TV Times
 

End of an illustrious era
By Ramesh Uvais

Denawaka Hamine

Sinhala cinema's grand old lady, Kalshoori Denawaka Hamine is no more. But the roles she portrayed in more than 300 films and teledramas will linger in our memories for generations.

Dona Georgiana Meraya Denawaka, born in Gampaha on February 20, 1906 having started her career as a teacher serving in all parts of the country took to acting when she was almost 60. In her illustrious film career spanning almost four decades, she played significant roles in Sath Samudura for which she created history by bagging the Best Actress award in 1967.
She struck gold in several other films like Thunmang Handiya, Arunata Pera, Desa Nisa, Sagarayak Meda, Matara Achchi and Deveni Gamana and several tele serials including the long-running Kopikade. Having worked with stars of all shapes and sizes, she bagged almost all prestigious awards including the Sarasawiya, Deepashika, OCIC, Presidential and Sumathi.

With no dreams of ever becoming an actress, quite amazingly, Denawaka Anty as she was lovingly known had never seen a single movie before making her debut in films.

She amply proved that acting cannot be taught but has to come from within. And her natural knack for acting brought her loads of roles, both positive and negative.

Having opened her film chapter in G.D.L. Perera's Sama, she acted even in her late ages until illness sidelined her from the world of glamour and glitter. However, she was always in touch with the happenings in the glamour world.

The only actress, perhaps who never used glycerine in crying scenes Denawaka Anty had her fair share of tears in real life too. Having lost her husband just four years after marriage and left alone with her only daughter, Denawaka Anty overcame all obstacles in life through sheer hand work and determination.

When we interviewed her a few months ago, she was leading a somewhat isolated life with her daughter in Pannipitiya. She was hurt that only a handful of her filmworld colleagues at least called to inquire about her health. She was even then talking of the hundreds of children and grandchildren she had in reel-life. It's a pity that there was hardly anybody who came to see their celluloid grandma when she really needed a caring word and gentle hug. That happiness alone could have perhaps extended her lifespan by at least a few more years.

In a country famous for carcass worshipping, her funeral saw a large gathering but the country should learn to express their gratitude to senior artistes well while they are alive rather than shed whatever tears after they are dead and gone.

The void created by H. R. Jothipala is a fine example. Though he carried the tag of being a pavement singer in his long career, today the Sinhala cinema is still not able to find a replacement for him even after 15 years of his demise. Today, there are many feeble and helpless artistes like Mabel Blythe, Haroon Lantra, Henry Jayasena, Piyadasa Wijekoon and Laticia Peiris who have to depend on a meagre income to keep their home fires burning and looking after their health. Will the authorities at least now help such senior artistes who did yeoman service to the country's arts, while they are alive rather than pay huge tributes after they are gone?


'Unduwap Asiriya' at Le Kandyan
Experience a real festive atmosphere 'Unduwap Asiriya' from December 23 to 31 at Le Kandyan. A delicious dinner buffet at Rasawasala Restaurant will be on from December 23 will include special preparations such as 'BBQ Night', 'Seethala Unduwap Rathriya', 'X'mas Buffet', 'Pasta Night', 'Pera Aparadiga Rasamusuwa', Baaratha Raathriya', 'Chef's Night' and 'Dambane Raathriya'. The '31st Night' with entertainment called 'Duruthu Udanaya' will offer loads of complimentary gifts and prizes including airline tickets, weekend vouchers and lot more for the revellers.

Popular Night Club in Kandy, Le Garage is also geared for special theme nights from December 23 onwards such as 'Millennium Fever', 'Merry X'mas', 'Santa vs DJ', 'Nostalgic Night', 'Ladies' Night', 'Banker's Night', 'Guys Night', 'Arabian Night' and 'Break Dawn 2002' on December 31 with the Yes FM DJ crew together with hi-tech sound and lighting system. The Tickets are priced at Rs.1,500/- (dinner and dance) on December 31.


City ready for festive bashes
By Sanath Weerasuriya

Dream Team at Taj Rooftop

Christmas and New year will come in a grand scale this year for everyone.

Most of the City Hotels and restaurants are planning to have big bashes in grand style to welcome the year 2003.

Galadari Hotel

Five Course menu will be on offer for Christmas Eve Dinner at California Grill. A candle-lit dinner on the rooftop with music by Ananda Dabare will be one of the romantic Christmas Eve Dinners in town.

Complimentary glass of wine and a piece of Christmas cake will be there for everyone. The tickets are priced at Rs. 4200/=

The Thirty First Night extavaganza at the lobby will be on with dance music of Ecstasy and DJ music by Music Entertainment. The compere for the evening will be Clifford Richard. Ticket are priced at Rs. 3,800/- per adult and Rs. 2,000/- per kid.

The main ballroom dance will come alive with Cascades and DJ music by MARZ and K-Jay. The Sound and lighting for this event will be by Infinight Entertainment.

"Dance the night away into the dawn of 2003" is priced as Rs. 2,500/- per head.

Taj Samudra

December delight,the Christmas incentives begin at Taj Samudra on December 24 .

At the Ports all traditional Christmas goodies including Roast Turkey in Cranberry Sauce and a lovely plum pudding will be available for the Christmas.
The romantic candlelight dinner at the poolside with an affirmation that you will be derive the most out of Christmas Eve.for Rs. 1250/= nett

The delightful meat selection of Steak & Grill House depends on our gusty chefs who can't help but be full of passion and afflatus. On offer is a five-course special set menu including a lot of mouth- watering steaks, grills and desserts. The music will be live jazz and Country . That's not all on offer. A complimentary rose for each lady and chocolates to take home.

The tickets are priced at Rs.2950/= nett

Since the Mix is synonymous with quality beverages, revellers will find a wide selection of special cocktails and an extra-special snacks menu. Sri Lanka's globe trotting band Friends, will rock the dance floor. The DJ will make sure you don't have a moment to rest the feet.

The New Year's Grand Dance at the North Lawn come alive with Friends and Dream Team will play for the Rooftop dance.

Trans Asia
X'Mas Eve Sumptuous Spread will be on at the Summerfields Cafe with an elegant backdrop to an unforgettable start to this year's Christmas Celebrations.
The tickets are priced at Rs. 1,500.-Per person

"Traditional Trimmings", X'Mas Day festive Brunch too will come alive at the Summerfields Cafe for Rs. 1,200.-per person.

Be a part of the excitement and celebration as Sri Lanka greets 2003- the countdown will be on at the Golden Ball Dinner Dance with " In Harmony". Also Gold FM DJ's too will be in action at the King's Court.

The ticket are at Rs. 4000.- per person.

Lanka Oberoi
The popular band "Sohan and the X' Periments" with Desmond Silva will be the main attraction at the Grand Dinner Dance at the main ballroom.

New comer 'Tribe' will come alive at the Main lobby of Lanka Oberoi for the New Year's Eve Dinner Dance.

Holiday Inn
The band 'Rajive and The Clan' and 'Kings' will be the centre of attraction at this year's 'Blast Thru' Dinner Dance at the Holiday Inn.

Clancy's
'Freak Out' with Asiri at Clancy's on December 31 New Year's Eve Dinner Dance.


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