Remembering Mabel Blythe Anthony: I'll never hear that voice again

by Indrani Kiriella

Do you remember Mabel Blythe, the actress and comedienne of the Sinhala cinema in the 1950s.

Mabel acted in over 50 films in most of which she sang and acted the comic parts. She acted with the Queen of Sinhala screen, Rukmani Devi in Pipena Kumudu and in Kele Handa and with Rukmani Devi's husband, the famous comedian Eddie Jayamanne in Sangavunu Pilithura, Magul Poruwa and many others. Mabel sang Sukumaliye with Modiheen Baig in Surathaliye Sukumaliye.

In India she acted in Valliyen Sellvam with Chandra Babu and MGR. Mabel was famous for the songs Vanaliya Oyada Me Vanaye and Sara Goiya Hari Mihiha which was reported to be the longest song sung on the Sinhala screen. She sang both songs in the film Vanaliya in which Mabel acted with her sister Shirly Blythe.

Her last film was with Eddie Jayamanne in Kadavunu Poronduwa II. Mabel was Josi Baba to Eddie's Manappuwa. They sang the ditty which was so popular, it became a household song.

Nona-ge aley ge meda saley, Api dennage aley kussiye mulle. By the time I met Mabel personally she had retired from acting and was married to Ranjith Anthony. Mabel and Ranjith and Mabel's brother Paul Blythe were my neighbours in Nuwara Eliya. Mabel was very helpful to me when I first went to Nuwara Eliya and we became friends.

It is a great pity that artistes like Mabel and Rukmani Devi who gave such pleasure to their audience should have no pension scheme or provident fund to fall back on when they are no longer capable of earning for themselves. Mabel seemed such a happy person. When she spoke her voice was full of laughter. She never spoke in anger or envy about anyone. She never complained. She was delighted when she won the Sarasaviya Rantisara Award in 2002. She said, "At least the film world hasn't forgotten me."

Mabel was always my first visitor when I went to Nuwara Eliya. She'd come to my place early next morning calling out in that laughing voice. "Indranee.....ee. Good Morning. "I'll never hear that voice again. Mabel died the day after the tsunami.

Good bye Mable, May God be with you.