REMEMBERING VIJAYA The people’s star
The 31st death Vijaya anniversary Kumaratunga of charismatic falls on Saturday, film star-turnedpolitician February 16. Vijaya was Sinhala cinema’s undisputed romantic hero who mesmerized audiences for more than 20 years as an actor and singer, but he will be remembered forever not only for his overall reel performances but also for the bold steps he took in real life towards resolving the ethnic conflict. film was The star to someday Seeduwa-born whose ambition become a parents police wanted officer though him to his become a doctor, finally made his movie debut in Hanthane Kathawa and before the release of his first film he was signed up than by 12 more filmmakers.
volumes talent, commitment people’s bagged actor until That February his award dedication St. alone the untimely The star about Benedict’s most continually of old 16, who spoke the the boy 1988. death popular and for of years on under College learnt and College De Shesha dancing Mazenod Kotahena Kandana, P. Jayawardana. Welikala and Palihakkara acting and under J.H. camera He first in a faced crowd the scene cine in responded ‘Manamalayo’. to a newspaper Then he advertisement calling for new actors, paving the way for him to play the lead role in Sugathapala Senarath Yapa’s ‘Hanthane Kathawa’. The Vijaya-malani combination was also a significant era in the Sinhala cinema. The two crowd-pulling stars were featured in hits like Hathara Denama Soorayo, Thushara, Sussie, Sangeetha, Ganga, Diyamanthi, Unnath Dahai Malath Dahai, Eya Den Loku Lamayek, Pembara Madhu, Bambaru Ewith, Newatha Hamuwemu and others. Vijaya was also featured opposite popular actress Geetha Kumarasinghe in memorable movies like Karumakkarayo, Obatai Priye Adare, Maruwa Samaga Wase, Vijaya Geetha and other hits. During his last years, Vijaya’s only dream was to clinch the award for the best actor. Though he did come close to winning the award through some spectacular performances, the award did not become a part of his possession. Tragically, when he finally won the best actor award for his powerful role in ‘Kedapathaka Chaya’ it was just over a year since he was gunned down in front of his Polhengoda home. Nearly 20 films of Vijaya were released in the first ten years after his death. Interestingly even a year after his death he was voted the most popular actor in Sri Lanka. TEXT: RAMESH UVAIS