Sriyantha:the actor for all seasons
It is believed that acting is an in-born talent which is linked to previous births. Sriyantha Mendis is one such rare character actors whose acting skills have won him heaps of prestigious awards. The actor who stole the hearts of the small screen audiences with his role as Surasena in ‘Palingu Menike’ linked with the popular phrase ‘Something Pat Pat’ talks to ‘Reel Life’ on several issues regarding acting.
Q: How do you see the difference of a newcomer to this field now and the days you entered the scene, especially in terms of facilities?
Well, when I entered the acting scene there were no tele dramas. Films were a rare commodity and it was the stage that opened doors to us. It was the ideal platform for us to learn the art of acting in a country that lacked a recognized acting school. Today the media is very open because of the television which can make you popular overnight. ove But there is doubt d about the validity val period of such popularity. po Coming via the stage meant a al lot of hardwork and an dedication.
Q: Isn’t the lack of an acting school a disadvantage for newcomers?
hard Of to course, find the but right we path. and our Though predecessors such a school worked might come in the future, the present generation can learn good lessons from the experience of their seniors.
Q: Your role as Surasena in Palingu Menike is more than 25 years old but it is remembered even today. Why don’t such memorable characters emerge now?
It was very special because people embraced it with both hands. It had only 17 episodes. Today even though tele dramas have more episodes the characters don’t remain in the hearts of the people, mainly because of the poor quality and poor script writing giving no substance to the role. I think, we have to get lessons from the past and make quality tele dramas.
Q: There is renewed enthusiasm in the drama scene.. You must be happy?
Why not.. as a person who was produced by the stage it gives me so much pleasure. New dramas are being made, old productions are renewed and the demand is increasing because of its live factor and probably because people are tired of of tele dramas.
Q: There is belief that stars are not born today, unlike in the past?
I think it is a social problem. In the film scene there popular star eras like Gamini- Malani, Vijaya-malini, Sanath-sabeetha. But later filmmakers started taking risks by using artistes with less glamour, focusing more on the gist of the creation instead of the star attraction. Even films like Rekhawa or even Gamperaliya were such creations. But in India where the industry is huge, stars are being born regularly. I hope stars will be born here too.
Q: Despite mega tele dramas being severely criticized, you continue to act in such projects?
Mega means big, but we really refer it to longrunning tele serials. I have not acted in many mega creations, but a very few which has offered me roles with substance. Take ‘Oshin’ for an example. It is one of the longest tele serials but it covers the Japanese culture, Japanese social fabric, Japanese woman and the family, education and other factors. If a tele drama can reach the minds of the people and convey messages, it doesn’t matter if it is a mega or not. If we do Mahawansaya as a long running tele serial, can we disregard it as mega?
Q: Any plans to direct a film or tele drama?
There is an idea but I don’t really know if this is the appropriate time to do it. Since films are also taking various shapes, I think I should wait and see.
Q: In what creations will you be seen in the future?
Sanath Abeysekara’s ‘Siri Daladagamanaya’ Udayakantha Warnasuriya’s ‘Kosthapal Punyasoma’, Devinda Kongahage’s ‘Bawa Sarana – Bawa Tharana’.they are films. Tele drama wise I acted in Joseph Perera’s Serada Bambaguru and new tele dramas of Shafraz and Chandima Weerasekara. On the stage scene I will be seen in my ‘Gebbara Minisa’, Simon Nawagaththegama’s Suba Saha Yasa, Rohana Dandeniya’s Parartha and new production.
Q: An yet-unplayed role you are craving to play?
The role of a head-shaven patriotic Buddhist monk who serves the nation.
Q: Can arts be differentiated by language, religion or race?
Never. The best example is the opening show at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre where we acted in a Chinese drama. The language of acting has no barriers. The only base in it is understanding human sentiments.
Q: Are you still a staunch fan of film legend Gamini Fonseka?
Of course, I first acted in his film ‘Sagarayak Meda’. I still remember the advice he gave me and also he predicted that I could make a long journey in this field if I conducted myself well. What he meant by it was that
we should be disciplined and know how to safeguard our self respect.
Q: About your wife Kusum Renu...?
She is not only a good actress but also a good wife, good mother and good friend.
“I hope to do my best in my upcoming in films, tele dramas and stage plays too. Anything we do with the best of intentions will yield good results and that is the best contribution we can make for the benefit of the next generation,” he said in conclusion.