16 October 2021 01:26 am Views - 580
The untimely demise of Sunil Perera, versatile singer, musician, composer and entertainer brings back a flood of memories to Felicia Dean, former Managing Director of Zenith Advertising and her team who had associated very closely in the 90’s when Sunil, the best loved entertainer, was introduced as a brand ambassador for the first time to promote the Singer range of audio video.
It took a great deal of convincing to get to Sunil agree as it was the very first time that any agency or company had approached him with such a proposition. Sunil was reluctant to appear in any TV Commercial since he was too shy and self-conscious. However, after much convincing he agreed to appear in the first ever TV Commercial featuring him as brand ambassador which incidentally helped clinch a Gold at the Annual Advertising Awards.
The outstanding jingle composed by Sunil with very simple, powerful and meaningful lyrics touched the hearts of Sri Lankan consumers across all social strata and was sung in his own inimitable style. “Anang Manang Mama Kiyanne Ney, Singerta Samana Kisiwak Ney, Ganna Singer, Masuran Wati, Gaththoth Singer Wardinney, Gaththu Ayata Thawa Weradila Ney, Ganna Singer, Masuran Wati”; the catchy melody still resonates in our minds though two decades have passed. The testimonial from Sri Lanka’s larger-than-life music legend Sunil Perera elevated the brand to the role of a ‘lead singer’ in the country.
Sunil was reluctant to appear in any TV Commercial since he was too shy and self-conscious. However, after much convincing he agreed to appear in the first ever TV Commercial featuring him as brand ambassador
Quite unassuming despite his unparalleled achievements, Sunil, the musical genius, captivated music lovers across generations with his inimitable, powerful voice for over five decades. Those who had the luck to know him will swear that he was one of the most down to earth celebrities they had ever met because he didn’t have the typical celebrity attitude and was always in the mood to have a normal human being to human being conversation. He did not lose touch with the common man despite his rise to stardom. He was outspoken against social injustice, corruption, racism and suppression of democracy- both on and off stage- and much of his music reflected unconventional ideas and viewpoints. He was such an amazing person to be around – very kind and cheerful with a positive aura and could always light up a room with his light hearted conversations.
An extra-ordinary man, singer and human being he helped so many people and touched so many lives not just with his music but with his generosity and wisdom. His music, his style, his genius endeared him to millions of fans as he carved out a niche for himself and the band ‘Gypsies’ in the music world.
This heartfelt tribute is a token of our love and admiration for Sunil, an entertainer par excellence and a great friend of Zenith Advertising. For someone like Sunil, there is no death. He is so much part of the Sri Lankan society. His powerful voice will echo through the ages. He is only an enduring legacy that will live long even after we have passed.
May he rest in peace and may his family have the strength to get through this difficult time.
Felicia Dean (Ex Zenith Advertising Team)