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| Wednesday, 10 March 2004 |
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Gamini Fonseka felicitation ceremony : Sri Lanka's superstar by Chamitha Kuruppu
"Raja Dekma" a felicitation program to mark Gamini Fonseka's 50 year contribution to Sinhala cinema will be held at the BMICH on March 22 at 6.30 p.m. Three publications titled 'Gamini' by Dr. Anil Samaranayake, "Raja Dekma" by Tharaka Publications and 'Gamini-Vishweeya Rupana Vedayaka Asianu Purogamithwaya' will be launched at the facilitation ceremony. Dr. Lester James Peries, Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne and Dharmasiri Gamage will be delivering speeches at the event. A film festival will be held from March 13 to 19 at the Elphinstone Theatre, Maradana. Gamini Fonseka is a legend in Sri Lanka. He is an actor and director who played a central influential role in the creation and development of the Sinhala cinema. Gamini who engraved his name indelibly in film art with his maiden performance in Daiva Yogaya in 1959 has flourished in his field up to date since then. Synonymous The life and work of Gamini makes the history of Sinhala cinema somewhat synonymous. His unique contribution as an actor, director and composer has made the Sinhala cinema reach the peak of popularity from the sixties, till the eighties during which he was dominant as the most popular actor, the best actor and later the best director. He began his film career as the third assistant director in David Lean's Bridge on the River Kwai. He also served as an assistant director in Lester James Peiris' Rekawa. Gamini became a matinee idol after making his acting debut in the film Sandeshaya. One of his best performances came in the film Nidanaya, which is among the best 100 movies ever made in the world. He is internationally known for his portrayal of Jinadasa in Lester James Peries' classic film Gamperaliya (1963). Performances His outstanding performances in Soorayangeth Sooraya, Hatara Denama Soorayo, Chandiya, Horungeth Horu, Gamperaliya, Uganthaya, Parasathu Mal, Koti Waligaya and Nomiyena Minisun speak volumes about his acting talents. Among his better known directorial works are Parasathu Mal (1966), Koti Valigaya (1986), Anthima Rathriya (1988) and Nomiyena Minisun (1994). Gamini boasts of winning the most number of awards at the Sarasaviya Film Awards. He has bagged a number of best actor, most popular actor, best director and merit awards. He was also awarded with the most prestigious "Ranatissara Award". The super star that emerged into the Sinhala cinema scene following Eddie Jayamanne and Rukmani Devi gifted an 'independent style' to male artists. He believed in using male physique to make actors more promising. The early Sihala cinema actors who were more feminine with their wavy hair that was neatly combed, spick and span attire, thin beard and using the most chivalrous dialogues were replaced by Gamini with a totally different look. Looks He introduced a totally different 'Sinhala actor' with great physique used body language and facial expressions to do justice to the character unlike initial actors who were more concerned about the good-looks. Gamini fought endlessly to make acting a stable and well-paid profession in Sri Lanka. Apart from the cast of a film he also took initiatives to serve technical crew with dignity and respect. In many instances Gamini had insisted that the technical crew should be given the same treatment as actors. Gamini was born on March 21, 1936 as the third child of William Fonseka and Daisy Juliet. He has two elder sisters. A product of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia he had a sound education but was more interested in acting. Later in his life he became involved in politics serving as Deputy Speaker of Parliament and as the Governor of the North Eastern Province. Even today where this great hero and legend live a 'quiet life' - far away from cinema and politics where his heart and soul is - Gamini Fonseka will be never 'unheard'. **** Back **** |
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