Magnificent Mavens
Sarasavi Awards recognizes aces for
their lifetime achievements:
Vishwa Prasadini Award - Malini Fonseka
The 2009 Sarasaviya Awards hailed a celebration of unquenchable
talent and exceptional brilliance Among the many stars that dazzled the
night, one star's shone out with unparalleled lustre.
'The Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema',Malini Fonseka notched the 'Vishwa
Prasadini' Award for her eternal flame of talent that has dazzled the
Sri Lankan cinemascope, bagging international recognition for this small
land.
Speaking to Daily News, an enthusiastic Malini said that she was
extremely proud to be honoured with such an exclusive award, this being
the first time in history that the 'Vishwa Prasadini' title was awarded.
Her praise and gratitude for Director, Akasa Kusum, Prasanna
Vithanage was lavish as she noted that he had opened the Sri Lankan
cinema to a totally unique avenue.
"Prasanna Vithanage was the leading force behind my award. Through
his film, Akasa Kusum, he gave me a both a wonderful opportunity and
challenge in harnessing my talents.
'The Queen of the Sri Lankan Cinema' was born on March 30th, 1947.
The third of a massive family of eleven, her talent was evident from an
early age.
Her career as an actress kicked off in 1963, at the tender age of
sixteen with the play, 'Norata Ratha'. By 1965 she had set her mark,
winning the Best Actress Award for the play, 'Akal Wessa'.
Malini's life on the reel spun into action in 1967 in Tissa
Liyanasuriya's Punchi Baba. It was the start of the miracle. Her magic
was unexplainable, reaching dazzling heights through the ages with a
career spanning over four decades.
In Nidhanaya(1972) she brought tears to the eyes of the viewer as the
unsuspecting young wife of a impoverished nobleman who uses her as a
'sacrifice' to discover a treasure.
She created history in her role of Susila in 'Eya Den Loku Lamayek'(1975).
It won her the award for the Best Actress in the Moscow International
Film Festival, the first Sri Lankan actress to win such an award.As
Helen in Bambaru Awith, Malini broke the norm by starring in a
controversial role that brought her much acclaim.
Her other notable roles include those in the films Abuddasse
Kale(1968), Veera Puran Appu(!979) Baddegama(1980), Soldadu Unnehe(1981)
and Umayangana(1992). Her onscreen chemistry with Gamini Fonseka and
Vijaya Kumaratunga would be know as the Malini-Gamini and Malini-Vijaya
decades in the years to come.
Mailini's magic never fades. The twenty first century, which would
have heralded decay for any other actress of the bygone days, simply
boosted her glory. Wekanda Walawwa(2003) and Aba(2008) were cush notable
examples.
However Akasa Kusum(2009) was her crowning glory. Both timely and
thought provoking, the film showcased her outside the usual
black-and0white mold, proving her versatility as an artist An
unforgettable milestone in the Sri Lankan cinema, the film bagged her
the Silver Peacock Award in the 39th International Film Festival held in
India last year.
[ Some of her most significant films]
* Akasa Kusum
* Machan
* Ammawarune
* Wekande Walauwa
* Baddegama
* Veera Puran Appu
* Bambaru Avith
* Eya Dan Loku Lamayek
* Nidhanaya
* Abudasse kale
* Dahasak Sithuvili
* Punchi Baba |
