Narada Bakmeewewa

Narada Bakmeewewa is a popular Sri Lankan Sinhala-language television presenter and actor. Narada Bakmeewewa after making his television debut in the mid 1990s, has gone on to become one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and respected Television Personalities. The host of Young Asia Television's highly rated Environmental program Mhisara; and Sirasa TV's Rasa Risi Gee, giving him the unique distinction of appearing both of Sri Lanka's most popular channels: Ruphavahini and MTV.^[1]

Born to an artistic family, from an early age Narada was drawn towards the appeal and the culture of Television and media. He pursued his dreams by studying Television and production at the “National Youth Council.” Narada also holds a Masters Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Keleniya and has been with Young Asia Television since its inception. In front of the camera he is the epitome of exuberance and confidence, conveying a lot of energy, enthusiasm and commitment towards his work. Away from the pressures of work; he enjoys reading, writing, watching films, listening to music and photography. He is also an avid traveller.

Narada Bakmeewewa has also dabbled in the music industry; apart from the chart show Rasa Risi Gee which he co-presents Narada has released an album titled Aneka. Most recently Narada Bakmeewewa played the role of supporting actor in the movie Anjalika. Released on the 28 June 2006, Narada has received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the lead actor's best friend.^[2]

References

Why is Narada out of ‘Rasa Risi Gee’?

The ‘Rasa Risi Gee’ musical programme has been a popular segment on Sirasa TV for more than ten years and the two presenters Narada Bakmeewewa and Thanuja Jayawardana became household names from the inception of the programme.

But the music scene was abuzz with rumours during the past few weeks that Narada Bakmeewewa was out of Rasa Risi Gee? Indeed Narada was not seen in the programme during the past few weeks and that must have fuelled the speculation.

But Daily Mirror Life spoke to Narada Bakmeewewa a few days ago, to find out what had really gone wrong and why he was not being featured on his trademark programme ‘Rasa Risi Gee’.

“Believe me, even I am in a confused state not knowing whether I am in or out of Rasa Risi Gee. As you know I am a permanent staffer at YATV which does not have a channel of its own. We get slots on other channels to telecast our programmes. At the same time I was freelancing on other channels including Sirasa TV, which featured the much-acclaimed ‘Rasa Risi Gee’ segment. During this period I made sure not to take part in any musical programme since I believed it might affect ‘Rasa Risi Gee’.

Rasa Risi Gee is about ten years old now and I together with Thanuja as the presenters did our best to make it a success. For nearly ten years we hardly had problems to grumble about since it was part of our lives.

I was recently approached by the programme’s producer who asked me if I could only focus on Sirasa Rasa Gee and give up my assignments with other channels. I could not believe my ears. Why on earth are they concerned about my working in other channels, which I had been doing for about ten years? I told him that I could consider his proposal provided I would be paid at least 80% of what I was getting by working in other channels.

”But since then I was never contacted. I cannot understand why Sirasa was disturbed about my working in other channels now. I had been doing that for ten years. I personally feel if such a request had to be made, it should have come from a responsible authoritative top official. Now it is evident that the channel is not interested in me. But I only regret the way I was treated after hosting one of the most popular programmes of Sirasa for ten years. Honeslty I feel sad about Rasa Rasa Gee. It’s just like a parent losing a ten-year-old child.

“I recall how I was called in to present this programme ten years ago by former Sirasa chief Nimal laxapathiarachchi. Rasa Risi Gee was an experimental programme. Within three months it became a hit programme. But after Nimal left Sirasa, Rasa Risi Gee became an orphan. Nobody cared to look into its wellbeing. The programme went on for years solely due to my and Tanuja’s keenness. Then we were tortured by changing the telecast times and thus dropping the high ratings it once enjoyed. This is life. Nothing is permamnet in this world. I wish Rasa Risi Gee every success,” concluded Narada who is now also an actor. He made his debut as an actor in Anjalika, which is enjoying a successful run now.

“Though I initially hesitated before accepting the role in Anjalika, I think acting gives me pleasure. I have decided to act in films if I am offered suitable roles,” said Narada… Narada of Rasa Risi Gee fame.

Daily Mirror news paper Sri Lanka