Who is Nanda Malini?

Among the most famous people in Sri Lanka, singers hold the top-most place, as the Sri Lankan performing arts including music and dancing have recognition all over the world. Despite the singer being male or female, hundreds of artists in Sri Lanka address the world in their language representing Sri Lanka. Among these pillars of pride, Nanda Malini is one of the all-time favorite singing personalities on this small island. Hence, ‘Nanda Malini’ is a name that cannot be easily unheard of by any citizen in Sri Lanka.

In fact, this is a name that is necessary for the establishment of the music industry of Sri Lanka. She is not just a random singer in the field, but an idol, a role model, and an inspiration in the field. No matter how fast the industry evolves, how many modern singers walk in, and how many different styles come in! Still, the classical voice of Nada Malini remains the same.

One of her specialties is that she specializes in addressing socio-political issues vocally through her songs. Hence, her songs always reach the audience faster and more impactfully as they touch the most intricate human relationships emotionally. 

In the 70s and 80s Malini became known for her songs about social justice, from satirical lyrics about corruption to rallying calls for Sri Lankans to look past racial and religious divides and stand up against tyranny.

The Legacy of Nanda Malini

Establishing her identity through her voice, she has been a massively talented vocalist in the Sri Lankan music industry since then. By extending her legacy beyond the scope of singing, she has established a music academy in Sri Lanka, namely the ‘Nanda Malini Ashram’. She has educated a large number of students to pursue their passions by establishing an academy to find hidden individuals in society. 

Throughout her career, she has produced 25 cassettes with collections of her songs. Some of them are Malata Renu, Sadhu Nada, and Sari Podiththak. In 2007, she released her first CD, Etha Kandu Yaye, which included eight of her award-winning songs. After walking through such an impeccable journey just because of her soulful talent, she has been rewarded with countless awards and recognitions throughout her life.

The highest recognition she could earn was the honorary degree of ‘Darshana Shuri‘ – Doctor of Philosophy of Fine Arts, from the University of Visual and Performing Arts. It says that it was the first time that a female artist could gain recognition from a university in Sri Lanka. So, she is a controversial artist who opened up many opportunities for young, upcoming artists in the field. 

Apart from industrial recognition, a hybrid orchid has been named after her “Nanda Malini Ascosanda’ in tribute to her legacy. 

Her Albums

Her albums range for about more than 50 and some of them are as follows;

• Pereda Maha Ra
• Pahan Kanda
• Sathua Geethaya
• Hemanthayedi
• Tharuka Es
• Pavana
• Sindu Hodiya
• Kinduriyakage Vilapaya
• Madhu Bandung
• Tharu
• Malamada Bisau
• Cinema Geethwalokana
• Kiri Madu Wal
• Londanayesi Gayu Gee
• Yathra
• Handahami
• Sanka Padma
• Pembara Lanka
• Kunguma Pottu
• Gramophone Gee
• Araliya Landata
• Malata Renu
• Nilambare
• Sari Podiththak
• Pirith Pen