The 67^th birth anniversary of charismatic film star-turned-politician Vijaya Kumaratunga falls tomorrow, October 9.

Vijaya was Sinhala cinema’s undisputed romantic hero who mesmerized the 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 his bold attitudes in real life.

The Seeduwa-born film star whose ambition was to someday become a police officer despite his parents wanting him to become a doctor, finally made his movie debut in Hanthane Kathawa and even before the release of his first film he was signed up by more than 12 filmmakers.

That alone spoke volumes about the talent, dedication and commitment of the people’s star who for years bagged the most popular actor award continuously until his untimely death on February 16, 1988.

The old boy of St. Benedict’s College Kotahena and De Mazenod College Kandana, learnt dancing under Shesha Palihakkara and acting under P. Welikala and J.H. Jayawardana.

He first faced the cine camera in a crowd scene for ‘Manamalayo’. Then he responded to a newspaper 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 part of his possession. Tragically, when he finally won the bsta actor award for his powerful role in ‘Kedapathaka Chaya’ it was just over a year after he was gunned down in front of his Polhengoda residence.

Nearly 20 films of Vijaya were released in the first ten years since his death. The last was ‘Eya Obata Barai’ which was screened in 1998.

Interestingly, even a year after his death he was voted the most popular actor.

Vijaya was not only a good actor but also a good singer. He is probably the only star who has bagged awards for the best actor and best singer.

 

 

- Ramesh Uvais