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 24th January 1999 |
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Jackie B sees many dreamsBy Bandula JayasekaraOur cover girl this week is beautiful Bangalore born Jackie Besterwitch. She was crowned as the first runner up in the 'Femina Look of The Year' contest in 1996. Today she sends sparks of fire across India both on the ramp and on the small screen. She is featured regularly in the fashion spreads of Femina. Jackie has visited Sri Lanka few times and loves our Island nation. She loves reading and spending time with her family. Apart from her modelling, Jackie runs a fashion boutique in the posh Levella Road in Bangalore. On 6th January she reaches another milestone in her life, her birthday. Her age? These girls don't age, they only add to their dreams.
Makara Vijithaya has unusual plot'Makara Vijithaya', commenced on ITN on January 17.It comprises 22 episodes. The story commences with the return home of Dr Ranil Chandrasakera(Tony
Ranasinghe) a Sri As the scientist smells that there is a secret force following Galina,they live in an upcountry hotel hiding their identities.Here they come across a number of characters.Thegiris (Joe Abeywickrema), the antiques smuggler,Nita (Niluka Rekhani) a spinster living a hidden life,her fiancee a driver (Amarasiri Kalansuriya) employed under Claude (Rex Kodippilli) a multi millioniare. Claude however comes to know the real identity of the scientist and offers services as an adviser. Claude who is an international racketeer plans to use this internationally
reputed scientist to get his The story takes a different turn when Ravi the forest ranger (Channa Perera) develops a soft corner for Galina.Ravi along with the Police Inspector and two honest public servants carry on a hectic struggle against illict timber fellers.The other character in this drama is that of a photographer played by Daya Alwis who appears and disappears at intervals.He plays a vital role in the drama by his presence at various places. Another highlight in this teledrama is the sudden disappearance of Galina near a river in the area.Anonymous messages reach the scientist and his wife.. Will the scientist fall prey and get entangled with Claude? Will terrorist Jag Jeevan's tactics bear fruit.? 'Makara Vijithaya' is created by Bennet Ratnayake. K.D.Dayananda is director of photography and the script is written by Kapila Kumara Kalinga.Harsha Makalanda is its music director.The production is by Ben Films.
Communal amity on screenBy Kumaradasa Wagista.'Uthurukuru Satana',a teledrama produced by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation completed a hectic shooting schedule at Kuliyapitiya recently."Our next schedule will be at Kalpitiya where the entire cast will have to work"director Tilak Gunawardena said. The story starts with Dr Subramaniam (S.Visvanathan) coming to work in a government dispensary. Villagers receive him well although he is a Tamil from Trincomalee.The doctor who speaks halting Sinhala, lives in a room in the dispensary itself, cooks his own food and travels on a push bicycle. It so happens that the doctor treats and cures ailing Chandralatha (Dilani Abeywardena),the beautiful young daughter of a farming family. A love affair begins between the doctor and Chandralatha secretly which becomes an open secret as time goes on. Chandralatha's parents as well as the villagers are against their love affair just because the doctor is a Tamil. The doctor's mother and sister come to know their affair and oppose it because Chandralatha is a Sinhala woman. The doctor transfers property owned by him in Trincomalee to his brother and sister.The doctor marries Chandralatha, purchases a plot of land in the village, builds a house and lives happily in their new dwelling. Chandralatha gives birth to a baby boy.The doctor opens up a dispensary in his house and even owns a pharmacy in the town. The doctor's mother and sister visit them now and then.As time passed their trips waned gradually.The reason being the doctor's brother and sister joining the Tiger cadres. Gunatileka, a young villager who vehemently opposed their love affair gets friendly with the doctor because he cures Gunatileka's wife. Meanwhile an uprising takes place in the Sinhala areas resulting in the doctor's house, dispensary and pharmacy being destroyed.Chandralatha at the risk of her life protects her husband. Gunatileka comes forward and secretly shelters Chandralatha ,their infant child and the doctor in his father's house. The doctor detests being in hiding throughout, and is unable to go to war infested Trincomalee either.The family then share accommodation in a house belonging to the doctor's relative in Batticaloa. With the arrival of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) the war situation in Batticaloa heightens. Batticaloa becomes a target of the terrorists. Accommodating Chandralatha, a Sinhalese,creates a problem,just as it was a danger for the doctor in the Sinhala area.The doctor's relatives protect Chandralatha just as she protected the doctor. However before long both the doctor and Chandralatha get killed.Their infant son is now an orphan. Suminda Sirisena,Nilanthi Wijesinghe,Nilmini Kottegoda,Nirmala Wijesekera,Clitus Mendis with many other artistes are in the cast..Chandralal Manamendra is director of photography. Somaweera Senanayake has written the script of this tele drama based on a novel of the same title by A.M.Karunaratna. "Uthurukuru Satana" is directed by Tilak Gunawardena.of the SLRC Drama section.
Asian films at Berlinale '99Lalith Ganhewa and Edward P. Lokugonaduwa reporting from Berlin As the year begins five films have been confirmed for the Official Programme of the 49th Berlin International Film Festival held from February 11 - 21. The Festival authorities have selected two world premieres for the competition; another three top films be shown in the Official Programme's Panorama section. Among them is just one film from Sri Lanka. Buddhika Keerthisena's (Boodee) latest film "Milla Soya" is the only film from Sri Lanka still on the waiting list. The film based on true incidents relates the tragic story of the young generation leaving the Island to Europe looking for green pastures. For this adventure some of them pay the highest price with their lives. Despite the economic and film crisis in Sri Lanka about which we have heard so much, and the related drop in production, the artistic creativity seems to be unbroken. Renowned film-maker Ann Hui from Hong Kong, will premiere her most recent film Qian Yan Wan Yu (Ordinary Heroes) in the competition. The film gives a sense of life and the turbulent events in Hong Kong in the 80's and 90's. Ann Hui received the Silver Bear for her competition entry "Summer Snow" in 1995, and was a member of the International Jury in 1996. She was also awarded the 'Berlinale Camera" in 1997. Another world premiere is Keiho Dai Sanjyukyu Jyo (Naked Law) by Japanese director Yoshimitsu Morita. Since the international success of "The Family Game" (1983) Morita has become well-known to the public and critics. His entry for Berlin is a puzzling psychological who-dun-it. Besides his work as director, Yoshimitsu Morita is active as scriptwriter, author and actor. Todate, the only film from Hong Kong, is director Yonfan's Bishone! (Beauty). It is set in the world of homosexual prostitutes in Hong Kong and depicts an unusual relationship. There are two other films participating in the Panorama from Japan and one in the waiting list from Sri Lanka. In A HARU (Wait and See), famous director Shinji Somai portrays an unique family story. Manour Oshii's animated film JIN-ROH (The Wolf Brigade) is a thriller about guerrilla warfare in an imaginary Japan. More than 340 films are in the section Forum of New Cinema. The new film of Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki JUHA will be screened at the world premiere. The film based on a novel of the same title by Finnish author Juhani Aho, is a triangular drama with a tragic ending. The film will be screened in Berlin as a silent film with live music played by the Anssi Tikanmaki Orchestra. Shirley MacLaine, one of Hollywood's most respected actors will be lauded here by the Berlin International Film Festival with the presentation of a "Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement" during the upcoming 1999 Berlinale. Ms. MacLaine is an old acquaintance of the International Berlin Film Festival. It is the tenth time in the Festival's 49-year history that a performer has been so honoured. Previous recipients were James Stewart (1982), Sir Alce Guinness (1988), Dustin Hoffman (1989), Gregory Peck (1993), Sophia Loren (1994), Alain Delon (1995), Jack Lemmon (1996), Kim Novak (1997) and Catherine Deneuve (1998) The Berlinale '99 expects more than 800 films in nine different sections. They are: The main competition, forum of young cinema, Panorama, Children's films, Retrospective, Homage, Short films, New German Cinema and the Film Market (screenings only for sales).
Mysore's green hotel set in royal palaceBy Bandula JayasekaraMysore is the charming southern Indian town immortalized by R.K. Narayan in his Malgudi novels. It enjoys a wonderful climate year round. Mysore is also very close to the famous coffee plantations of Coory, the game reserve of the Nilgiris and the Ooty hill station. In Mysore the old Chitranjan Palace built for the Royal Princess has been restored as a lovely Green Hotel with twenty-four rooms and the elegant Princess' Room, the Rose Room, the Marigold Suite and the Lotus Room. The hotel is set in an extensive garden with formal lawns, shaded pergolas. The palace has spacious sitting rooms and verandahs and a specially selected library with a collection of modern Indian writing.What is very important about the hotel is that all food is freshly prepared from fresh ingredients. It serves vegetarian, non- vegetarian food, north and south Indian, Chinese and Continental. The hotel has been selected as one of the 'world's best ideas' by the Institute of Social Inventions London and received awards from the Mysore Horticultural Society as the best garden and from the British Guild of Travel Writers Tourism Project.The palace was also featured in the Green Hotelier magazine and on BBC world service television. The lovely Green Hotel preserves a historic building, practices an equal opportunity policy, particularly employing widows and abandoned wives for whom work is usually unavailable, create environmental awareness with solar heating and low energy lighting and putting Tilapia, the mosquito-eating fish in small ponds. It also has a trendy auto-riskshaw painted all green for the guests to be used for leisurely drives around Mysore but the most important thing about the Green Hotel is that all profits are distributed to charitable and environmental projects in India.
Quinta wins broadcasting awardPopular yesteryear broadcaster Quintus Rodrigo was honoured for his services in that field recently.Popularly known as 'Quinta' among friends and associates,he was one of the top rung men in the broadcasting arena. Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation presented awards to outstanding commercial broadcasters from the 1950's to last year.Quintus Rodrigo was one of them who received this prestigious award. A notable feature seen in Quinta was the artful capabilities of holding massive crowds spellbound for long hours at sweep draws which went on from dusk to midnight without a break. He was the announcer for National Lotteries Board in the mid sixties to the seventies,where the sweep draws were held and entertainment by popular radio artistes like H.R.Jothipala,M.S.Fernando.C.T.Fernando,Mohideen Baig,Lata Walpola, Clarance Wijewardena,Milton Mallawarachchi,Freddie Silva,and J.A.Milton Perera. Many other popular film and radio artistes sang to the melodies of various music directors. He has worked with giants in the field like Thevis Guruge,Karunaratna Abeysekera, Lalith S Maithripala and others in the field of Lanka Broadcasting. Chitravahini,which gave information of feature films and films under production,Mata Mathakai,Franco Rasa Pena,were only a few of programmes of that time.
Amitabh Bachchan invited to Sri LankaBy Bandula Jayasekara
This invitation was given to him in Hyderabad last week during the recently concluded Indian Film Festival. The legendary film star who is treated with much respect and admiration in India and the world of cinema has now made a comeback to the silver screen and has acted with all the leading heroines of the new generation. They include Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Juhi Chawla and Raveena Tandon. Bade Mia Chote Mia and Major Sahab are his recent movies. Most of Amitabh's movies were great hits in Sri Lanka and he is best remembered for his role in 'Abhiman' where he starred with his wife Jaya Bahaduri. The movie ran to packed audience for more than 100 days here.
Quinta wins broadcasting awardPopular yesteryear broadcaster Quintus Rodrigo was honoured for his services in that field recently.Popularly known as 'Quinta' among friends and associates,he was one of the top rung men in the broadcasting arena. Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation presented awards to outstanding commercial broadcasters from the 1950's to last year.Quintus Rodrigo was one of them who received this prestigious award. A notable feature seen in Quinta was the artful capabilities of holding massive crowds spellbound for long hours at sweep draws which went on from dusk to midnight without a break. He was the announcer for National Lotteries Board in the mid sixties to the seventies,where the sweep draws were held and entertainment by popular radio artistes like H.R.Jothipala,M.S.Fernando.C.T.Fernando,Mohideen Baig,Lata Walpola, Clarance Wijewardena,Milton Mallawarachchi,Freddie Silva,and J.A.Milton Perera. Many other popular film and radio artistes sang to the melodies of various music directors. He has worked with giants in the field like Thevis Guruge,Karunaratna Abeysekera, Lalith S Maithripala and others in the field of Lanka Broadcasting. Chitravahini,which gave information of feature films and films under production,Mata Mathakai,Franco Rasa Pena,were only a few of programmes of that time.
Amitabh Bachchan invited to Sri LankaBy Bandula JayasekaraAn invitation nas been extended to Amitabh Bachchan to visit Sri Lanka. This invitation was given to him in Hyderabad last week during the recently concluded Indian Film Festival. The legendary film star who is treated with much respect and admiration in India and the world of cinema has now made a comeback to the silver screen and has acted with all the leading heroines of the new generation. They include Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Juhi Chawla and Raveena Tandon. Bade Mia Chote Mia and Major Sahab are his recent movies. Most of Amitabh's movies were great hits in Sri Lanka and he is best remembered for his role in 'Abhiman' where he starred with his wife Jaya Bahaduri. The movie ran to packed audience for more than 100 days here.
Ratnasiri: young man of many actsYoung debonair Ratnasiri de Silva indulges in his leisure time in his favourite passion, namely modelling and has an eye for the trendy in designer wear. Besides, Rathnasiri has many talents; he's not just a model, he has entered into a world of teledrama and many opportunities have come his way for him to carve out a niche in the field of acting and appearing in TV commercials.
Ranjuka does Sri Lanka proudRanjuka Ubayasiri, the Lankan male representative of 'Mr/Miss University International 1998', secured the 2nd runner-up position, making him the first Sri Lankan male to win an international title in a world pageant. This International beauty pageant was held in Tokyo, Japan from December 6-17. This was the grand finale of the world competition. Among a lot of enthusiastic applications from all over the world Ranjuka Ubayasiri was formally nominated as one of the participants of this beauty pageant. There were 30 participants representing various countries including United States of America United Kingdom, Russia, Brazil, Hungary, Nepal, Japan, China and Thailand etc. This pageant originated from Rev. Sun Myung Moon's idea of how to present a new image of university students and to promote international friendship and cultural exchange among the students of the whole world. Eventually it was also hoped to restore morality and sound order at the campuses. Based on this idea Mr. & Miss University pageant committee had planned and held this unique pageants annually for 21 years. Among those competitors Ranjuka Ubayasiri was able to secure the position of 2nd runner-up in the 'Mr. University International Beauty Pageant 1998'. It is indeed an honour to the country as he is the first Sri Lankan who was honoured with this title during the long history of 21 years of this prestigious event. Ranjuka is a fourth year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo. He received his primary and secondary education at the Royal College, Colombo. During his student days at the Royal College he took part in various extra curricular activities and excelled in athletics. He studied Kandyan dancing too With his talents in dancing he now actively participates in dancing performances. At the university career in addition to his studies he holds the position of Vice Captain of the University Basketball team and will captain the team during this season. He was also selected to represent Sri Lanka in the Man Hunt International event held in Singapore in 1994. Ranjuka has successfully completed a comprehensive course in Latin American Dancing under Manushan Perera. He also excelled in Martial Arts and is an ardent follower of the form of Martial Arts known as Aikido which has been pioneered by Sensei Kumar Rutnam and Sensei Damith in Sri Lanka.
Jackson Anthony has passion for actingBy Daffy DuckJackson Anthony's name lives in many hearts for the roles he plays.
He came into limelight first as an announcer/compere in many musical shows.
In an era where the proper Sinhala language was replaced with slang, it
was remarkable to watch and listen to him. Then came the part he portrayed
in the teledrama 'Kadulla'. Five years later came 'Pitagamkarayo' where
he acted the part of The role of 'Simonsingho' depicted a man of great principles. He stood steadfast by them. He was a simple normal human being. But the role 'Nagasinghe' was a difficult character he had to play. He was a man who had developed his mind through meditation. His mind was so developed that he could cross over time and come back to the present. In order to act this role the actor practiced 'Kundaliyoga Bavanava' Jackson Anthony said. I love doing that part. What you see in real life is easy to act. But to think further than the present becomes mind boggling. That's the reason I wanted to do it. The moment I felt proud of myself is when both the nominations were for my roles. Hence I competed with myself for an award. My life began in Bandarawela. My father was transferred there. Our home was near the famous Dowa Temple. My time was spent helping in the temple cermonies and poojas. We were Catholics. So I attended church and helped them with mass, etc. I went for bible studies too. I attended St. Mary's Primary School. My father used to come after school to pick me up on his bicycle. Till then I used to sit in the corridor to wait for him. One day I saw my seniors practicing a drama titled 'Nasthikara Puththu'. One senior did his part all wrong. The drama teacher too could not get them to do it right. But on my return home I acted the part with my brother with mother and father as the audience. Only then I felt happy. Talking further he said: My father understood my love and passion for arts, he became my first teacher. He guided me so that when I grew up I could make my dream come true. Then we came back to Ragama, our home town. My father too was a theatre actor. Then I attended the Hapugoda Central, a mixed school. I acted in all school dramas, but girls and boys weren't allowed to act together. Then I was tall, thin and fair. Much prettier in my younger days. I was Gama Haminai or Duwa, or some-one's wife. Once my limbs and mind expanded I wanted a more difficult role. The entertainment then was the radio. I used to listen to drama series 'Ranga Madala'. It went on Wednesday night at 8.30 p.m. and sometimes re-broadcast on Monday night. I listened to both. Then I sat down and wrote a new script while adding my own lines to it. Then the play was acted in school. After the Advanced level exam I entered the Colombo University Arts Faculty. Here I was the Best Actor for 2 consecutive years. I was trained under Sugathapala Silva. He spread the word around, and once I passed out Lucien Bulathasinhala gave me the part in his stage drama 'Tharawo Igilethi' the actor further said. Talking of his family he said that he met Kumari Munasinghe in 1975 in College. After a 10 year love affair they got married in 1985. Now we have 3 children. Our daughter Madavi Wathsala is 10 years, sons Akila Danudhadara and Anuthtara are 8 and 7 years. They too love to act. To ensure the continuity of the acting he wants to encourage his children. Since he has completed all his assignments in both films and teledramas he is relaxing now. but if an adequately good role is offered him, he says he would not reject it.
Gorzila: story of an animal from the misty pastA group of young men and women who go on an up country excursion suddenly sight a creature they had never seen before. As it's a frightening sight they suspect it could be a dinosaur. As one of them is assisting a biologist, the incident is reported to the leader of the teamThe Professor of Biology in the university is informed and research work begins to find out more about this unusual creature. The team of researchers fail in their attempt to see the unusual animal as this creature disappears from one place and re appears in some other area. The problem is more complicated as this deadly creature destroys human life and even dismantles huge buildings. The situation becomes grave as the actions of this creature turns a portion of the country into famine.Villagers believe the creature is an evil spirit and perform charms and rituals to get rid of the animal.As destruction of property and killings do not stop the government interferes and even appoints a special army unit to trap this monster.Further a special information centre is established to collect information and act swiftly. However the research team who had collected information and studied the pedigree advises the government to control activities of the animal and not to destroy it.Collecting facts from information they have gathered so far it is concluded that the monster is a 'Gorzila' But due to the increase of killings of human beings and destruction and destroying of property the government is adamant to destroy it in the greater interest of the community. Finally the creature is destroyed. However the research team warns that 'Gorzila' would reappear.'Gorzila',being a female had laid fertile eggs just 6 days proir to her been put to death. Work in this teledrama started recently.The main role will be played by 'Gorzila',an animation creation of hi-tech Beta-Cam -Digdital.The 15 episode teledrama will be directed by Thusita de Silva. A host of amateur actors and actresses will play the other roles, jubilant Media Network (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka Managing Director and 'Gorzila' co director Janaka Ramanayaka said. It's the first Sri Lankan Television Experience of 3D Animation Technology, However the teledrama could be seen without the usual pair of special glasses worn when viewing a 3D film,he added.Selection of new faces to play in this teledrama is now being conducted.
India's struggle for freedom on the screenBy Kumaradasa Wagista'Indian Film Festival '99' (IFF) will be held at Liberty Cinema Kollupitiya from January 29 to February 05.Most of the films in the package depict India's pre -Independence struggle for freedom from imperialist Britain..Most of these films comprise themes of ethnic conflict between Hindus and Muslims which arose along with the Independence movement and the partitioning of the country as India and Pakistan. World renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal is scheduled to inaugurate the event at BMICH Cinema Hall on January 28 evening where admission will strictly be limited to invitees only,Asian Film Centre (AFC) sources said.This is Mr Benegal's first visit to Sri Lanka. However Mr Benegal will make a public appearance at Sri Lanka Television Training Institute Colombo 7,when he delivers the 8th. Neil I Perera memorial lecture,'Indian Cinema and Idea of Nation' on January 27 evening.Neil I Perera founder of Film Critics and Journalists Association (FCJA) in the mid sixties,worked for the creation of a national film culture in Sri Lanka. Mr Benegal 65,was born in Andra Pradesh.He is a cousin of veteran film maker Guru Dutt.While studying for an Economics degree at Osmania University,Hyderabad,he was actively involved in the Student Theatre movement.Later he took up residence in Mumbai and worked in a leading advertising agency.While working here Mr Benegal made more than 900 documentaries and eleven corporate films. He has also worked as a documentarist,lectured at Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and Bhavan College. His first feature film was 'Ankoor'(1973),made with a quasi -realist style then considered antagonistic to the Hindi Film Industry.After the success of 'Ankoor' he made several outstanding films which have won international acclaim for him. A highlight of the festival organised by AFC is the screening of 'Tamas' (Darkness) which runs for six hours,with two intermissions.'Tamas' the controversial film directed by Govind Nihilani deals with the traumatic times of India's partition and is presented as a tale visualised through the eyes of a tanner named Nathu and his pregnant wife. Two films directed by Shyam Benegal is in the package,'The Making of Mahatma' and the other is 'Nehru'.The former film is based on the struggle spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi while he was in Africa for two decades,against unjust humiliation and racist hatred towards the blacks.The other is 'Nehru',a documentary based on Pundit Nehru's autobiography, his selected speechs and books, a co production with former USSR.This pays tribute to statesman Pundit Nehru. The other feature films in the package are 'Garam Hava' (The Burning Wind) directed by the pioneer filmmaker M.S.Satyu. The wind that scorched the two countries,India and Pakistan were carved out of the Indian sub continent in 1947. Pamela Rook's 'Train To Pakistan'is based on a novel by Khushwant Singh. The film is set during the summer of 1947 when the frontier is turned into a scene of rioting and bloodshed with the partition. Director Ketan Mehta's 'Sardar' is based on the life of Sardar Patel who was also known as the 'Iron Man of India'.The film concentrates on the last five years of his life from 1945 to 1950,when he strode the national scene as a key figure in wresting Indian Independence and integrating the country. 'Gandhi' directed by Richard Attenborough is another film in this package.The script of Gandhi spans fifty six out of Gandhi's seventy nine years.It starts from his South African days as a young attorney to Gandhi's struggle for the non-violent approach on his return to India. The festival will be repeated at Kegalle,Trincomalee and Matara shortly,AFC sources said. Asian Film Centre jointly with The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka in collaboration with Integration Programme Unit have organised the Indian Film Festival '99.
On a Blind Date in Sri Lanka"Blind Date" is one of the most popular weekly television programmes on BBC in the United Kingdom. The presenter is the famous Cilla Black from Liverpool. 'Blind Date' is where one gets to choose one's 'own date' out of three persons none of whom one can see. The three contestants are kept behind a screen out of sight of the contender but both parties are in full view of the live audience. The contender is allowed to ask three questions of his/her choice of the three contestants. He/she is then asked to pick out the girl/boy of his choice, based on their answers. The screen is then taken away and the contender is allowed to see for the first time, the person he/she has chosen as his/her Blind Date. Then the couple together is offered several holiday destinations in envelopes. Once the couple chooses an envelope, they open it and find out what destination, they have chosen. Mikee Lynden and Elizabeth Gamman were the first couple to have chosen Sri Lanka in the history of the 'Blind Date' programme. When they travel to their destination, they are accompanied by a camera crew from 'Blind Date' TV programme. They film how the couple gets on while they are on their date. At the end of the date, they are interviewed separately by the Blind Date crew to see what they say about each other. Then this interview and clips of their date are shown on one of the upcoming Blind Date programmes. The couple are present at this particular programme in the studio and are asked whether they would see each other again. Some couples even get married, some hate each other and some just become good friends. Mikee Lynden and Elizabeth Gamman who spent their date at Mount Lavinia Hotel were hitting it off when we last saw them. Since Blind Date is one of the most watched programmes in the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka is sure to get immense positive publicity. Mount Lavinia Hotel gave the couple a grand colonial style welcome on their arrival. A vintage car drove them to the hotel. They were welcomed by a couple dressed up as Governor Thomas Maitland and Lavinia, the mestizo dancing girl whom he fell in love with in the days goneby. They were also greeted by trumpeters and offered champagne on arrival.
Bollywood SceneFather's daughterBy Ismail KhanRingay Khanna daughter of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia is about to enter stardom according to informed sources. Ringay who get her training at the Boston Institute of Culture has done well in dramas and has even got bit parts in films. Her father, Rajesh Khanna, who is a stickler to perfection, has already told her that she must be 100 per cent perfect before taking off on acting career. Therefore she is taking special classes to cut out the edges and trim herself well before taking the leap into stardom. Dimple Kapadia Ringay's mother is hopeful that she will go far in her new career. She says even she started on a small scale before hitting big time. We all wish Ringay a powerful take-off into the film galaxy.
Abbas in Malayalam filmWhenever a lean time occurs in Chennai, actors and actresses have the habit of jumping into the Bollywood bandwagon or slide down South to Kerala or Cochin for Malayalam films. One such case is up and coming star Abbas. After having done so well in a few Tamil films main being Kathal Desam and VIP both of which were hits Abbas now finds himself high and dry without work. So he has decided to go down South to Kerala and Cochin and has already signed up for a few Malayalam films. Now under production in Kerala and Cochin is the film ''Kannaymuthi Pottum Thottu'', a Malayalam film where Abbas has got the lead role while the heroine is the best Malayalam film could offer- leading lady Manchu Variyar. Manchu has already acted in a few films and has got rare reviews. Her joining Abbas for this venture could be the beginning of a long story who knows!
Vijay - Ramba once againOn the sets just now in Modern Studio's in Chennai is Gentlemen International's ambitious production ''Endrum Kadal''. Produced by K.D. Kunchu Menon the film has top stars Vijay, Ramba, Bhanu Priya, Raghuvaran, Radha Ravi and an experienced supporting cast doing service. The story revolves around Vijay based in Chennai and Ramba in London getting the thumbs up for their engagement and marriage and the resultant friction among family members. It has its contours and devious tones which reaches a thrilling and emotional climax. Whether Vijay and Ramba unite in the face of thunderous family storm is for you to see. Music, direction, story and screenplay is by Manoj Patnakar. Ms. Patnakar is the Assistant Director.
Tirchchi Topiwale - a smasher"If you want to enjoy ''Tirchchi Topiwale leave your brains behind;
that was the warning given by With big stars being bombed out of box office small fry like Inder Kumar, Chunky etc. have hit the high spot with this comedy of errors. Chunky who was almost written off from Bollywood, still refuses to believe that his small-budget production is raking in the chips in Mumbai, Calcutta and Delhi. And to boot it had got rare reviews in the wide press. Actor Inder Kumar who has come in as side kick for many a big time star has for the first time got a lead role and according to critics he has done justice to his role. Why this star was sidelined all these years with such talent in him being hidden under a bushel nobody knows. But ''Tirchchi Topiwale'' has done the trick.
Moghul food at AlhambraBy Daffy DuckAlhambra Restaurant of Holiday Inn Colombo is running over 20 years now. It has specialised in Moghul cuisine. We serve the best authentic Moghul food in Sri Lanka says Lasantha de Silva F & B Manager of Holiday Inn. That's not all. The meat items are cooked Tak-A-Tak at the buffet table (Action Cooking). Alhambra Restaurant have introduced the new Friday night Moghul Dinner Buffet from 7.00p.m. onwards. Live band with Shelton Premaratne and Orchestra is bound to keep everyone entertained with soothing music. It is indeed very popular already. Prior reservation is needed on certain days. The Master Chef at Alhambra is Chef Darmyan Singh Rawat. A resident of Bombay. I have been working for the Holiday Inn chain throughout India and Middle-east. I have worked 14 years as a chef. My assistant Sanjay Prasad is from India too. I have been working nearly one year for Holiday Inn Colombo. The popular dishes at the dinner buffet are Murgh Masala, Butter Naan, Badal Jaman, Dhai Wada, Rawa Fried Fish, Mutton Huderabadi Biriyani. The Dinner menus are changed week to week, therefore the dishes vary.
Another addition to Indian food chainBy Daffy DuckHow many times, have you really reached a near nervous break-down thinking of where to take your family, loved & near ones for entertainment plus a meal. More importantly a cozy comfortable place, with the correct atmosphere to suit your family is hard to find. But do not waste time. Rohan's North Indian Cuisine (Pvt) Ltd is a gift from heavens to all such folks. Located at Union Place, Colombo 02. Rohan's is now a house-hold name among executives, businessmen and is fast becoming popular. It was begun in March 1998. Rohan's has a different atmosphere and culture of it's own. It makes you feel at home. The "Robs Bar" is well equipped with local and imported liquor. It's designed more less as a lobby surrounding the bar, which tempts you to sit down and relax. The Fine Dine Restaurant has a seating capacity of 100 pax and private room for 25 pax for special occasions. It offers authentic North Indian cuisine, cooked by Indian Chefs. Not a single Sri Lankan Chef is involved. Garden cafe is located near the terrace overlooking a beautiful garden. It can accommodate 125 pax. It offers an a-al-carte menu. The Banquet Hall is open for any occasion. It offers 225 seating facility. The choice of food is by a a-al-carte menu. Jeya Bahduri Entertainment Hall offers dinners with a live Indian Band accompanied by Indian dancing girls. Entrance ticket is priced at Rs. 250/- per person, but for children it's free. They perform on Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30 p.m. onwards. And on Sunday's a special lunch performance from 12.00 noon to 3.00 p.m. Jaya Bahduri Entertainment Hall is set apart for family entertainment. We don't encourage teenage daughters with mini-skirts, etc. Choice of food is by a set- menu priced at Rs. 190/- nett. New attraction is on it's way for the ones who are short of cash eternally, and in debt 365 days of the year. That's you folks, the "teenagers". Well! there is a place for you. Come first week of February, the Garden Cafe will be transformed into a dazzling disco. It's open for young couple's and gents. Pay an entrance ticket fee of Rs.200/- while the lasses get in free. While "Outburst Entertainers" provides the "pump up the Jam" all you young folks have to do the is " Twist " all night. The discotech will only operate on Friday and Saturday nights, for starters. Refreshments are all very affordable. The Carlsberg beer is priced at Rs.55/- per bottle, while the Lion Lager is sold at Rs. 80/- per bottle. Special snack menu is available in Indian, Chinese or Deviled. Rohan's offers parking facilities for 100 vehicles. This was explained by Mohamed Tajuddin Operations Manager of Rohan's. The master chef behind Rohan's is Chef Ramesh Joshi. He is here from Bombay with 15 years of experience as a master chef. I have worked at Holiday Inn in Pune, which was awarded the "Best Newcomer Hotel of the Year 96/97" of Holiday Inn Chain from Atlanta. I received the award for the "Best Employer of the Month", while my kitchen staff had the pleasure of bagging the "Best Kitchen Department of the Year 96/97" award. Thereafter I have worked at Ashok Group of Hotels, Regency Hotel, says Joshi. I have 7 assistants at Rohan's. Special dishes offered at Rohan's vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisine's ranging from Lassi as Shuruaat (Starters), Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Mutton Sheek Kebab, Machchi Banjara (Sera Fish Dish), Chicken masala, Achaari Gasht (Lamb Curry), As chat-pata (Hot Appetizers Indian) Punjabi Chicken Chaat, Aloo-Chaat (Potato), Tali-Machhali (Seer Fish). For Subzian or Vegetarian Food Roahn's offers Navaratna Karma, Subzi Khada Masala, Shaman Curry, Paneer Makhani, Dhal Tadkewala, etc. Plus such as Dum Pukt 'Gasht Biryani' (Mutton), Begum Noorjehan ki Pasand (Chicken) Gulnar - KE - Bahar (Fish Biryani) Kashmiri Chilman Biryani (Veg.). Next is the Chinese Menu. Offering various Rice & Noodles, Soups, Hot Appetisers & Main Course. The prices range between Rs. 60/- ++ to Rs. 150/- ++ per dish. Rohan's has been set up by Rohan Rodrigo. |
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Lankan
scientist with his wife and daughter.The scientist who was engaged in the
study of nuclear technology leaves USSR secretly with his wife Augusta
(Edna Sugathapala) and Russia born and bred daughter Galina (Gayathri Dias)
help
and advise to further his own ends.
An
invitation has been extended to Amitabh Bachchan to visit Sri Lanka. 
Simonsingho.
Then in 'Akala Sandaya' he was Nagasinghe. Both characters were nominated
for the 'Best Actor' category award at the Sarasaviya Film festival which
concluded recently.
director-
producer Chunky Randey.