Charming actress Devika Mihirani who holds the unconquerable record of being Sri Lanka’s first tele drama actress says she is proud that she is also the pioneer feature tele serial actress in the Asian tele drama culture too. Her role as Nanda in Dimuthu Muthu still lingers in our memories and it will remain so for generations to come.

“I studied at Anula Vidyalaya Nugegoda where I took a liking to dancing from my childhood. I followed dance classes at Sudarshi where I eventually met Vijaya Nandasiri who later encouraged me to act. With the consent of my parents I played the role of Dasi in Simon Nawagaththegama’s Suba Saha Yasa,” Devika told Reel Life during an interview at her Kalapura residence in Mount Lavinia.

 

How does it feel holding this title of being the first tele drama actress?

“Well I am so fortunate and this title will always remain with me. I am so grateful to veteran filmmaker Dr. D. B. Nihalsingha for offering me the lead role in ‘Dimuthu Muthu’ which is remembered by the people even today. After that I acted in Rekha, Sudu Saha Kalu, Sulanga and others. It was a privilege to act opposite film legend Gamini Fonseka in Sudu Saha Kalu.

 

The tele drama role that you cherish most?

Of course,  Nanda in Dimuthu Muthu. It not only made me the first tele drama actress, it also brought me the first television awards for the most popular and talented tele actress. I consider myself extremely privileged in that sense.

 

Who were the other cast members in Dimuthu Muthu?

I was fortunate to work with veterans like Amarasiri Kalansuriya, Chandra Kaluarachchi, Dayananada Jaywardana, Chitra Wakishta, Anura Medagoda and Dharmasri Munasinghe.

 

 

Have you given up tele drama acting now?

Not really, but I have to play different and important roles in real life as a devoted wife and mother. The responsibilities in family life have overtaken the passion for acting full time. Unlike in the past the scenario has also changed with most tele dramas exceeding 100 episodes, making things difficult for people like us. For me my family is the topmost priority. Others are secondary. Vijaya is a busy artiste so I can’t expect much from him towards the family in terms of time. Mothers are generally known for sacrificing everything for the sake of the children. There’s no end to sacrifices, just like the ring that we exchange on the wedding day.  As a wife I am always there for Vijaya giving him all the moral support.  But I have not given up acting. I act in Vijaya’s drama productions like Kusa Pabawathi, , Wrushaba Raja and Bharatha Rajina.

 

How do you scrutinise your husband’s acting skills?

Most actors are confined to one acting style or only acting, but Vijaya is multi-talented. He can act, sing, play instruments and even dance. I first saw Vijaya in the role of Prince Maname and liked his role. Later I liked the person. Vijaya is an instantaneous actor who can change from one mood to another without any hassle. He is very punctual, disciplined and most importantly respects his profession. These traits have really helped him remain in this field for more than 46 years.  He is loved by his fans from all walks of life for his exceptional acting talents.

 

Your family…

My mother is Kusuma Perera, father is William Perera. I have six sisters who closely associate with our family. My sister’s children Sakura Kumari, Sachi Deepankara, Shanthimala and Malkanthi help us in a great way in drama productions. Even my son and daughter showed a passion to arts from their early childhood. I am proud of my sisters, their husbands and children too.

 

Are your children following in their parents footsteps?

My daughter Navanjana Dulanjali studied at Visakha Vidyalaya. After AL’s she taught at the Soviet Cultural Centre and followed a Mass Communication Diploma at the Sri Jayawardenapura University. Her dream is to become a school teacher. My son Rasanjana Suchitra will be sitting for his ALs in the Maths stream. He wants to become a pilot. Both of them help us a lot in drama productions. My son is good at stage lighting. He acts in Wrushaba Raja. My daughter excels in make up. I hope they will excel in arts in the future.

“The sweet memories of the past as an actress will always remain in my heart forever. I must sincerely thank my husband Vijaya and Dr. D. B. Nihalsingha for moulding into what I am today. I am also grateful to my parents and family members.  If I wasn’t an actress I would have chosen the medical profession. I hope time would permit me someday to make a comeback to the small screen. I invite my fans to watch our dramas in which I will continue to interact with them,” says Devika who also dazzled as a film actress besides acting in several stage plays. 

(Address: 156/1, Kalapura, Templers Road, Mount Lavinia)

 

 

 

By Vasantha Wimalasinghe

Pix courtesy Upul Nishantha