Sampath - Rathna 30 NOT OUT

Talented artistes Sampath Tennekoon and Rathna Lalani Jayakody who have made outstanding contributions to the local arts – especially the stage – will be celebrating their 30th year in acting this year.

Interestingly, both Rathna and Sampath have acted together in some 50 stage plays ranging from prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra to the young generation dramatists.

Rathna Lalani is a teacher by profession.

“It was my childhood dream to become a teacher. I teach drama and acting and also music. Over the years, I have balanced my teaching career and acting well,” said Rathna Lalani.

Sampath had taken a liking to acting from his schooldays at Isipathana College.

“Since Lumbini Theatre was close to our school, I used to regularly visit it to watch dramas. I first acted in Dayaratne Ratagedara’s Guru Lipi and Douglas Siriwardana’s ‘Ambu Semiyo’. I have acted in about 50 stage plays and Rathna has been cast opposite in most of them,” he said.

“We met on stage while playing lovers in ‘Puthra Samagama’ and ‘Suba Sendewak’. Later on we were destined to be lovers in real life too,” said Rathna.

“Acting on stage is not easy. It requires a lot of dedication and commitment. Being here for 30 years is no joke. It is my sister Geetha Kanthi Jayakody who encouraged me to act,” said Rathna.

(SEE MORE DETAILS NEXT WEEK)