‘Destiny cannot be edited like films’
Sabeetha talks about her intense passion for movies
Sabeetha Perera’s name becomes special to the Sinhala cinema for more than one reason.
She made a name for herself not only in the local film scene but also in other countries, especially in Pakistan where she had become the best actress and most popular film actress too. Her parents Stanley Perera and Girley Gunawardana were popular yesteryear stars who had a large fan following, but Sabeetha made a unique name for herself. Having reigned supreme in the silver screens for decades, the girl with sparkling blue eyes later chose to act occasionally only in selected movies.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Having made a comeback with Aba, some years ago, she is now back playing a pivotal role in ‘Maharaja Ajasath’ directed by Sanath Abeysekara and produced by Sunil T. Fernando. “As I got the script of this movie and I was offered the role of Queen Khema, I was indeed excited. I did my role with much enthusiasm but amidst some sort of discomfort because the costumes were too heavy. I am glad the really encouraging feedback I get these days. When I got this script for Maharaja Ajasath, Jackson gave me the script of ‘Address Nehe’ which also had a good role for me. I accepted that too and quite interestingly that is going to be the next release after ‘Maharaja Ajasath’ ,” Sabeetha told Daily Mirror Impulse.
Are you picky when it comes to films?
I am very much, but my intense passion for movies can’t just keep me away from the silver screen. It is this strong love for cinema that takes me before the camera. Initially I was planning to just do about one good film a year, but this year I had two. Whatever I am in real life, I like to be known and appreciated as a film star. I remember the days when we had to work in films one after the other. I come home after one film shoot and then leave for the next. I finish one film shoot in Kandy and travel to the next film shoot in Nuwara Eliya. It was hectic but it was a nice experience. We enjoyed our work.
Your passion for teledramas?
I have done about 5 tele dramas like Pitagamkarayo, Akala Sandhya, Esala Kaluwara, Dandelu Gini and Ran Kahawunu and I believe people still talk about those creations. But the tele drama industry today is completely different to what it was in the past.
You mean the attitude of new generation artistes are also different?
That’s not their fault. It’s simply because they were not guided properly. We were fortunate to work with dedicated directors who taught us the disciplines of this field. When I joined films, we were in the golden era of this film industry. I was the last in the slot of stars who entered films during the golden era. Then came the war which disrupted our industry. We worked as a team. But today there is no team work because the new generation has not been groomed to work in such an environment. I hope the situation will change in the near future and we would see a flourishing industry.
Are you trying to say that the new crop of artistes are not professional in their approach?
Once again I wish to state that it's not their fault. They are victims of circumstances. Since the industry is not thriving, artistes generally don’t get paid well. So most youngsters do various jobs to earn money and engage in acting only as a hobby which means they have no time to fully commit themselves to this field. This is a profession that needs commitment and dedication. Without dedication you cannot be a professional in any field. We must groom professional actors and actresses.
You just returned after a holiday with your family in the US?
Well, my son’s summer holidays paved the way for such a wonderful break. Upali, my son Chandupa and I enjoyed our trip. I never miss the Universal Studios whenever I visit the US. I always feel how lucky the Hollywood stars are and wish I was born there.
Will your son follow in your footsteps?
Our immediate concern is to give him the best of education. What he will choose as a career will decide on his destiny, I guess. Destiny cannot be edited like in films. Destiny will take us through the path what is destined to us, whether we like it or not.
Most of your contemporaries in the film world have produced movies, but you…?
True. I too had this urge for quite some time. But I am a type that always choose to lead a hassle-free, independent lifestyle. Unlike acting, being a producer might be stressful. However I might most probably produce a movie if I get a good script which has a role with substance for me too.
Interviewed by Ramesh Uvais
Photographs by Sumudu
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments