Sarath Namalgama

The maverick actor turns DVD producer
 

by R. S. Karunaratne

"The tentacles of open economy have spread to local culture gradually strangling the film and teledrama industry. Television channels are competing with one another to telecast Hindi films and Hindi teledramas dubbed into Sinhala.

The allure of beautiful faces, flashy costumes, exotic scenes, dances and music has invaded Sri Lankan homes. This trend, if continued unchecked, will erode the very foundations of the local film and teledrama industry," said popular actor and producer Sarath Namalgama in an interview with the Artscope.

During his 16-year-stint in the People's Bank, Namalgama paid more attention to theatre, films and teledramas than to career advancement. He acted in R. R. Samarakoon's Ahasin Vetunu Minissu was back in 1999. It was also staged in the United States of America.

He does not subscribe to the view that you cannot become an actor without training. "Acting is a natural talent. You can't become an actor by following a course in acting. Directors should identify the capabilities of actors and give them suitable roles.

Meanwhile, stage experience may be helpful. However, some actors who graduate from the stage tend to overact when they are cast in roles in a film or teledrama," he said.

Namalgama has a powerful screen presence judging by the roles he has acted in teledramas and tele films. He has an uncanny ability to control his movements before the camera while paying attention to voice modulation and delivering the dialogues naturally.

Having played the main role in six teledramas Namalgama has set his sights on producing DVDs for the international market. His production outfit "SNT Productions" has already released two DVDs.

The first Pata Pata Heenayak stars Suraj Mapa, Anarkali Jayatilake, Dinindu Jagoda, Manjula Kumari, Sarath Namalgama, Asoka Peiris and Manisha Shyamali. It was directed by Mohan Niyas and the music was directed by Jananath Warakagoda.

His second DVD Adaravanthayo stars Nayana Kumari, Nimanthi Porage, Nirosha Herat, Paboda Sandeepani, Geetha Kanthi Jayakody, Ratnavali Kekunawela, Sarath Namalgama, Gamini Hettiarachchi, Ellen Sylvester, Buddhi Wickrema, G. R. Perera and Sriyani Mahawatte. It is directed by Eranga Senaratne. The music is directed by Sanath Nandasiri.

Pata Pata Heenayak was based on a popular cartoon story published in the Sathuta about 30 years ago. Namalgama played the role of Nihal in the story which revolved around a love affair among undergraduates. Meanwhile, Namalgama played the role of a doctor in Adaravanthayo.

Namalgama says that shooting of his controversial film Gini Siluva is almost over. It is his first entry into filmdom. The work on his second film Rosa Kusuma Mage is not over. The cast include Manisha Shayamali (Mrs Sri Lanka 2004 and Mrs Photogenic), Sarath Namalgama and Sara, a swiss actress.

His next film Rosa Petikki is ready for exhibition and Parasathu Vila is under production. His latest teledrama Ukusso is awaiting release. The story is about a duty conscious police officer and his private life.

The cast include Ramani Siriwardane, Semini Iddamalgoda, Chandra Kaluarachchi, Prasanna Fonseka, Sarath Namalgama, Prasannajith Abeysuriya and Vinnie Wettasinghe. The music is directed by Sanath Nandasiri. It is directed by Eranga Senaratne.

"Teledrama production in Sri Lanka is a risky business. I had to wait for four years to telecast my Kiriammavaru for want of a sponsor. It was eventually telecast on Rupavahini in the primetime belt," he said.

Namalgama has faced numerous problems - official apathy, cutthroat competition and legal battles - with unflinching courage and determination.

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