• Traces journey as a singer, instrumentalist, and actor

Don Dammika Sampath Bandihettige, also known as “Bandi”, is an individual who shows great talent in acting, singing and playing instruments. He was drawn to these fields while still schooling and has, over the years, built a name for himself in Sri Lanka’s film and music industries.

Bandihettige recently joined The Daily Morning Brunch to share more details about his career and what he has planned for the future.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

How did you get involved in the fields of acting and music?

I first got involved in music when I was still in school, and it was in playing the keyboard that I have since come forward. This journey began with a keyboard that my mother bought for Rs. 14,000 back then.

In terms of acting, I took part in stage dramas in school, and this is how I first got involved in the field. Later, I followed Jayantha Chandrasiri’s acting lessons.

What came next?

I got the opportunity to join Anton Surendra’s Shakthi band as a keyboard player. This was a great strength and guiding light to my career in music. My first performance overseas was with Shakthi. This was in England, and I was only 22 years at the time. I played for Shakthi for around five years, and still play with them from time to time, when the opportunity arises.

I moved on to solo one man shows. What drew me to this was a similar type of solo performance by Athma Liyanage, and this inspiration stays with me even now, as I still perform as a solo keyboard artist.

Moving on to acting, what can you tell us about your work as an actor?

My career as an actor begins with a teledrama called Jeewithaya Lassanai, after which I went on to appear in hundreds of teledramas. What really pushed me to the spotlight was a teledrama called Muthu Kuda. I played the role of “Ehelepola Nilame” in this teledrama.

Characters I played in teledramas like Ado, Sakala Guru, and Kolam Kuttama also gained popularity among their audience. Out of these, my role as the village monk in Kolam Kuttama stands out, as it required great dedication and sacrifice.

My latest work is in the teledrama 4chun Residency, which is currently being telecast.

I have also acted in several movies, one of the most recent being Jayantha Chandrasiri’s Midunu Vishwaya.

What about your work on stage?

I made my debut on stage with Mahatma@Gandhi.com (directed by Prof. Upul Ranjith Hewawitanagamage), in which I played around four characters. I then acted in Suti Gamarala Ha Raigam Banda.

At present, I’m acting in a production of Deyyoth Danne Ne, directed by Sarath Kulanga.

How has your family reacted to your work? Have they supported you?

In terms of family, I have my mother and two older brothers. I receive their support, especially from my second brother.

What comes next for you?

I like all three fields I’m involved in; singing, music, and acting. And I plan on going forward in all three, providing my fans with entertainment while also not causing any harm to others. I must thank everyone who has been a strength to me in my journey.

Translated by Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya