Introduction
Shihan Mihiranga Bennet was born on March 18, 1985, and has carved out a notable career as a musician, composer, and songwriter in Sri Lanka. Renowned as one of the best talents to emerge from reality TV shows, Mihiranga earned the affectionate nickname “Dream Boy” among Sri Lankan youth, becoming a sensation in the 2000s, much like Namal Udugama did in the 1990s.
Early Life and Personal Background
Shihan was born in Weliweriya and is the eldest child in his family. His father, Tyronne Bennet, was a sound engineer with experience working in Bahrain, and his mother, Nilu Mallika, is a housewife. Shihan has a younger sister named Shanika Mihiravi. He received his education at De Mazenod College, Kandana.
On February 25, 2012, Shihan married Gishni Clementa Silva at St. Mary’s Church in Nayakakanda, Hendala. Gishni is the daughter of Upali Silva, a PTI at Shihan’s school. The couple is blessed with two sons. In 2017, Shihan faced a serious health scare when he was hospitalized due to dengue fever, but he made a full recovery despite false rumors of his death circulating during his illness.
Musical Career
Shihan’s journey to stardom began with his participation in the inaugural season of the singing reality show Sirasa Superstar, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Among the 12 male finalists, Mihiranga stood out and although he finished in fifth place, he was undoubtedly the most popular contestant. His performances, often featuring songs by Rookantha Gunathilake such as “Suwanda Dena Mal Waney” and “Nihanda Mawathey,” captivated the audience.
Following his stint on Sirasa Superstar, Shihan released his debut album Dreams of Shihan in 2006, composing all the music and writing the lyrics himself. The album was a massive hit among the youth and earned the Most Popular Album award that year. His second album, Dreamz 2 – My Life, released in 2008, included contributions from other musicians in both lyrics and composition.
One of Shihan’s most significant hits, “Ada Thaniyen Maa,” won the Most Popular Music Video award at the Derana Music Video Awards in 2007. As a playback singer, he lent his voice to several popular films, with notable songs such as “Perada Mewu Sina,” “Ron Suwanda Dena,” and “Sith Mal Hegum Popiyana Yame” in the movie Suwanda Danuna Jeewithe. He also performed “Raya Pibidee” for the film Super Six.
In addition to his singing career, Shihan took on the role of a presenter in Sirasa Superstar season 4, renamed Generation 4, alongside Nirosha Perera. He sang the competition’s theme song “Yawwane Sihina Yata Daelwune” and later became a judge for Sirasa Superstar season 5 in 2013. From 2018, he served as a judge for the first three seasons of the singing reality show Hiru Star on Hiru TV.
In 2020, Shihan released the song “Oba Magemai,” which celebrated weddings and further showcased his versatility as a musician.
Brand Ambassador
Shihan’s popularity also led to him becoming a brand ambassador. He represented Mobitel Smart 5 and Tiara Rollo cake for Ceylon Biscuits Limited, showcasing his wide appeal and marketability.
Conclusion
Shihan Mihiranga Bennet’s contributions to Sri Lankan music and his influence on the youth remain significant. From his early days on reality TV to becoming a respected musician and judge, Shihan continues to be an inspiring figure in the Sri Lankan music industry. His journey reflects his passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
