Raga Hansadhwani - Asith Atapattu

Raga Hansadhwani by Asith Atapattu
Asith Chanushka Atapattu is a very talented Hindustani Classical Vocalist in Sri Lanka who possesses a fascinating vocal tone. He started learning Hindustani Classical Music at the age of 10 under the guidance of Dr. Premadasa Mudunkotuwa. He obtained Sangit Visharad degree in Hindustani Vocal and Violin in 1998 & 2001 respectively. He learnt Carnatic Music under the guidance of Dr. Arunthathy Sri Renganathan.

Then he got the opportunity to study in Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, India in 2004 as a scholarship holder of ICCR New Delhi, India. In 2007 he completed the degree of Bachelor of Performing Arts in Hindustani Vocal Music with first class distinction under the guidance of Dr. Sunita Bhale.

While he was studying in Lucknow, he was able to complete the degree of Sangit Nipun in Vocal with First Class Distinction in 2007 under the guidance of Pt. Ganesh Prassad Mishra (renowned vocalist of Banaras Gharana) & Prof. Krishna Kumar Kapoor. In the meantime he got the opportunity to complete Sangit Visharad degree in Tabla under the guidance of Senior Lecturer and veteran artist Darshanapathi Wijerathne Ranathunga and Prof. Sudheer Kumar Verma renowned Tabla Guru of Farrukhabad Gharana.

In 2009 he entered Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India for his postgraduate studies where he completed his Master of Music degree with merits and won the B.H.U. Gold Medal for standing first at the M.Mus Vocal examination in 2009.

In 2009 he entered Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India for his postgraduate studies where he completed his Master of Music degree with merits and won the B.H.U. Gold Medal for standing first at the M.Mus Vocal examination in 2009.

During his musical journey he has achieved many awards for his talent. He won the 1st places in Solo Singing – Hindustani Classical Music from 1996 to 1999 at the all Island School Music, Dance and Drama Contests conducted by the Education Department of Sri Lanka. He won the 1st places at All Island National Youth Awards in Solo Singing – Hindustani Classical Music in 2001 - 2003, Sri Lankan Folk Singing in 2003.

During his stay in India he has achieved the first place in the “Bhatkhande Sangit Pratiyogita” contest organized by Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, India in 2007. He won the first place for Hindustani Solo Singing in the “SPANDAN” music competition organized by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India in 2008. In 2016 He has achieved the “Best Upcoming Singer” award in the State Music Festival Sri Lanka for his song “Sasare Patha”.

He has performed in several areas in India as well as in Indian Universities. He gave number of Hindustani Vocal recitals in Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation. He is an “A” grade Hindustani Classical Vocalist in Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation.

Presently he is attached to the University of the Visual & Performing Arts, Colombo 07 as a Lecturer in HIndustani Classical Music and reading for his PhD degree at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, W.B., India.