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Every episode of Fame Game, hosted by Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz, is known for its unscripted moments and candid conversations. Recently, the hosts sat down with Dr. Rohan De Lanerolle, one half of the celebrated De Lanerolle Brothers, to explore his journey in music and life. For over sixteen years, Rohan and his brother Ishan have been prominent figures in Sri Lanka’s music scene, admired for their harmonies, iconic sit-down dinner concerts, and lasting contribution to the country’s cultural landscape. On Fame Game, Rohan shared laughter, reflections, and heartfelt insights into artistry, family, and what it takes to build a musical legacy.
Q: You have been performing for many years. Have you ever encountered people imitating you, your style, your performances, or even your shows?
Quite a few. There are always people who could be described as “wannabes.” However, the truth is that imitation has its limits. You may be introduced as the closest thing to Elvis Presley, but you will never actually be Elvis Presley. Similarly, there are people who may try to copy us, but copying never works unless it truly suits you. Drawing inspiration is perfectly fine, but at the end of the day, you must shape it into something that reflects your own identity. For instance, we have been doing sit-down dinner shows for sixteen years, and no one has been able to recreate that experience. The reason is simple. It requires significant financial investment, careful planning, and an extraordinary level of attention to detail. It is not something that can be duplicated merely for the sake of it.
Q: Your brother once said that he came into this world simply because you wanted him to. Do you agree?
I would say that is absolutely true. In fact, he really has to thank me for everything in his life. At that time, my parents had no plans of having another child, but I insisted on having a younger brother. His very existence is because I wanted him, and when I look at the successes he has achieved, I like to think that I played a part from the very beginning. Even important milestones such as his marriage unfolded because I wanted the best for him. So when he says that he is here because of me, I can only smile and agree. He is absolutely right.
Q: Do you believe that performing as brothers has made the De Lanerolle brand stronger?
Definitely. I have always believed that when people come together, a brand becomes stronger. As brothers, our dynamic has added both strength and depth to what we do. I also see opportunities for the De Lanerolle Brothers to grow further by collaborating with other associations and brands in the future.
Q: Ishan hinted that the De Lanerolle Brothers might call it a day after twenty years. Is that accurate?
We share a common philosophy. There is great value in stopping while you are still at your peak. Artistic voices change over time, and public taste evolves, so choosing to step away on a high note preserves the memory of what you did best. In short, we would rather be remembered for leaving when the audience still wants more than for lingering until the work loses its shine.
Q: Between the concerts and the De Lanerolle Brothers Tea brand, which is more lucrative?
The tea brand is our bread and butter. We do not hold concerts every month, so the tea business sustains us, while music continues to be our passion.
Q: On stage you appear outspoken and commanding. Do you carry that same presence at home?
Not at all. At home, it is my wife who runs the show. I step in and contribute wherever I can, but the household is very much her domain and I respect that completely. She is the one in charge there, and I am more than happy to let her be the boss.
Q: You have worked with accompanists like Soundarie David, Sureka Amerasinghe, and Rohan de Silva. How would you describe that relationship?
The accompanist follows us, but they also bring their own artistry to the performance. For example, Rohan de Silva is truly exceptional. He is the only classical pianist from Sri Lanka to have performed at the White House for four U.S. Presidents, and in his field, no one comes close. Soundarie David is extremely sensitive and always attuned to every nuance of the performance. Sureka Amerasinghe brings warmth and intensity, seamlessly moving from Broadway to pop. Each accompanist contributes something unique, and as performers, we rely on that connection, especially because I tend to make changes during the performance.
Q: You mentioned changing mid-performance. Why do you do that?
Emotion. No song is ever sung the same way twice. Even in the same concert, it will be different. I learned that from the late Sunil Perera. He never sang a song the same way. That freshness keeps the audience engaged and makes every performance alive.
Q: Some critics say your repertoire has not evolved and that you still perform the same classics. How do you respond?
We have heard that criticism and take it seriously. The reality is that audiences come to our concerts to hear the songs they love. When people ask for Spanish Eyes, Ganga Addara, and Master Sir, removing those pieces risks disappointing the very people who support us.
On one occasion, we changed about forty percent of our set list and received some negative feedback because fans missed those familiar favourites. That taught us an important lesson about balance. We continue to introduce new songs, fresh arrangements, and subtle twists, while preserving the classic pieces that define our shows. In this way, we pursue artistic growth without losing the audience who make our concerts possible.
Q: What are your thoughts on receiving a standing ovation from a Sri Lankan audience?
Standing ovations are rare in Sri Lanka. It is not that Sri Lankan audiences do not appreciate performances. They show their appreciation by singing along and getting involved, but they are often hesitant to stand up. Perhaps it is cultural, or perhaps people simply do not want to break the atmosphere by moving. I have seen spontaneous standing ovations abroad, where audiences rise without hesitation. Here they are uncommon, which makes them all the more meaningful when they do.
Q: Can we know your thoughts on performing without microphones?
That is how we were trained. In certain venues, microphones are not necessary. The human voice, raw and unamplified, has its own power and beauty. Sadly, today, everything tends to be over-amplified. Nothing, however, matches the purity and impact of hearing a voice in its natural form
Q: Have you ever insured your voice, like some artists insure their body parts?
Not yet! In Sri Lanka, I don’t think there’s an option. But it’s a good idea. Voices are assets, after all.
Q: What do you do to maintain your voice? Any rituals?
Rest and discipline. No milk a week before a concert, it creates phlegm. No ice drinks. Honey sometimes, but mostly it’s about protecting the voice. After a concert, though, my treat is cornflakes with milk!
Q: Have you considered writing or performing originals?
We have been asked this question for many years. Creating original songs requires a significant amount of time because it involves writing, composing, and extensive rehearsal. Singing is not our full-time occupation, as we have other work commitments as well. For these reasons, we chose to focus on performing covers, but we approach them in a unique way, arranging them in harmony and adding our own interpretation. This approach has become one of our greatest strengths.
Q: Without giving away too many details, what can audiences expect from your 2025 Christmas concert?
Christmas actually starts early for us, and much of the preparation happens in November. This year, we have something very special planned. For the first time, the De Lanerolle Brothers will be performing with a full band.
It will be an eight-piece or ten-piece band, depending on the final arrangements, and they will be playing Christmas music, which is a first for us. Previously, the band accompanied our pop shows, but this will be the first time they are part of the Christmas concert. The event will take place at the Hilton on the 26th of November, and we invite everyone not to miss it.
