Falan Andrea has blossomed into one of Sri Lanka’s most recognizable young voices, with over 25 original songs and countless performances both locally and internationally. While her music and stage presence have earned her a devoted following, she speaks with refreshing honesty about the challenges of promoting her own work, the ongoing search for her authentic sound, and her determination to grow beyond labels. In this conversation on Fame Game with Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz, Falan sits down for an open-hearted discussion about her journey so far, the lessons she has learned, and the dreams that continue to propel her forward. What emerges is a portrait of an artist still in the making, one who understands that fame may come quickly, but true artistry is built patiently over time.
Falan, it is hard to believe it has already been nearly five years since your big breakthrough. I remember you used to carry your little toy pig. Do you still have it with you?
Oh, my piggy is no more. I eventually had to give it up. My mother told me very firmly, “You are 24 now, it is time to stop carrying that around.” It was my comfort object back then, something that kept me calm when I was nervous. But yes, I finally had to let go of it.
How has life been since the night you won Dream Star?
Honestly, it has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Growing up, I used to dream of being on stage, imagining big crowds while singing into a mirror. But life took me down a different path. I studied HRM and worked in a nine to five corporate job. Applying for Dream Star was a leap of faith, something I did purely out of passion. Winning was a shock. It completely transformed my life. Suddenly, I was not just Falan from Kalutara. I was the Dream Star winner. Since then, my life has been filled with opportunities, challenges, and experiences I never imagined.
Do you remember your very first performance in front of a live audience, outside of competitions?
Yes, it was with the band Freeze. I was a background vocalist at first, very shy and hiding behind others. But Senal, the band leader, kept pushing me to step up. He would say, “Falan, go to the front, sing solo, connect with the crowd.” Slowly, I found my confidence. Freeze really shaped me. When I told them I was thinking of applying for Dream Star, Senal gave me his blessing. He said, “If this is your calling, go for it.” That kind of support was invaluable.
You have become a familiar name in the industry. How have senior artists responded to your rise, with competition or with encouragement?
I have to say it has been nothing but encouragement. Some of the most respected legends in the industry have even reached out personally to thank me for singing their songs, which is truly humbling because these are the very artists I grew up admiring. At the same time, many event organizers still request the covers I performed during the competition. While I sometimes wish I could focus only on my original songs, I understand why those songs are important. They are what first helped people connect with me and shaped the bond I share with my audience.
Speaking of originals, how many songs have you released so far?
Around 25. They include solo tracks, duets, teledrama themes, and some sing-along numbers. But I have to admit, not enough people know about them. Many fans still ask me when I am planning to release originals, even though I already have.
What do you think is the reason people are not aware of your original songs?
It is because I am not good at promoting them. That is my weakness. I think, “If the song is good, people will find it.” But that is not how the industry works anymore. Today, you need active promotion. You have to push your music and use every platform. I have not mastered that yet.
Platforms like TikTok have become powerful tools for promoting music. Have you tried that route?
Yes, with my recent duet with Kaizer Kaiz. We even did pre-promotions and post-promotions. But when the response was not what I expected, I felt discouraged. Some even told me, “Falan, you can do better than this.” That criticism stung, but I also took it as constructive feedback. Promotions are tricky. You cannot let every negative comment pull you down. I am still learning how to handle that side of the job.
Out of the newer artists, are there any you particularly admire?
I admire many. But one name that stands out is Sana. She is very strategic and very smart about her career. She knows how to build momentum and when to release original songs. Interestingly, she was also with Freeze. I respect her a lot.
When you won the reality program, many people called you “the next Corrine Almeida.” Did that label sit well with you?
Not really. Do not get me wrong. Corrine is a legend and an icon. I admire her very much. But I do not want to be called the next Corrine. There is only one Corrine Almeida, and she is still performing with incredible energy. I want to be known as Falan Andrea, not the next anybody. Labels can be limiting. My goal is to find my own space in the industry.
What genres do you feel drawn to?
I am still exploring. I have sung retro, classics, pop, and even mass-market songs. Pop feels natural, but people love when I perform Baila. The connection is instant. My next release is going to be a soft rock track, which I am really excited about. Ultimately, I want to experiment until I find something that feels uniquely mine, something that can add value to the Sri Lankan music industry.
Being a woman in the industry, have you faced specific challenges?
There are challenges, of course. Many parents still hesitate to let their daughters pursue music, thinking it is unsafe or unstable. But attitudes are changing. My family, thankfully, has been very supportive. Personally, I have never been in unsafe situations, perhaps because I keep things professional. I go, I perform, and I leave. Boundaries are very important.
Did you have a plan when you entered the competition?
Not exactly before I came, but within the first couple of live rounds, I chose my songs and did some research. My first song was Raini Charuka and my second was Rookantha Gunathilake. I wanted to pick songs that were very different from each other. When I sang a Baila song, it received the most SMS votes and helped me move to the next round. That was when I realized I needed to do something different to stand out.
Do you think the SMS voting system is fair?
It is based on majority, so it reflects what the audience wants. From my experience, the judges were very transparent throughout. Even now, as the host, I can confidently say there is nothing unfair going on behind the scenes.
Do you coach young artists using the strategy you had when competing?
Yes, sometimes girls and boys reach out to me for advice. Even though I am still relatively new, I can definitely share tips and guidance that help them navigate competitions.
Some people think audiences vote based on looks rather than talent. Do you feel that happens?
Perhaps. The audience is very diverse. Some care about how you look, some about your voice, and some about the emotion you convey. You cannot please everyone. Sometimes fans turn against you if you do not respond, but I have learned not to take it personally.
You are known to be very private. Has that been a disadvantage in the industry?
Sometimes, yes. For example, a TV channel recently invited me to a show with a best friend from the industry, and I realized I did not really have anyone to bring along.
So, do you have close friends in the industry?
Not really. I am good with everyone, but I would not call them close friends. My real support comes from my school friends. With them, I am just Falan, the same person I have always been. They do not treat me like a celebrity, and that keeps me grounded.
Do you enjoy performing indoors or outdoors more?
Outdoors, definitely. The energy is different. When thousands of people sing along and dance, it is electrifying. It pushes you to give your best. Indoor shows are intimate and beautiful in their own way, but outdoor concerts are unforgettable.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you?
A big project is on the way. My main goal is to break free from the reality show winner label. I do not want to be remembered only for Dream Star. I always respect that stage and will never forget it. I want to be recognized as Falan Andrea, the artist, someone who brings her own originals, her own sound, and her own story. That is what I am working toward.
Falan Andrea’s journey over the past five years has been one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. From singing privately to performing for thousands, she has navigated the highs and lows of fame, facing both adoration and criticism while learning the challenges of self-promotion and artistic identity. What sets her apart is her honesty about still finding her sound and evolving as an artist. With new projects and a soft rock release on the horizon, Falan continues to forge a unique identity, proving that authenticity and perseverance are what truly endure in the music industry.
