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Annasley Dias:
Evergreen entertainer no more
Sachitra MAHENDRA and Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
If laughter was the best medicine Annasley Dias was a drugstore. The
veteran and versatile comedian was not only recognized for his ability
to make others laugh but also the fact that he himself was a cheery and
bubbly character.
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Annasley Dias |
He was well known for his portrayal of the Hamu Mahaththaya in Vinoda
Samaya, the renowned radio drama aired years ago. His talent soon took
him to the stage as well as the mini screen, and he lost no time in
carving a niche for his vitality and vivid acting skills.
Born to Muthukudu Arachchige Pedris Dias as the youngest in the
family, he enjoyed a calm and collected even form in his younger days.
He was past pupil of St Francis Government School, Dalugama, St. Paul's
Waragoda College and St. Joseph College, Colombo where he followed his
studies in the English medium. However he was not ignorant in the
Sinhala language for he attended Peliyagoda Vidyalankara pirivena where
he was taught the language properly, as it was compulsory to be
competent in the language to enter Government service employment. Thus
Venerable Walpola Rahula, Bambarande Siriseevali and Kotahene
Pagngnakiththi Theras were some of those who guided and nurtured the
mind of the young lad.
Closest companions
H D Wijedasa, Alfred Perera, Samuel Rodrigo and Berty Gunathilaka
were some of his closest companions, all whom he met during his stint at
the pirivena. That was when they turned to comedy plays. Iskolayak was
their debut attempt of entertaining the public through comedy.
Following Wijedasa's post of relief announcer at Radio Ceylon the
rest of Dias' clique entered Radio Ceylon too. The comedy play Vihilu
Tahalu was banned as it focused on condemning the politicians of the
time. Soon the group had to look elsewhere for a program to take its
place. That was when Alfred confided with Annasley, Samuel and Berty to
initiate another program. Hence came Vinoda Samaya during Thevis
Guruge's period as head of Radio Ceylon. They were unofficially dubbed
Raja Thun Kattuwa (triumvirate) as they were able to work wonders and
the program soon shot to fame.
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Annasley, Berty and Samuel |
The likes of Eddie Jayamanna, Eddie Yapa and Joseph Seneviratna had
been conducting comedy programs, but they were more West oriented.
Annasley and co introduced local flavour to the comedy which turned a
new leaf in the local comedy scene.
Annasley was employed as an English teacher at Gurukula Vidyalaya for
a considerable period. He earned Rs100 before joining Moratuwa Municipal
Council as a clerk. As a Grade I Translator at Colombo Municipal Council
he engaged in all his part time activities in the entertainment field
with care because it was prohibited then for government servants to
generate income from outer sources.
Amusing experiences
One significant feature of Annasley is that he when everybody was
rolling with laughter at his witty phrases, he himself was able to keep
his composure without even a mere hint of a smile. Significantly there
was no end to the amusing experiences which added spice to his own
levity. During World War II, he had witnessed a British soldier taking
the plunge from an aircraft. The village monk nursed him and saw him
back to camp.
Being well read he could well analyze most of what happened around
him. He possessed an immense knowledge in both local and foreign
affairs. Although he was Catholic, he had a good knowledge in Buddhism
too.
Complicated issues
He published two works: Vinoda Samaye Hamu Mahattaya, based on his
own life story and Vinoda Samaya. His humour did not flow into
complicated issues. Rather he dealt with simple things and tit bits
which made people see the lighter side of life. Popular actress Mercy
Edirisinghe joined them later on in the scene. Portraying comedy in the
early 1950s was no easy task especially due to the fact that there was
no recorded transmission facilities. You have to transmit it live, which
required rigorous rehearsals for an allowance of Rs.
According to Annasley, most of the today's humour programs contain
obscene meanings. If not, they contain insulting remarks. His vision was
to get across a message without hurting others. This feature is inborn
for it is more of an instinct rather than something which can be
practiced through learning. Furthermore his jokes were not limited for a
specific age group. Both young and old were able to join in the
merriment.
With the emergence of the Television, life took a different turn. The
trio was well known on Rupavahini when they started the program Vinoda
Samaya in 1982. Interestingly their humour always comprised a deep
philosophy. This is mainly what set them apart form the rest.
Significantly none of the trio wanted to ascend the ladder by
overtaking each other. They were the best of friends till the end and
there was no competition among them. They were inseparable in their
ventures, be it radio, stage, tv or stage.
Exceptional comedian
Though there were times when Annasley could not cope with his duties
at work as he was requested to take part in concerts his superiors were
quite understanding. They never gave him a hard time because at the end
of the day he always made sure that he caught up on his
responsibilities. His family, especially his wife Noeline, two sons,
Rajendra and Janaka, daughters Jayamali, Nilina, Manori and Samanthi,
too were very supportive towards his work.
The exceptional comedian recently bid adieu to the nation at the age
of 81. The final rituals will take place at Roman Catholic Cemetery in
Dalugama today. His remains are lying at his residence at No. 378, Old
Kandy Road, Kelaniya. |
