The Fame Game welcomed Ishan De Lanerolle, one half of the iconic De Lanerolle Brothers, who have been a household name in Sri Lanka’s music scene for over sixteen years. Known for their powerful harmonies, heartwarming stage chemistry, and professionalism, the brothers have built a legacy that has earned both local and international acclaim. Hosted by Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz, this conversation in Fame Game was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and reflection.
Ishan, you come from a family with eleven generations of French heritage, yet you do not speak a word of French. How do you feel about that?
Yes, I have been reminded of that many times. Despite the legacy of the De Lanerolle family, I do not speak French at all. But at the end of the day, we are Sri Lankan. The French heritage is part of our story, but our identity and culture are rooted here.
You have mentioned before that you were born because your brother, Rohan, wanted a younger brother to play cricket with. Is that really true?
It is absolutely true. My parents got married in 1973, Rohan was born in 1974, and a few years later, he apparently told them he wanted a younger brother specifically to play cricket with. So yes, I came into the world as his cricket partner! Of course, he often reminds me that if not for him, I would not have been born.
You mentioned that Rohan was already performing before you joined him. How did the idea of the De Lanerolle Brothers duo begin?
Rohan was always the performer in the family and was preparing to release a solo album of 60s and 70s pop music. One day, he played his new CD for me while I was driving. As I listened, I began harmonizing naturally. I suggested that it would sound better if I joined in. When he heard me, he said, “That sounds really good!” We started practicing together, often in the car while driving, and that is really how the De Lanerolle Brothers began. Very spontaneously and organically.
You and Rohan share an incredible chemistry on stage. What makes your musical partnership so unique?
I think it is the bond we share as brothers. We understand each other’s instincts. When performing, I can almost read Rohan’s mind. I know when he is going to change a note or take an unexpected turn. He is very spontaneous on stage; he never performs a song the same way twice. That means I have to stay alert and adapt instantly. It keeps every performance fresh and alive.
There is an unspoken rhythm between us. Even when he surprises me, I can follow him. People often comment on our stage chemistry, but for us, it is something that comes naturally. That brotherly connection is very special.
The De Lanerolle Brothers brand has been around for sixteen years. What has this journey been like for you?
It has been humbling and rewarding. Over these sixteen years, we have sung for audiences as small as fifty and as large as fifty thousand, both in Sri Lanka and abroad. No matter the crowd, we always give the same energy and passion. We have been blessed with incredible support from our sponsors, partners, and fans. Some of our sponsors have been with us from the very beginning, which is quite rare in the entertainment industry. This journey has taught us a lot about resilience, professionalism, and gratitude. We started small, and today we are honoured to have performed internationally and been recognized by diverse audiences around the world.
How important are sponsors and partners to your shows?
Extremely important. Some people do not realize how much goes into creating a De Lanerolle Brothers concert. We transform ballrooms into theatres overnight with lighting, sound, and full stage setups. Dinner shows, for example, include a five-course meal, live performances, and an immersive ambience. That level of production is not possible without sponsors.
We have always believed sponsorship is a two-way partnership. It is not just about receiving support; it is about working together. We have been fortunate to have long-term sponsors who share our vision and values.
Kumar has been the official emcee for your shows for years. What is that collaboration like?
Kumar has been with us for a very long time, since around our fifth show or maybe even before that. Over the years, he has become an integral part of our performances. We always try to bring something new to each show, whether it is a different theme, format, or presentation. We brainstorm ideas together as a team, and sometimes we even argue passionately because we all care about making each concert unique. But those creative discussions always lead to something better.
Do you ever face criticism for repeating certain songs or themes in your shows?
Yes, occasionally. Some audience members want to hear new material every time, while others prefer their favourite songs. We have found a balance, about sixty percent familiar songs and forty percent new material. Some of our loyal fans buy twenty tickets at a time, and they expect to hear certain songs they love. Our goal is to please everyone as much as possible while keeping our shows fresh and creatively exciting.
What kind of audience do you consider perfect?
A perfect audience is one that is engaged. It does not matter whether they are clapping, singing along, or quietly listening, as long as they are emotionally connected. Different audiences react differently. In Sri Lanka, people tend to enjoy music quietly, while in Europe or other countries, audiences often dance or sing along. Once, at Bishop’s College Auditorium, a few foreigners got up and started dancing, but when no one else joined, they sat down. Later, they asked us if they had done something wrong. It just shows how diverse audience cultures can be.
Have you ever faced an audience that did not enjoy your performance?
Thankfully, no. We have been very fortunate so far. Every show has been warmly received. However, we always remind ourselves never to take that for granted because every audience deserves our best.
You and Rohan are the eleventh generation of the De Lanerolle family. Do you see a twelfth generation following in your footsteps, perhaps your sons?
Honestly, we have given them complete freedom to choose their own paths. They are talented in their own ways, but we do not want to pressure them to follow in our footsteps. Our parents never forced us to study or perform; they gave us space to discover who we are. That is something I want to pass on to my children as well.
The De Lanerolle Brothers will soon celebrate twenty years. Will there be a grand celebration?
We will definitely celebrate twenty years in a big way. But on the other hand, we would like to retire while we are still performing well, not when we have declined. We want people to remember us at our best.
Your wife is known to be a fantastic cook, yet you seem to stay quite fit. How do you manage that?
Not as fit as you think! But I do go to the gym regularly. I have always liked to stay active, not for looks but for health. My wife cooks delicious food, and yes, she sometimes reminds me to stay in shape for the stage!
Have you ever had a major mishap on stage?
Oh yes, once at a sold-out show at the BMICH. As we were walking in from the audience to the stage to the sound of Simply the Best, the sole of my shoe came off! I quickly asked one of the ushers for his shoes, as we were about the same size, and I wore them while walking. However, they did not match Rohan’s shiny performance shoes at all. Rohan’s wife suggested that I remove the other sole to make them look even, so I performed the entire show without soles on either shoe. Thankfully, the floor was carpeted, and no one noticed. It was nerve-racking but also hilarious in hindsight.
Finally, what are family dinners like at the De Lanerolle home? Do you all just break into song?
Not always, but there is definitely a lot of laughter, conversation, and joy. Our families are very close, and we often spend Friday nights together sharing food and ideas. Sometimes even our children or wives suggest songs for us to perform. It is very collaborative, very relaxed, and yes, sometimes musical too.
The De Lanerolle Brothers continue to redefine Sri Lanka’s live performance scene with their passion, harmony, and authenticity. Sixteen years on, their voices still move hearts, and their story continues to inspire.
