skirt and left it at her friend’s place. She would go there after school, change into the skirt and blouse and we would go to the movies. We always went to see Tamil films to avoid people we may know’.

‘She was Buddhist, I was a Catholic but that didn’t matter at all. We courted for just 3 months. Later, her father who was in the police filed a complaint and I was nearly charged with child rape. I went to the police station at 4 in the afternoon that day as a bachelor after being summoned. I was given an ultimatum, either jail or marriage. By the time I returned home at 10 in the night I was married. By the time she turned 20 she already had four children. Today she and I have been happily married for the last 38 years.’

But, he admitted, after marriage, he got the 7 year itch and strayed from the marital bed. ‘My wife was deeply hurt and I was in the dog house for many days. But she forgave me. And I vowed I will never hurt the woman I love again. There is nothing more beautiful than when you are in love with your lifelong partner. My marriage is the best thing that happened to me in my life.’

For all the glamour of show business that surrounded him, Sunil, lived a simple life. His simple philosophy was to be honest, speak the truth without fear, be content with what you have, do good to others and you will receive good in return. Referring to himself and wife, he said: ‘Our religion is not going to church or temples but to practise love, kindness and charity.’

As his mortal remains were consigned to the flames on Monday after his untimely death just eight days short of his 69th birthday, the nation mourned the loss of an extraordinary human being who had not only kept the people entertained for fifty years but had also transcended the divides of his times and expressed home truths in clear and simple terms, laced with his inimitable humour and style.

With the orchestra rising to a crescendo in a final farewell to the singer and his song, play it again, Sunil, in whatever blessed stage you may be on. Play it again, for the show must go on.