Malini Fonseka
Encyclopedia
Malani Senehelatha Fonseka (Sinhala:මාලනි සෙනෙහෙලතා ෆොන්සෙකා) (born April 30, 1947 in Kelaniya
) is an award-winning Sri Lankan film
actress, also known as the "Queen of Sinhalese cinema". Her cinema career which has spanned many decades began with Tissa Liyansooriya's Punchi Baba in 1968. She first earned recognition, when she won the 'Best Actress Award' at the 1969 National State Drama Festival This was followed by Sarasaviya Best Actress Award
s for Hingana Kolla in 1980, Aradhana in 1982 and Yasa Isuru in 1983. In 2010 she has been named by CNN
among Asia’s 25 greatest film actors of all time.
, Kelaniya
. After Malini was born, her family moved to Jambugasmulle, Nugegoda
. In 1952 she started her education at St. Johns College Nugegoda until the 5th grade. After moving of the family to Wedamulle, Kelaniya she was enrolled at Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya, Kelaniya until completing her education.
On June 12, 1986, she married Lucky Dias
, a veteran Cinema and teledrama actor
and producer
.
with National List
of United People's Freedom Alliance
.
through one of her brothers, Ananda Fonseka, who was both a film director
and producer
but was introduced to the cinema itself by Tissa Liyansuriya and Joe Abeywickrama
.
She made her debut with Tissa Liyansuriya's Punchi Baba (The little Baby) in 1968. These films were followed by Abudasse kale
, Dahasak Sithuwili and Adarawanthayo in the same year. With the critical success she gained with these, she was offered the lead role by several movie directors of the time. Fonseka has acted in over 140 movies since then, some of which were international movies.
Some of her successful films include Nidhanaya
by Lester James Peiris, Siripala Saha Ranmenika by Amaranath Jayathilake, Eya Den Loku Lamayek and Bambaru Ewith by Dharmasena Pathiraja
. She achieved a significant milestone in her artisic career with Sasara Chetana in 1984, where she became both its director and producer. She has directed two other films so far: Ahinsa in 1987 and Sthree in 1991.
She paired up with popular Tamil
actor, Sivaji Ganeshan in Pilot Premnath in 1978.
Later on, she also worked in the television industry. Fonseka has won praise for her performance in Manalada Puthe Kiri Dunne, Pitagamkarayo, Kemmura, and Ambu Daruwo teledramas. She won the Sumathi Best Tele Actress Awards for her roles in Pitagamkarayo and Kemmura.
She has also made her mark as a teledrama director, with successful creations such as Sanasili Suwanda. She even had the honor of being the first female teledrama director in the history of Sri Lanka teledrama history, when she, both directed and acted in her first teledrama Nirupamala.
Her latest film is Uppalawanna directed by Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne.
Malini's career enhanced with Gamini Fonseka
and both who had a long journey in history of the silver screen. Malini stated at Gamini's funeral in 2004, "His performance had appeal across the board and I had the good fortune of being associated with Gamini. The cinema of that era is slowly fading away and the passing away of Gamini is another step towards that direction".
Apart from the many Sarasaviya Awards
she has won, she has also earned other honours like the Presidential Awards, OCIC Awards and also international recognition.
Her most recent awards include the "Best Actress Award" for the teledrama "Kemmura" at the Sumathi Tele Awards Ceremony, 2000 and Wishva Prasadhini Award as appreciation of her service to the cinema industry from the President
in 1996.
Malini Fonseka felicitation ceremony titled Maliniye held at the BMICH on April 30, 2003 with the participation of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga for her four decades of contribution to the Cinema of Sri Lanka
in more than 150 films.
Sri Lankans living in U.S.A. gathered in large numbers at Los Angeles
to honor legendary actress Malini in January 2008. Also a special dinner hosted by the Consular General of Sri Lanka Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Mrs. Wickramasuriya and the Consulate staff. A special ceremony organized for her to present an Appreciative Plaque by the Consulate General of Los Angeles Jaliya Wickramasuriya with the participation of representative groups of the community, Associations, renowned artists and actors and well wishers and fans of actress Malini Fonseka.
Sarasaviya Awards
won by Fonseka:
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Kelaniya
Kelaniya is a small town near Colombo, Sri Lanka in the Gampaha District. It is known for the Buddhist temple built on the banks of the Kelani River, which runs through the town...
) is an award-winning Sri Lankan film
Cinema of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cinema encompasses the films made in Sri Lanka. It is a fledgling industry that has struggled to find a footing since its inauguration in 1947 with Kadawunu Poronduwa produced by S.M.Nayagam of Chitra Kala Movietone.Sri Lankan films are usually made in the Sinhalese language, the...
actress, also known as the "Queen of Sinhalese cinema". Her cinema career which has spanned many decades began with Tissa Liyansooriya's Punchi Baba in 1968. She first earned recognition, when she won the 'Best Actress Award' at the 1969 National State Drama Festival This was followed by Sarasaviya Best Actress Award
Sarasaviya Best Actress Award
The Sarasaviya Best Actress Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival.The award was first given in 1964...
s for Hingana Kolla in 1980, Aradhana in 1982 and Yasa Isuru in 1983. In 2010 she has been named by CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
among Asia’s 25 greatest film actors of all time.
Early life
Born as the third child to the Gilbert and Seelwathie Fonseka at PeliyagodaPeliyagoda
Peliyagoda is a town and Urban Council in Gampaha District in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.As of 2001 it had an estimated population of 29,880.-References:...
, Kelaniya
Kelaniya
Kelaniya is a small town near Colombo, Sri Lanka in the Gampaha District. It is known for the Buddhist temple built on the banks of the Kelani River, which runs through the town...
. After Malini was born, her family moved to Jambugasmulle, Nugegoda
Nugegoda
Nugegoda is one of the most densely populated suburbs of Colombo. It is in the border of Sri Jayawardenapura Municipal Council Limits and Dehiwela Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council Limits, just outside Colombo City Limits. Central Nugegoda is a collection of densely packed shops and mixed residential...
. In 1952 she started her education at St. Johns College Nugegoda until the 5th grade. After moving of the family to Wedamulle, Kelaniya she was enrolled at Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya, Kelaniya until completing her education.
Personal life
,okOn June 12, 1986, she married Lucky Dias
Lucky Dias
Lucky Dias is a Sri Lankan cinema and teledrama actor and producer. He entered films in 1986 guided by his mentor, a former Sri Lankan parliament speaker. Now, he's hosting Obada Lakshapathi Mamada Lakshapathi, Sri Lankan version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. On June 12, 1986, he married...
, a veteran Cinema and teledrama actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
and producer
Television producer
The primary role of a television Producer is to allow all aspects of video production, ranging from show idea development and cast hiring to shoot supervision and fact-checking...
.
Political life
On April, 2010, she got a Membership for Sri Lanka ParliamentParliament of Sri Lanka
The Parliament of Sri Lanka is the 225-member unicameral legislature of Sri Lanka. The members of Parliament are elected by proportional representation for six-year terms, with universal suffrage. Parliament reserves the power to make all laws...
with National List
National List Member of Parliament
A National List Member of Parliament is an unelected Member of Parliament who is appointed by a political party or an independent group to the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The number of national list MPs allocated to a contending party or an independent group depends on the proportion to their share...
of United People's Freedom Alliance
United People's Freedom Alliance
The United People's Freedom Alliance is a political alliance in Sri Lanka. The current leader of the United People's Freedom Alliance is Mahinda Rajapaksa and Susil Premajayantha is the general secretary of UPFA.The alliance was formed by:...
.
Career
Fonseka started her acting career with stage dramas. In 1963, she made her entry to stage dramas with "Noratha Ratha". In 1968, Fonseka won the best stage drama actress national award for her performance in Akal Wessa. She has since played the lead role in 14 stage dramas. She entered the cinema industryCinema of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cinema encompasses the films made in Sri Lanka. It is a fledgling industry that has struggled to find a footing since its inauguration in 1947 with Kadawunu Poronduwa produced by S.M.Nayagam of Chitra Kala Movietone.Sri Lankan films are usually made in the Sinhalese language, the...
through one of her brothers, Ananda Fonseka, who was both a film director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
and producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
but was introduced to the cinema itself by Tissa Liyansuriya and Joe Abeywickrama
Joe Abeywickrama
Gammana Patabendige Don John Abeywickrama was a Sri Lankan actor. He began acting in 1957 and achieved fame as a comedic actor...
.
She made her debut with Tissa Liyansuriya's Punchi Baba (The little Baby) in 1968. These films were followed by Abudasse kale
Abudasse kale
Abudasse kale is a 1968 Sri Lankan film directed by Kumar Wickremasooriya.-Cast:*Rukmani Devi*Malini Fonseka*Eddie Jayamanne*Vijitha Mallika*D.R. Nanayakkara-External links:*...
, Dahasak Sithuwili and Adarawanthayo in the same year. With the critical success she gained with these, she was offered the lead role by several movie directors of the time. Fonseka has acted in over 140 movies since then, some of which were international movies.
Some of her successful films include Nidhanaya
Nidhanaya
Nidhanaya is a 1972 Sinhalese language film directed by Lester James Peries, starring Gamini Fonseka and Malini Fonseka. Movie is based on a short story written by G.B.Senanayake in one of his short story collection known as "The Revenge". It revolves around a murder which is committed for the...
by Lester James Peiris, Siripala Saha Ranmenika by Amaranath Jayathilake, Eya Den Loku Lamayek and Bambaru Ewith by Dharmasena Pathiraja
Dharmasena Pathiraja
Dharmasena Pathiraja is a Sri Lankan film director andscreenwriter.- Early life :Educated at Dharmaraja College, Kandy,Pathiraja graduated from the University of Peradeniya with an honours degree in Sinhala and Western Classical Culture in 1967. Subsequently he began work as a lecturer in Drama...
. She achieved a significant milestone in her artisic career with Sasara Chetana in 1984, where she became both its director and producer. She has directed two other films so far: Ahinsa in 1987 and Sthree in 1991.
She paired up with popular Tamil
Tamil people
Tamil people , also called Tamils or Tamilians, are an ethnic group native to Tamil Nadu, India and the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka. Historic and post 15th century emigrant communities are also found across the world, notably Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, Canada,...
actor, Sivaji Ganeshan in Pilot Premnath in 1978.
Later on, she also worked in the television industry. Fonseka has won praise for her performance in Manalada Puthe Kiri Dunne, Pitagamkarayo, Kemmura, and Ambu Daruwo teledramas. She won the Sumathi Best Tele Actress Awards for her roles in Pitagamkarayo and Kemmura.
She has also made her mark as a teledrama director, with successful creations such as Sanasili Suwanda. She even had the honor of being the first female teledrama director in the history of Sri Lanka teledrama history, when she, both directed and acted in her first teledrama Nirupamala.
Her latest film is Uppalawanna directed by Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne.
Malini's career enhanced with Gamini Fonseka
Gamini Fonseka
Sembuge Gamini Shelton Fonseka was a Sri Lankan film actor and politician.Fonseka was born on March 21, 1936 in Dehiwela the third child of William and Daisy Fonseka. Starting school at a Presbyterian institution, Gamini moved on to S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia...
and both who had a long journey in history of the silver screen. Malini stated at Gamini's funeral in 2004, "His performance had appeal across the board and I had the good fortune of being associated with Gamini. The cinema of that era is slowly fading away and the passing away of Gamini is another step towards that direction".
Awards
Fonseka was the first Sri Lankan actress to reach international heights, winning a special Jury award at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1975. This was to be the first of her many international awards.She also won an award at the New Delhi Film Festival in 1977.Apart from the many Sarasaviya Awards
Sarasaviya Awards
Sarasaviya Awards are the most prestigious awards presented to distinguished individuals involved with the Sinhala cinema, each year by the Sarasaviya weekly newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited , Sri Lanka in recognition of the contributions made by them to...
she has won, she has also earned other honours like the Presidential Awards, OCIC Awards and also international recognition.
Her most recent awards include the "Best Actress Award" for the teledrama "Kemmura" at the Sumathi Tele Awards Ceremony, 2000 and Wishva Prasadhini Award as appreciation of her service to the cinema industry from the President
President of Sri Lanka
The President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is the elected head of state and the head of government. The President is a dominant political figure in Sri Lanka. The office was created in 1978 but has grown so powerful there have been calls to restrict or even eliminate its power...
in 1996.
Malini Fonseka felicitation ceremony titled Maliniye held at the BMICH on April 30, 2003 with the participation of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga for her four decades of contribution to the Cinema of Sri Lanka
Cinema of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cinema encompasses the films made in Sri Lanka. It is a fledgling industry that has struggled to find a footing since its inauguration in 1947 with Kadawunu Poronduwa produced by S.M.Nayagam of Chitra Kala Movietone.Sri Lankan films are usually made in the Sinhalese language, the...
in more than 150 films.
Sri Lankans living in U.S.A. gathered in large numbers at Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
to honor legendary actress Malini in January 2008. Also a special dinner hosted by the Consular General of Sri Lanka Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Mrs. Wickramasuriya and the Consulate staff. A special ceremony organized for her to present an Appreciative Plaque by the Consulate General of Los Angeles Jaliya Wickramasuriya with the participation of representative groups of the community, Associations, renowned artists and actors and well wishers and fans of actress Malini Fonseka.
Sarasaviya Awards
Sarasaviya Awards
Sarasaviya Awards are the most prestigious awards presented to distinguished individuals involved with the Sinhala cinema, each year by the Sarasaviya weekly newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited , Sri Lanka in recognition of the contributions made by them to...
won by Fonseka:
- Ranathisara Award, 1985
- Most Popular Actress, 1983
- Best Actress Actress - Yasa Isuru, 1982
- Most Popular Actress, 1982
- Best Actress Award - Aradhana, 1981
- Most Popular Actress Award, 1981
- Most Popular Actress Award, 1980
- Best Actress Award - Hingana Kolla, 1979
Filmography
| Year | Film | Director | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Akasa Kusum | Prasanna Vithanage Prasanna Vithanage Prasanna Vithanage is one of Sri Lanka's most notable filmmakers. His films have won many awards, both local and international.... |
Sandya Rani | Winner, Silver Peacock Award - 39th International Film Festival of India |
| Aba Aba (film) ABÁ is the high-budget Sinhalese film directed by Jackson Anthony, based on the historical legend of King Pandukabhaya which is set in Sri Lanka more than 2400 years ago. The title is derived from "Pandu Aba", another name for the title character.... |
Jackson Anthony Jackson Anthony Konganige Joseph Malsi Jackson Anthony is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema . Though he has become popular from his career as an actor... |
Baddhakachchayana | Winner, Sarasaviya Best Supporting Actress Award Sarasaviya Best Supporting Actress Award The Sarasaviya Best Supporting Actress Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. Although the Sarasaviya Awards Ceremony began in 1964 , this award was introduced in 1969.... |
|
| Machan | Uberto Pasolini Uberto Pasolini Uberto Pasolini Dall'Onda is an Italian film producer, director, and former investment banker known for producing the 1997 film The Full Monty and directing and producing the 2008 film Machan.-Career:... |
Manoj's Mother | ||
| 2007 | Uppalawanna Uppalawanna (film) Uppalavanna is a 2007 Sri Lankan drama movie starring Sangeetha Weeraratne, Malini Fonseka, Roshan Ravindra. It was directed by Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne. The story deals about the life of the woman named Upuli who later turned to a buddhist nun named Uppalavanna.-Plot:Uppalavanna is a youthful,... |
Sunil Ariyaratne | Chief Bhikkuni | |
| 2006 | Ammawarune | Lester James Peiris | Sumanawathi | |
| Dedunu Wessa | Buddhika Jayarathna | |||
| 2004 | Muthu Etaye Modayo | Giwantha Arthasad | ||
| Prathirawaya | Jayantha Das Perera | |||
| Udu Sulanga | H.D. Premaratne | Menike | ||
| Wekande Walauwa Wekande Walauwa Wekande Walauwa is a 2002 award winning Sinhalese language film directed by Lester James Peries that follows the lives of wealthy people in Sri Lanka. As per the film director the story is inspired by Anton Chekhov's play The Cherry Orchard adapted to a Sri Lankan family context... |
Lester James Peiris | Sujata Rajasuriya | ||
| 2002 | Punchi Suranganawi | Somaratne Dissanayake | Sinhala teacher | |
| 2000 | Saroja | Somaratne Dissanayake | ||
| 1998 | Anthima Reya | Gamini Fonseka Gamini Fonseka Sembuge Gamini Shelton Fonseka was a Sri Lankan film actor and politician.Fonseka was born on March 21, 1936 in Dehiwela the third child of William and Daisy Fonseka. Starting school at a Presbyterian institution, Gamini moved on to S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia... |
||
| 1996 | Apaye Thathpara Asuharadhahak | Dinesh Priyasad | ||
| 1977 | Pilot Premnath(tamil indian Film) | A.C Thirulogachanthar | ||
| 1994 | Muthu Etaye Modayo | Somapala Leelanda | ||
| Sandamadala | Malani Fonseka | |||
| 1992 | Sathya Sathya (film) Sathya is a critically acclaimed 1988 Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist. This is the first directional venture for director Suresh Krishna, who was previously associate director for K.Balachander in films such as Punnagai Mannan and Sindhu Bhairavi. It is... |
Ranjith Siriwardene | Sathya | |
| Roomathiyayi Neethiyayi | M. Arukgoda | |||
| Umayangana | Ananda Fonseka | |||
| Ahimi Dadaman | Danny W. Pathirana | |||
| Suwadena Suwandak | Milton Jayawardene | |||
| 1991 | Sthree Sthree SThree is a British-based recruitment business. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.-History:... |
Malani Fonseka | ||
| Madusamaya | K.A. Wijeratne | Sarojani | ||
| Raja Kello | Shirley P. Wijeratne | Lady inspetor of police | ||
| Hithata Dukak Nathi Nisa | Dinesh Priyasad | Teacher | ||
| Paradeese | Dinesh Priyasad | |||
| 1990 | Honda Honda Sellam | Dinesh Priyasad | |Lady inspetor of police | |
| Weerodara | Shirley P. Wijeratne | |||
| 1989 | Shakthiya Obai Amma | Ranga Wijendra and Anton Kingsley | ||
| 1988 | Siri Medura | Parakrama Niriella | Nirmala | |
| Waradata Danuwam | Dinesh Priyasad | |||
| Newa Gilunath Ban Choon | Hemasiri Sellaperuma | |||
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External links
- Sri Lanka Sinhala Films Database - Malini Fonseka
- Personal Website of Malini Fonseka
- Official Website - National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka
- Official Website of Lester James Peries in association with Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka
- Malini wins Silver Peacock for Akasa Kusum
- Lankadeepa (Sandella)
- Malini Fonseka in Sinhala 1
- Malini Fonseka in Sinhala 2