Honouring a national icon
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
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A dance performance from the Anandians. Pictures by Sarath
Weerasinghe |
Dostara Honda Hita, Ha Ha Hari Hava, Pissu Poosa, Oshin, Handaya,
Malgudi Davasa and 'Robin Hood' has been some of our well-loved programs
when we were children and we had practically grown up watching them.
Even today one cannot help pausing when one of these all time favourites
is telecast on TV.
Titus Totawatte is an unfading icon in Sri Lankan children's
programs. The renowned director and editor, who had made a name for
creations which had been dubbed into Sinhala, recently turned 80. Though
his creations are telecast and re-telecast according to popular demand,
the nation had forgotten to look towards the welfare of the individual
who had given us creations which will be cherished and watched over and
over again.
A striking feature of Totawatte's creations is that it can be enjoyed
by viewers of all ages.
Nuwan should be commended for taking up the task of chronicling the
life and times of the iconic figure who had been an asset to the nation
in nurturing the country's television industry.
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Nuwan presents the first copy of his book to Titus Totawatte |
Young critic, journalist, singer and Fine Arts University lecturer
Nuwan Nayanajith recently launched his sixth book chronicling the life
and times of the leading figure of the cinema and television scene.
Titled Sonduru Adiyuru Sakasuwano (The Humane Editor and director) was
launched at a colourful function held at Ananda College, Kularatne Hall,
on November 5.
It is apt that Totawatte was felicitated under the roof of his alma
mater for the old boy of the school had brought the school much honour
and fame.
Nuwan's book which comprises around 400 pages also includes 200 rare
photographs. A documentary on Totawatte was screened while some popular
faces in the entertainment sector joined hands to glamourize the event
through some dance performances to the beat of songs in the veteran
film-maker's creations. |
