On today’s Buzz with Danu, I’m sitting down with a powerhouse of talent — singer, stage actress, teacher, and yes, even a law graduate! From Broadway to gospel to Sinhala classics, she’s celebrating a fabulous decade of music with her upcoming recital, From Now On. Let’s welcome the incredible Dmitri Gunatilake!

1.    Ten years of music! If you had to sum up your decade on stage in one song title, what would it be?

I hardly remember lyrics of songs, let alone the name of them, but going to be basic and say “This is me” from The Greatest Showman

2.    Which is more nerve-wracking — hitting that impossible high note or walking into your very first law lecture?

Being the nervous creature I am, probably both, but being nervous doesn't help when singing, so I’d purposely calm myself down before I perform, so I’ll say walking into my very first lecture. Since I considered myself shy and backwards at first. 

3.    Your recital includes Broadway, opera, gospel, and Sinhala classics. If all these genres were dinner guests, who would be the diva, who’d be the storyteller, and who’d be the troublemaker?

Diva - Broadway (everyone wants to be a star) 

Storyteller - Sinhala classics (Sri Lankans are always good storytellers) 

Troublemaker - Opera 

4.    What’s the most unusual place you’ve ever had to rehearse? (Shower, traffic, train ride…?)

I was doing a production, and I remember having rehearsals at far-off places and unknown schools. But other than that, thank god, they’ve all been pretty normal places. As far as I remember. 

5.    If you could duet with anyone in history — living or dead — who would be your dream partner?

Strange combo - Adele, Harry Styles, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, C T Fernando. 

6.    On stage, you’ve played many roles. Which role made you say, “I’m never doing THAT again” — and why?

There was one particular play I did out of obligation, which wasn't the best and cannot be named. But I’ve always only said yes to roles I really wanted to play and be a part of. So loved every one of them. They’ve all been an “experience”. 

7.    If your life were turned into a stage play, what would the opening scene look like?

Probably me at my old age, reminiscing about the life I lived and probably telling someone my story, and then the play rewinds to the past. 

8.    Do you ever “accidentally” use your acting skills in everyday situations?

Always! All the time! The easiest way to deal with people and situations. 

9.    Which is more dramatic — theatre rehearsals or backstage gossip?

I’d say both are equally dramatic, in different ways. I haven’t been as privy to backstage gossip, but I hear it’s juicy or may be a little more than the theatre rehearsals. 

10.    You studied law — has that ever helped you win a friendly debate over dinner?

Yes, friendly. Not so friendly. But I try not to get into debates and just nod my head and go have the debate I could’ve had in my mind at home. 

11.    If your law degree were a song, would it be a soulful ballad, a power anthem, or a comedy number?

A power anthem. Simply cos I had to beat the odds to get it. No one wanted me to do a law degree and become a lawyer. But I was dead set on doing it, so I had to make sure that I passed out as a lawyer, somehow. 

12.    What’s one thing you learned from studying law that unexpectedly helps you in music or theatre?

I think it’s the other way around. So much of the discipline and memorising, and drama needed for law, I got through music and theatre. 

13.    As a teacher, what’s the one “forbidden” piece of advice you give your students that isn’t in the textbook?

Not forbidden as such, but I do tell them the importance of understanding yourself, the song and performance in addition to studying just the melody and music of a song. 

14.    Which gives you a bigger high — seeing a student nail their first performance, or hearing an audience give you a standing ovation?

They both would actually. As a performer, it’s amazing to see your audience appreciate your skill and effort, and on the other hand, teaching is rewarding in a different way, especially when you manage to inspire your students to do their best. 

15.    What’s your pre-show ritual — calm meditation, frantic wardrobe changes, or something completely outrageous?

Calm meditation and gathering my thoughts, alone and in peace for sure. 

16.    If you could instantly master one skill you don’t have yet — music, theatre, or something totally random — what would you choose?

Perhaps to play a few instruments. Too much effort to master any other skill at the moment. 

17.    Which would you pick for a day: a backstage pass to any concert in the world, or a pass to sit in on any class or lecture you want?

Pass to sit in at any concert. Will never go back to studying. Having said that, I’ve always dreamt of going to study Law at Harvard. Not sure if I want to do that, but I don’t mind going and sitting in for one lecture. That’s it. 

18.    What’s the most fabulous compliment you’ve ever received after a performance?

That the audience feels at home when they see me perform, and that they go through all the emotions that I am singing about. That’s the best compliment I can get, cos I am myself on stage and I’m glad that people like that.

FROM NOW ON: A Recital by Dmitri Gunatilake Celebrating a Decade of Song & Music 

24th August 2025

Bishop’s College Auditorium

Tickets: LKR 3000 (Free Seating)

Reservations: 0718 935 301 | 0776 465 171 | 0774 010 294