TV Times

TV Times

Little boys make it big
By Ramesh Uvais
These little schoolboys have made a name for themselves among the masses with their powerful roles in Somaratne Dissanayake’s Suriya Arana. The boys – literally the stars of the film – speaking to the TV Times about their on-camera experience, appear to be with the mind and confidence of professional artistes.

For 13-year old Sajitha Anuththara Anthony, the role he plays in Suriya Arana as the Veddah boy is his first major screen portrayal after small character in a German film recently.

“My father has been my guide, guru and motivator, and naturally I intend following in his footsteps,” says Sajitha, the youngest son of popular actor Jackson Anthony and vocalist Kumari Moonesinghe.

“We were given every comfort during the hectic shooting schedule of Suriya Arana in Mahingana and Meemure and I am most grateful to Somaratne uncle and Renuka aunty for all the support,” Sajitha recalls the memorable days not forgetting to heap praise on his school authorities at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo for their cooperation.

“They were really understanding and cooperative. I was given special permission to grow my hair for more than six months to suit the role. I most respectfully appreciate the assistance given to me by our Rector Fr. Victor Silva and my teachers who helped me cover up the portions I had missed while shooting, “ he says with no signs of nervousness.

What are his interests apart from acting?
“Reading and rearing fish. My father who is well-read insists that we should read a lot and I enjoy obliging him,” says Sajitha who also participates in athletics in school.

The other Suriya Arana boy, Dasun Madusanka Mendis who plays the role of Sumedha Podi Hamuduruwo turned ten ten last month. The Moratuwa Prince of Wales student is a Catholic though his performance as a little Buddhist monk has been seen by many as terrific.

“Though I am a Catholic I also go to temple with my friends and I liked the role very much. I was shcked when I knew that I was selected for the role by Somaratne uncle out of about 500 who had been interviewed. But I am grateful to our drama teacher Tissa Gunawardena for guiding and motivating me,” says little Dasun.

Coping with studies amidst all this child play, Dasun says his teachers are satisfied with his work at school where he is popularly known as ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ now.

Together with Sajitha, Dasun who also displayed a varied range of athletic skills in the film, is obsessed with athletics and gymnastics apart from acting.

Dasun’s brief career started with Chamara Silva’s Sithuge Yaluwo and then followed it up with Rukmal Nirosh’s Atapattamaa. His first film role as Ukkuwa came in Sudath Mahadiwulwewa’s Sudu Kalu Saha Alu and the next was Suriya Arana. He also plays a role in Sangeetha’s maiden production Sandagiri Muduna.

“I was first introduced to Somaratne uncle by Channa Deshapriya who had seen the rushes of Sudu Kalu Saha Alu. My dream is to study well and someday emerge as a good citizen,” says a smiling Dasun.

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