Nuwan to launch book on Nihalsinghe

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Renowned journalist, critic and university visiting lecturer Nuwan Nayanajith Kumara is set to launch his latest book Nihalsinghe Purogami Theveni Esa (Nihalsinghe: Pioneer of the Third Eye), a biography and critical study of the seasoned director and film industry pioneer, at the BMICH B Committee Hall on February 12 at 3 pm.

Nuwan Nayanajith Kumara

The book also includes details of Nihalsinghe’s parents: D B Dhanapala who is the father of journalism and mother Rathi Dhanapala, a well known painter and sculptor.The book also gives an insight into his brother, the talented photographer D B Suranimala.

It comprises biographies and critical studies of both characters that helped mould Nihalsinghe to excel in his field. Divided into eight chapters the 630 page book includes a number of rare photographs displaying the milestones in Nihalsinghe’s life.

This is the success formula of the film personality with over 40 years of service to cinema and television.

No other individual in film and television in Sri Lanka has contributed in a hugely varied facets: in film and television artistry; in technical advancement; in training new talent; in administration; in exploring creating new areas; discovering and launching new actors in film and television; as a film and television teacher; in documentary, short film and long form in film and television and more as Nihalsinghe has done.

The fifth chapter of the book is devoted to how Nihal began the National Film Corporation, the governing body of the film industry as its founder chairman.

The sixth chapter includes how he made Sri Lanka's first teledrama Dimuthu Muthu.

His work as a teacher in Sri Lanka and Malaysia at Astro Film Tele Production Company and at Kelaniya University and Sripali is included in chapter seven.

Professor J B Dissanayake, Professor Sunil Ariyaratne, seasoned filmmaker Tissa Liyanasuriya, veteran actor Ravindra Randeniya, renowned photographer H D Mahindapala, and versatile actor Jackson Antony will make speeches at the event. Many artistes and academics too will be present at the event to make coherent contributions about the book.

The event will be compered by Vajira Jayawardena, Sandamali Hewanayake and Dilini Sandeepika. Upul Guruge had planned the event.

Nihalsinghe Purogami Theveni Esa is Nuwan’s eighth book and is a Fast Publishing (PVT) Ltd (Surasa) publication. His previous work include Adyatana Cinemave Lingika Pravanatava (The trends of Sexuality in the Contemporary Cinema), Gamini Vishviya Rupanavedayaka Asiyanu Purgamiya (Gamini: Asia's Pioneer in the Universality of the Art of Acting), Sri Lankeya Cinema Vansaya and Lester Virachita Lekhana Sanhita, Gaddarika Pravahaya Hevath Sukiri Batillanga Lokaya (Undiscerning), Sonduru Adiyuru Sakasuvano (The Humane Editor and Director), Pataka Vichara Saha Alochana and Nava Magaka Sankathana (Discourses of a New Path).