|
Film Appreciation:
Get to know Thambi Aiyah Thevathaas
K S Sivakumaran
Thambi Aiyah Thevathaas is not merely a print and electronic
journalist in Tamil, but also a translator of works in Sinhala into
Tamil. But the sad thing is that he is not properly recognised by people
concerned.
 |
|
Thambi
Aiyah Thevathaas |
This is the way it is in many fields. It is only those who show off
and get the right connections who receive plaudits and awards. A retired
teacher with a Master’s in Journalism, he is the unacknowledged
authority on Lankan Tamil Cinema.
Thevathaas has written many books on history of Lankan Tamil and
Sinhala cinema and also fiction in translation.
Thevathaas’ books
His books include ‘Ilankai Thamil Cinemavin Kathai’ (The Story of
Lankan Thamil Cinema), ‘Pon Vila Kanda Sinhala Cinema’ (The Golden Age
of Sinhala Cinema), ‘Ilankai Thirai Ulaga Munnodikal’ (Forerunners in
Lankan Screen World), ‘Ilankai Thirai Ulaga Saathanai – Yaalarkal’
(World Renowned Achievers in Lankan Screen), ‘Kuththu Vilakku: Meela
Vaasippu’ (Re-Reading the History of the Lankan Tamil Film) and ‘Kuththu
Vilaku’ (Oil Lamp).
He laments that half of his books are unsold and are still adorning
his cabinet.
Born in Pungudu Theevu (an island in the Northern Peninsula), he came
down to Colombo working hard and obtained his BA from Peradeniya and
later BEd from the NIE, Diploma in Journalism from the Colombo
University and MA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Mathurai
Kaamaraj University in Tamil Nadu.
After becoming a teacher in Colombo, he continues to be a part time
announcer on the Tamil Service of the SLBC. He is also a visiting
lecturer in Journalism for students following in Tamil language.
He has translated several short stories in Sinhala into Tamil and
also a few novels written in Sinhala.
These include ‘Golu Hadawatha’ by Karunasena Jayalath under the title
‘Nenjil Ore Rahasiyam’ (A Secret in the Heart) and another with the
title ‘Iraivan Vidutha Vali’ (The Way Decreed by the Almighty). Again he
translated three short stories by K Jayatilaka with the title ‘Moonru
Paaththirangal’ (Three Characters). He didn’t stop this task.
He compiled 800 Sinhala proverbs and translated them into Tamil.
Later he published another compendium of both Sinhala and Tamil
proverbs that were almost similar. It was called ‘Inai Pala Molikal’
(Associate Proverbs). Prof Sunil Ariyaratne translated the Tamil
Proverbs into Sinhala.Thambi Aiyah Thevathaas’s new book in Tamil is to
be lunched at the end of this month in Colombo.
It’s called ‘Pungudu Theevu: Vaalvum Valamum’ (The lives and richness
of Pungudu Theevu) - a biography of important people born in the
northern island and many more things pertaining to it.
Presentation career
This talented artiste has acted in many radio and TV dramas. ‘Naan
Padichcha English’ (The English I learnt), ‘Ithayaththi Ore Uthayam’ (A
Rising in the Heart), and ‘Aarathanai’ (Invitation). At the beginning he
took part in a radio programme called ‘Vaalipa Vaddam’ (Youth Circle)
produced by another versatile actor and announcer, Joachim Fernando.
He learnt broadcasting techniques on the job taking an active part.
He also produced and presented a programme titled ‘Samooka Sanchikai’
(Social Magazine) for more than 100 weeks on the School Service. He also
contributed to the radio magazine program on the Arts, ‘Kalai Koalam’.
He presented a programme, ‘Ilaignar Mantram’ (Youth Forum), for more
than 10 years.
He also presented a newsreel programme titled ‘Angum Ingum’ (Here and
There). In his interview programme, he had met many artistes both local
and Indian.
In a programme called ‘Muttaththu Mallikai’ (The Garden Jasmine), he
presented Lankan Tamil film songs with introduction.
While working as a teacher he was released from the Education
department to serve for two years as a producer of Educational
programmes on the School Service. He presented a one-hour programme
titled ‘Ulaippore Ulagam’ (The World of the Workers) on this service. On
Rupavaahini, he interviewed Lankan film artistes in a programme called
‘Kaathambari’, produced by broadcaster and head of the Tamil section, S
Visvanathan.
Introducing Tamil cinema
Beginning with the first Lankan Tamil film ‘Thottakkaari’ (The Estate
Woman) he ended the programme with the then last Lankan Tamil film
‘Sharmalavin Ithaya Raagam’ (The Heart Tunes of Sharmila) with film
clips. On ITN he narrated the story of Lankan Tamil Cinema and on
Shakthi TV he presented a programme of Lankan Tamil film songs in a
magazine programme.
He has two sons living in Switzerland and the daughter in Canada, and
the last son is studying in UK. He lives in Colombo with his wife and
mother.
I chose to feature such a talented and an authority on Lankan Tamil
Cinema in this week’s column because I am not very familiar with our own
Tamil films as I am particular in familiarizing with the art films shown
in film festivals.
[email protected]
|
