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Ravindra

Life in politics and cinema

Politicians are good actors, so the saying goes. But whether actors make good politicians is certainly a subject for debate. There is however one actor turned politician who made it to the White House.

Just as well, only time will decide whether Sinhala cinema's idol Ravindra Randeniya would reach such lofty heights in the realm of local politics.

Politics can swallow up an individual, says Ravindra. "But I will never let politics become a burden to me. These are completely two different fields. One needs a great deal of mental concentration to remain in politics and it is completely different to acting."

A politician is not normally adept at portraying his emotions but an actor is skilled in this exercise. "However, politics has made my life busier, which eventually resulted in my refusing a number of films and teledramas," Ravindra adds.

While aspiring to make his political career a success, Ravindra still likes acting. "It freshens me and gives my soul a recess."

A versatile actor, Ravindra's cinema career began in the early 70s and he gave his best to any character, good or bad.

He is equally at ease portraying the lover/hero as well as the villain. He is no stranger to on-screen cruelty and thuggery as well as kindness and compassion. He has played murderer and saint in equal measure, encapsulating a gamut of emotions in every frame. He has managed to be in forefront in his profession.

Some of the films that showcase his talent, starting from his maiden film Kalu Diya Dahara are: Duhulu Malak, Dadayama, Siripala ha Ranmanika, Siri Medura, Aragale, Janelaya, Aradhana, Sathweni Dawasa, Maya, Bawa Duka, Bawa Karma and Seilama.

Ravindra's most recent appearance was in Aswesuma (Compensation), a film directed by Bennette Ratnayake. "There I played a minor character but it was a splendid intermission for me. I am waiting to join a good team to make my contribution to create a good film."

Ravindra plans to act in at least two to three films per year. "The problem faced by me is finding time for films without interrupting the political career, but I have to do it."

Commenting on the present film industry, Ravindra stressed that some sort of cover should be available to protect the local film industry. "We can't just allow the market economy to determine this industry. This kind of industry is not found in small countries like ours. Therefore, we should protect it."

Ravindra believes that the Government should adopt a mechanism to strengthen the local film industry to compete with emerging challenges in the global environment.

Ravindra was very critical of the privatisation of film distribution which was earlier handled by the National Film Corporation.

"I am wondering whether expected goals have been reaped through this. When this proposal came up, I strongly advocated that it should be implemented step by step. Despite that the then board went ahead. As a result, low quality films, many of them depicting sex have easily come to the country. The privatisation has not in any way helped to improve the local film industry."

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Veteran dramatist conducts workshops

Veteran dramatist Mrs. Somalatha Subasinghe will conduct workshops on creative drama for children every Saturday from March 2. Children aged between 5 and 14 are eligible to participate.

The workshops includes acting, singing, movement, creative dancing, drawing and handicraft aimed at improving the children's inborn talents and also developing the child's personality.

Special workshops will also be conducted by Mrs. Subasinghe for artistes and teachers who are interested in working with children and writing scripts for children on February 23, 24 and March 3.

After following the basic course, these participants will get an opportunity to do practical exercises.

Mrs. Subasinghe believes that these workshops would fulfil a long-felt need for creative drama activities for children and artistes.

The Sinhala version of the Greek play " Trojan Women " directed by veteran dramatist Dharmasiri Bandaranayake will go on the boards at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.00 pm on Feb. 23 and 24.

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