Timeless nightingale
Rukmani Devi’s 32nd death anniversary on September
25:
Channa Bandara Wijekoon
Four decades back, a photograph of a sultry young woman appeared in
the cover page of India’s film magazine Film fare. Her name appeared as
Daisy Rasamma Daniels.
|
Rukmani Devi |
This photograph sent shock waves across Bollywood. Popular and
beautiful actresses in Hindi film arena became so curious to find out
who this young and alluring actress was…where she came from and most
importantly…whether she was going to be competition to them.
The girl in the cover page was none other than our very own Rukmani
Devi. She was making her debut as a film actress and was in India to
shoot Kadawunu Poronduwa.
Like Neil Armstrong who first stepped on the Moon, Rukmani Devi made
history as the Sri Lankan actress who portrayed the main role in the
first ever Sinhala film to be screened in Ceylon. (Rajakeeya Vikramaya,
which starred the late politician N M Perera in the lead role was
however made before Kadawunu Poronduwa. The film could not be screened
in Sri Lanka as its negatives were burnt mysteriously on the verge of
its first screening.)
The magic that Rukmani wove was in her charisma. She was a powerful
screen presence and her mesmerizing voice took listeners in a journey
towards Never land. Her fans were totally obsessed by her charms and
were at the edge of their seats whenever a close up shot of Rukmani
appeared on screen. The poignant magic in her eye contact sent shivers
through their bodies and they made her their heartthrob instantly.
Not only filmgoers but co-stars too were her secret admirers. The
late Herbert M Seneviratne of Handapaana fame once admitted that he fell
in love with Rukmani when he first saw her but was scared to let slip
his feelings since she was married to Eddie Jayamanne.
Nevertheless, Rukmani did maintain a reputation as a well-disciplined
and well-groomed artiste and had given helping hand to many a newcomer.
Once Malani Fonseka claimed that Rukmani was like a mother to her in the
sets. She had given her useful advice and guidance.
She came into limelight in 1938 by singing the duet Siri Buddhagaya
Vihare with Rupasinghe Master. This was a Gramophone song. Later she
joined Minerva Dramatic club and performed in various stage dramas
produced by BAW Jayamanne who was the founder and team leader. Her
powerful voice was soon distinguished between contemporary voices, which
opened new vistas for young Daisy.
The Minerva stage play Broken Promise was adapted to a screen version
as Kadawunu Poronduwa (KP) with the same cast. At this time, Daisy was
romancing with Jayamanne, who was BAW’s younger brother. The promise
made by Eddie to Rukmani in the sets of KP and in Negombo beach, was
never broken. They married amidst enormous resistance from Daisy’s
father and relatives.
Kadawunu Poronduwa was screened on January 21, 1947. Filmgoers
flocked in great numbers to cinemas to see the film. Damsels were eager
to adopt ‘Rukmani Looks’ to woo their lovers. Men were on the look for
duplicate Rukmanis. By this time, Daisy Rasamma’s name had been changed
as Rukmani Devi. From this point onwards, this beautiful artiste treads
a long journey as a film star and a songstress for many decades.
She performed in films such as Weradunu Kurumanama, Kele handa ,
Umathu Vishvasaya, Daivayogaya , Mathabhedaya and Ahasin Polowata.
Rukmani Devi the songstress had sung popular hits such as Sandavae
Sriya, Gala Kandehi , Mevila Penevi Rupe etc. In the mid 60s decade she
sang Malbara Himidiriye, Menike Obe Hinawe and Sandak Nege with the
Calypso group Los Cabelleros led by late Neville Fernando.
She also sang duets with upcoming young singers. Oba Yana Mawatha was
one such song Rukmani sang with Victor Ratnayake. The rare soprano
singing ability of Rukmani could have groomed her as a world class Opera
Singer, if she was born in a Western country.
A tragic motor accident at Ja- ela robbed Rukmani’s life on September
25, 1978. Rukmani Devi Museum was subsequently situated in Negombo.
Rukmani and Eddie had first dated at Negombo beach. A remake of Kadawunu
Poronduwa directed by Roy de Silva in 80s decade featured Vijaya
Kumaratunga, Sumana Amarasinghe , Eddie Jayamanne and Mable Blyth.
[email protected]
|
