H. R. Jothipala

Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala (; 12 February 1936 – 7 July 1987), popularly known as H. R. Jothipala, was a Sri Lankan playback singer in the Sinhala cinema as well as a film actor and producer. Considered as the best playback singer in Sri Lankan film history, Jothipala lent his voice to all classes of actors ranging from Eddie Jayamanne to Shashi Wijendra. He also worked as an opera singer. He died in July 1987 at the age of 51 year from cardiac arrest.

Personal life Jothipala was born on 12 February 1936 in Dematagoda, Colombo, Sri Lanka as the first child in a middle-class family. His father H. R. James was a tailor in Matara and mother Ahaliyagoda H. K. Podinona Perera was a nurse. Their home town is Matara, Sri Lanka & They later moved to Colombo. 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. He cleaned medicine bottles at the Sulaiman Hospital on Armor Street, Colombo. Later he worked as the peon in M. D. Gunasena and the company.

He was married to Blossom Winter, they had four 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.

Career Early days Nadarajah, one of the best radio tabla players in the country at the time, was living at Kosgas Junction in Grandpass, Colombo. One day he heard Jothipala singing and chose to sing Hindi songs at the weddings of the Colombo aristocracy.

In 1955, he missed three golden opportunities to become a playback singer. At first, he went to meet Wimalaweera master who composed music for the film Podi Putha. During the audition, Wimalaweera informed Jothipala that his voice is not right, where it trembles and not sweet. In February, Jothipala and Chandrasena went Negombo and met B. A. W. Jayamanne and Rukmani Devi. Even though they satisfied about his voice, Jothipala could not go to India for playback as he did not have a passport. In the third time, he met A. B. Raj, director of the film Perakadoru Bena. He refused Jothipala due to having rough voice. 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.

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 criticized 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. Jothipala is considered the backbone of Sri Lankan playback singing. He has voiced a wide array of actors across many decades in his era. Apart from singing, he also acted in 35 films.

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. He made his film debut as an actor in 1958 with a minor role in the film Daskama and later played mostly villain characters. Jothipala sang many duets with Sujatha Attanayake and Latha Walpola,'but largely with Angeline Gunathilake. Jothipala's best friend was the then popular singer J. A. Milton Perera. In the late 1950s, the duo debated their theme song "Anangaya" cult on the radio commercial service. Jothipala won the Best Singer award for his song "Mee Jeevanaye" from the 1974 film Onna Babo Billo Enawa. At the 1983 Sarasaviya Awards, Jothipala won the Award for Best Singer for the song "Sara Sande" from the film Meedum Sihina and for the song "Paalu Susane" from the 1986 film Obata Divura Kiyannam. The cause of his death was said to be 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 Ratnam 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 underway throughout the country for his commemorations.

Filmography and Playback singing

Year Film Acting role Other roles Ref. 1956 Surathali Playback singing 1958 Ekamath Eka Rataka Playback singing 1958 Deyyange Rate Playback singing 1958 Daskama Crowd member Playback singing 1958 Vana Mohini Playback singing 1959 Avishwasaya Playback singing 1959 Sri 296 Playback singing 1959 Gehenu Geta Playback singing 1960 Subhadra Playback singing 1960 Sandeshaya Playback singing 1960 Nalangana Playback singing 1961 Suvineetha Lalani Playback singing 1961 Gan Thera Playback singing 1962 Sansare Playback singing 1962 Suhada Divi Piduma Playback singing 1963 Sudu Sande Kalu Wala Jothipala 'Nondi Jothi' Playback singing 1963 Deepashika Playback singing 1964 Kala Kala De Pala Pala De Playback singing 1964 Sulalitha Sobhani Soldier Playback singing 1964 Samiya Birindage Deviyaya Playback singing 1964 Samaje Api Okkoma Samanai Playback singing 1964 Sithaka Mahima Playback singing 1965 Sapatha Soya Playback singing 1965 Hithata Hitha Playback singing 1965 Satha Panaha Playback singing 1965 Sweep Ticket Playback singing 1966 Athulweema Thahanam Playback singing 1966 Kinkini Paada Playback singing 1966 Seegiri Kashyapa Playback singing 1966 Sudu Duva Playback singing 1966 Athulweema Thahanam Playback singing 1967 Hitha Giya Thena Playback singing 1968 Pini Bindu Playback singing 1968 London Hamu Playback singing 1968 Wanasara Playback singing 1968 Amathikama Playback singing 1968 Ruhunu Kumari Playback singing 1968 Dehadaka Duka Playback singing 1969 Oba Nathi nam Playback singing 1969 Mee Masso Playback singing 1969 Suranyangeth Suraya Playback singing 1969 Uthum Sthriya Playback singing 1969 Praweshamvanna Playback singing 1970 Sumudu Bharya Playback singing 1970 Dan Mathakada Playback singing 1970 Athma Pooja Playback singing 1970 Geetha Sam Playback singing 1970 Ohoma Harida Playback singing 1970 Suli Sulang Playback singing 1971 Davena Pipasa Playback singing 1971 Hathara Denama Surayo Playback singing 1971 Abhirahasa Lover Playback singing 1971 Seeye Nottuwa Playback singing 1971 Sahanaya 1972 Adare Hithenawa Dakkama Playback singing 1972 Edath Sooraya Adath Sooraya Playback singing 1972 Sujeewa Douglas Playback singing 1972 Ada Mehemai Playback singing 1972 Hithaka Pipunu Mal Playback singing 1972 Lokuma Hindawa Singer Playback singing 1972 Me Desa Kumatada Playback singing 1972 Ihatha Athmaya Singer Playback singing 1973 Suhada Pathuma Playback singing 1973 Aparadhaya Ha Danduwama Playback singing 1973 Thushara Playback singing 1973 Sadahatama Oba Mage Playback singing 1973 Hathdinnath Tharu Playback singing 1973 Hondama Welawa Playback singing 1973 Sinawai Inawai Playback singing 1973 Sunethra Ajith Playback singing 1973 Hondai Narakai Playback singing 1973 Dahakin Ekek Playback singing 1973 Hondata Hondai Playback singing 1974 Duleeka Playback singing 1974 Kasthuri Suwanda Playback singing 1974 Dinum Kanuwa Playback singing 1974 Sheela Playback singing 1974 Surekha Playback singing 1974 Kalyani Ganga Playback singing 1974 Shanthi Playback singing 1974 Onna Babo Billo Enawa Playback singing 1974 Susee Playback singing 1974 Duppathage Hithawatha Playback singing 1974 Lasanda Playback singing 1974 Sahayata Danny Sandun Playback singing 1974 Wasthuwa Playback singing 1974 Jeewana Ganga Playback singing 1974 Rodi Gama Playback singing 1975 Hitha Honda Minihek Playback singing 1975 Obai Mamai Sanath Playback singing 1975 Pem Kurullo Playback singing 1975 Raththaran Amma Playback singing 1975 Tharanga Playback singing 1975 Awa Soya Adare Playback singing 1975 Sukiri Kella Sumith Playback singing 1975 Kohoma Kiyannada Playback singing 1975 Cyril Malli Playback singing 1975 Mage Nangi Shyama Playback singing 1975 Lassana Kella Playback singing 1975 Kokilayo Playback singing 1975 Gijulihiniyo Playback singing 1975 Sooraya Soorayamai Playback singing 1975 Ranwan Rekha Playback singing 1975 Jeewana Geethaya 1975 Damayanthi Playback singing 1975 Sikuruliya Playback singing 1975 Lassana Davasak Playback singing 1975 Sadhana Playback singing 1975 Hadawathaka Wasanthaya Playback singing 1975 Sangeetha Playback singing 1976 Pradeepe Ma Wewa Playback singing 1976 Nayana Playback singing 1976 Kawuda Raja Playback singing 1976 Wasana Playback singing 1976 Ganga Playback singing 1976 Harima Badu Thunak Playback singing 1976 Wanarayo Playback singing 1976 Unnath Dahai Malath Dahai Playback singing 1976 Onna Mame Kella Panapi Playback singing 1976 Saradielge Putha Playback singing 1976 Adarei Man Adarei Playback singing 1976 Nedeyo Playback singing 1976 Ran Thilaka Playback singing 1977 Neela Playback singing 1977 Sakunthala Playback singing 1977 Sudu Paraviyo Playback singing 1977 Hithuwakkarayo Playback singing 1977 Sri Madara Playback singing 1977 Hariyanakota Ohama Thama Playback singing 1977 Hithuwoth Hithuwamai Playback singing 1977 Niluka Playback singing 1977 Pembara Madhu Playback singing 1977 Chin Chin Nona Playback singing 1977 Honda Hitha Playback singing 1977 Yali Ipade Playback singing 1977 Sajaa Playback singing 1977 Sikuru Dasawa 1977 Chandi Putha Playback singing 1977 Aege Adara Kathawa Playback singing 1977 Maruwa Samaga Wase Playback singing 1977 Tom Pachaya Playback singing 1977 Yakadaya Playback singing 1978 Sithaka Suwanda Playback singing 1978 Chandi Shyama Playback singing 1978 Vishmaya Playback singing 1978 Madhuwanthi Playback singing 1978 Sri Pathula Playback singing 1978 Hitha Mithura Playback singing 1978 Kundalakeshi Playback singing 1978 Tikira Playback singing 1978 Sally Playback singing 1978 Apsara Playback singing 1978 Deepanjali Playback singing 1978 Apeksha Playback singing 1978 Kumara Kumariyo Playback singing 1978 Sasara Playback singing 1978 Sandawata Rantharu Playback singing 1978 Anupama Playback singing 1979 Samanmali Playback singing 1979 Geheniyak Playback singing 1979 Minisun Athara Minisek Playback singing 1979 Jeewana Kandulu Playback singing 1979 Amal Biso Playback singing 1979 Hingana Kolla Playback singing 1979 Raja Kurullo Playback singing 1979 Eka Hitha Playback singing 1979 Rosa Mal Thunak Playback singing 1979 Anusha Playback singing 1979 Akke Mata Awasara Playback singing 1979 Sugandi Playback singing 1979 Sawudan Jema Playback singing 1979 Subhani Playback singing 1979 Wisihathara Peya Playback singing 1979 Hari Pudumai Playback singing 1980 Tak Tik Tuk Playback singing 1980 Silva Playback singing 1980 Ektam Ge Playback singing 1980 Seetha Playback singing 1980 Adara Rathne Playback singing 1980 Doctor Susantha Playback singing 1980 Sasaraka Pathum Playback singing 1980 Bambara Pahasa Playback singing 1980 Muwanpalessa 2 Playback singing 1980 Raja Dawasak Playback singing 1980 Sankhapali Playback singing 1980 Sabeetha Playback singing 1980 Api Dedena Playback singing 1981 Mihidum Sihina Playback singing 1981 Ranga Playback singing 1981 Sathweni Dawasa Playback singing 1981 Valampuri Playback singing 1981 Senasuma Playback singing 1981 Amme Mata Samawenna Playback singing 1981 Ridee Thalla Playback singing 1981 Geethika Playback singing 1981 Jeewanthi Playback singing 1982 Thana Giravi Dinesh Playback singing 1982 Sakvithi Suwaya Playback singing 1982 Thani Tharuwa Playback singing 1982 Sudu Ayya Playback singing 1982 Pethi Gomara Playback singing 1982 Eka Diga Kathawak Playback singing 1982 Sanasanna Ma Playback singing 1982 Anuradha Playback singing 1982 Rahasak Nathi Rahasak Playback singing 1982 Kiri Suwanda Playback singing 1982 Sithara Playback singing 1982 Hello Shyama Playback singing 1982 Thakkita Tharikita Playback singing 1982 Newatha Hamuwemu Playback singing 1982 Miss Mallika Playback singing 1982 Rail Para Playback singing 1983 Ran Mini Muthu Playback singing 1983 Sandamali Playback singing 1983 Sumithuro Jayantha Hettiarachchi Playback singing, Producer 1983 Samuganimi Ma Samiyani Playback singing 1983 Yali Pipunu Malak Playback singing 1983 Karate Joe Playback singing 1983 Thunhiri al Playback singing 1983 Senehasaka Kandulu Playback singing 1983 Loku Thaththa Playback singing 1983 Mal Madhu Playback singing 1983 Muwanpalessa 3 Playback singing 1983 Hithath Hondai Wadath Hondai Playback singing 1983 Bonikko Inspector 1984 Kiir Kawadi Playback singing 1984 Thaththai Puthai Playback singing 1984 Binari Saha Sudu Banda Playback singing 1984 Bambara Patikki Playback singing 1984 Kokila Playback singing 1984 Namal Renu Playback singing 1984 Rana Derana Playback singing 1984 Hadawathaka Wedana Playback singing 1984 Batti Playback singing 1984 Ara Soyza Playback singing 1984 Birinda Playback singing 1984 Jaya Sikurui Playback singing 1985 Araliya Mal Playback singing 1985 Channai Kello Dennai Playback singing 1985 Obata Diwura Kiyannam Playback singing 1985 Adarayaka Mahima Playback singing 1985 Sudu Mama Playback singing 1985 Doo Daruwo Playback singing 1985 Kirimaduwal Playback singing 1986 Mal Warusa Playback singing 1986 Prarthana Playback singing 1986 Peralikarayo Playback singing 1986 Gimhane Gee Nade Playback singing 1986 Jaya Apatai Playback singing 1987 Yugayen Yugataya Playback singing 1987 Hitha Honda Chandiya Playback singing 1987 Kiwulegedara Mohottala Playback singing 1987 Yukthiyada Shakthiyada Playback singing 1987 Kawuluwa Playback singing 1987 Raja Wadakarayo Playback singing 1987 Ran Damwal Playback singing 1987 Obatai Priye Adare Playback singing 1987 Ahinsa Playback singing 1988 Chandingeth Chandiya Playback singing 1988 Amme Oba Nisa Playback singing 1988 Angulimala Playback singing 1988 Nawa Gilunath Ban Chun Playback singing 1988 Satana Playback singing 1989 Mamai Raja Playback singing 1989 Badulu Kochchiya Playback singing 1989 Waradata Danduwama Playback singing 1990 Dese Mal Pipila Playback singing 1990 Sambudu Mahima Playback singing 1991 Salabak Handai Playback singing 1992 Sakvithi Raja Playback singing 1992 Roomathiyay Neethiyay Playback singing 1993 Chaya Playback singing 1997 Vijayagrahanaya Playback singing 1998 Aeya Obata Barai Playback over 15,000 more than singing