Haupe Liyanage Athukorala Morris Joseph Ranabahu (born 18 May 1938 – died 29 October 2001: ), popularly known as Freddie Silva, was a Sri Lankan film actor, and playback singer, who appeared from 1963 until 2001. Freddie was known for being one of the most popular Sri Lankan comedians of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in over 400 films and Produced 2 films, of which 300 were screened at the celebration of fifty years in Sinhala Cinema.
Early life Silva was born on 18 May 1938 in Puvakaramba, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka as the only child of the family. Silva's father was an overseer for the Moratuwa Urban Council and his mother was a member of Salvation Army. Growing up he was fascinated with singing and dancing. St. Sebastian's College, Moratuwa was his Alma mater.
Music career In the 1950s Silva performed the Alanson Mendis composition "Bar Bar Bar" in front of Sir John Kotelawala and was warmly received. He used this opportunity to get a letter of recommendation from Kotelawala which he presented to Livy Wijemanne of Radio Ceylon to secure a job as a radio artist.
Silva's first recording was "Mottapala." He followed the song with "Bar Bar Bar" now updated with music by P. L. A. Somapala. It was a success. Subsequent efforts teamed Silva with the late Premakirthi de Alwis. Their work include comedic songs like "Aron Mama", "Pankiritta", "Nedeyo", "Handa Mama", "Kekille Rajjuruwo" and "Parana Coat" (from Lokuma Hinawa). Silva's crowning achievement is considered the tune "Kundumani."
Acting career Silva got his first screen role through a chance meeting with K. A. W. Perera in 1963. At that time he was living with H. R. Jothipala and Roy de Silva and frequented parties as a guest entertainer. Perera cast Silva in Suhada Sohoyuro alongside L. S. Ramachandran and Vijitha Mallika. He appeared at a dance on the beach singing "Diya Rella Werale Hapi Hapi" with Pushparani and went on to be cast in mainly comedic roles.
The serious side of Silva was seen in Sekaya (1965), Lasanda (1974) and Sukiri kella (1975). In the 1975 film he played a mentally handicapped character and in preparation for the role lived with a real handicapped boy in Koralawella.
By the 1980s, producers were reluctant to make a film without Silva fearing that the movie would flop. He was then living an extravagant life and saved little. In 1989 Silva was awarded the Ranathisara award by leading film weekly Sarasaviya. A turning moment came when his friend Vijaya Kumaratunga (who he appeared alongside in ten films the last being Yukthiyada Shakthiyada) was murdered. He cites this event as leading to the downfall of cinema. Still Silva stayed busy appearing in 15 of the 26 films made in 1992.
Personal life Freddie Silva was a father of four children from his two marriages to Kamala Swarnalatha Perera and Chithra Herath. His first son Janesh Silva was also an actor and a singer. Freddie's first marriage daughter Chandani Silva is a singer and actress.
Janesh Silva was born on 26 January 1962 and attended to Carey College for studies. He was married to Hemamala and they have one son Janith Silva. Janesh died on June 10, 2012, while he was taking medical treatment for cancer. Janesh Silva is known as a comedian that acted in 10+ films.
Freddie Silva died on 29 October 2001 in Siddamulla at the age of 63.
Filmography Year Film Role1963 Suhada Sohoyuro 1965 Sepatha Soya 1966 Seethala Wathura 1966 Mahadena Muththa 1969 Paara Walalu 1970 Ohoma Hodada 1971 Samanala Kumariyo samaga Api Kawadath Soorayo 1972 Sujeewa 1973 Haddinnath Tharu Asoka's friend1973 Sunethra Geetharatne1973 Dahakin Ekak 1973 Hondata Hondai Komalawathie 1974 Lasanda Vijay1974 Duleeka 1974 Kasthuri Suwanda Kamal's friend 1974 Dinum Kanuwa 1974 Sheela Poster affixer / Guru1974 Sihasuna 1974 Shanthi 1974 Jeewana Ganga 1974 Unnath Daahai Malath Daahai 1975 Obai Mamai Sirisena1975 Sukiri Kella Pushpananda / Robert Louis Nanapala1975 Sadhana 1975 Mage Nandi Shyama 1976 Hariyata Hari Chauffeur 'Somapala' 1976 Rajagedara Paraviyo 1976 Kolamba Sanniya Tarzan1976 Haaratha Hathara 1976 Aasha1976 Wasana Martin1976 Ran Thilakaa 1976 Kauda Raja Peacock Dancer ("Dine Lanka") 1976 Adarei Man Adarei1977 Maruwan Samaga Waase Mudalali store frequenter1977 Tom Pachayaa 1977 Hithuwakkarayo 1977 Siri Madaara 1977 Hariyanakota Ohoma Thamai 1977 Niluka 1977 Chin Chin Nona1977 Saja1977 Sithaka Suwanda Tintin1978 Sasara1978 Maduwanthi Freddie1978 Siripathula 1978 Apsara 1978 Deepanjali 1979 Samanmalee 1979 Minisun Athara Minisek 1979 Muwan Pelessa Pina1979 Rose Mal Thunak Flutist1979 Akke Mata Awasara 1979 Subhani1979 Nuwan Renu Pabilis1979 Wisihathara Peya 1979 Hari Pudumai 1980 Silva 1980 Muwan Pelessa 2 Pina1980 Adara Rathne Student leader 1981 Kolam Karayo Ahanga Lal Sulojana1981 Geethika Silva 'Mahathaya' 1981 Anjaana 1981 Ek Dawasak Ra Photographer1981 Amme Mata Samawenna Freddie1982 Miss Mallika 1982 1982 Wathura Karaththaya Reporter1982 Kadawunu Poronduwa remake Sewaris 'Unnah'1983 Sumithuro 1983 Chandi Siriya 1983 Sister Mary Friend1983 Hasthi Viyaruwa Velu1984 Ara Soyza Soyza1984 Thaththai Puthai Silva1984 Kakiley Rajjuruwo Andare1985 Araliya Mal Bandara1986 Dinuma Ustad1986 Mal Varusa Lona1987 Yugayen Yugayata 1987 Thaththi Man Adarei 1987 Yukthiyada Shakthiyada 1987 Raja Wedakarayo Upul 'Music Master' 1987 Ran Dam Wel 1987 Obatai Priye Adare 1987 Ahinsa 1987 Hitha Honda Chandiya Serpino 1988 Newa Gilunath Bandchun Gira1988 Rasa Rahasak Sena1988 Gedara Budun Amma Minister1988 Amme Oba Nisa1988 Angulimaala 1988 Durga 1988 Satana 1988 Newatha Api Ekwemu 1988 Chandingeth Chandiya 1989 Badulu Kochchiya 1989 Mamai Raja Ranjith's Advisor's son1989 Nommara 17 Potato 'Nommara 13' 1989 Obata Rahasak Kiyannam 1989 Randenigala Sinhaya Sunny 'Aiyya' 1990 Sambudu Mahima 1990 Dese Mal Pipila Bandu1990 Thanha Aasha Amadoru1990 Dedunnen Samanaliyak 1990 Walavuve Haamu 1990 Pem Raja Dahana Guru1991 Uthura Dakuna Alwis1991 Paaraadeesaya 1991 Bambara Kalape 1991 Love In Bangkok Jackie1991 Cheriyo Doctor Doctor Koko1992 Sathya 1992 Jaya Siri We Kumariya1992 Kadiraa 1992 Kiyala Wadak Na Jackie 1992 Malsara Doni PPL Perera 1992 Okkoma Kanapita Don Juan alias Ali baba 1992 Sinhayageth Sinhaya Sergeant Jayapala1993 Jooriya Mamai 1993 Sarjant Nallathambi 1993 Surayan Athara Veeraya Sunil1993 Sura Veera Chandiyo CID Silva1993 Prathigna Sena1993 Mewila Penevi Roope 1994 Okkoma Hodatai Bandara Silva alias Himself1994 Raja Wansen Ekek Sunny1994 Vijaya Geetha Dougie "Payan' Jayasuriya1995 Inspector Geetha 1995 Pudumai Eth Aththai 1995 Vairayen Vairaya 1995 Cheriyo Captain Ping Pong1996 Sura Daruwo 1996 Manamohini Dougie1996 Sihina Vimane Rajakumari 1996 Cheriyo Darling Doctor Coco 1997 Raagaye Unusuma 1997 Soorayo Wedakaarayo 1999 Kolompoor Freddie2001 Jolly Hallo Father2001 Oba Koheda Priye Dulcy2001 Pissu Puso Pachavansa2002 Parliament Jokes Politician2002 Pissu Double Gajadeva2003 Vala In London Charlie2006 Supiri Balawatha Freddie
As producer Year Film Director1994 Okkoma Hodatai
Songs
Aachchi Podi Wedawarjanayak Aappa Weladaamey Umba - with Kalawathee Aaraadhitha Amuththek (Vikata Rasaanga) - with Gemunu Wijesuriya Aaron Maama Aaronge Malli Baaron Aawaa Mey Mama - with Anjaleen Gunathilake Ahanna Balanna Aladinge Puduma Pahana - with Nihal Nelson Allapu Gedarin Aluth Kathawak Aluth Kalaawak Amuthu Adum ada Anangaya Anangaya - with Anjaleen Gunathilake Amuthu Sathaa Andare Andare Mehe Waren - with Desmond De Silva Anna Hande Haawa Api Kaatada Baya - with H.R. Jothipala Arabiye Thele Arulu Burulu Ata Sakilla Waage Athaka Selawena Athadunna Hithawanthi Aththa Yukthiyata Au Au Au Au Mage Sawarina Ayiya Saami - with Kalawathee Baanumathi Bachna Bachana Balla Balla Ballan Biruwata Ballata Ethiwedakuthne Bam Manna Bar Eken Beela Bara Karaththe Batakola Wattiyakata - with Kalawathiee Beela Beela Blade Thaley Bombay Sundaree Bola Kadala Seeni Kadala - with Kalawathee Boru Manasgaatha Noweyi Bulath Wadiyak Buruthu Buruthu Mal Buuru Naamba Chandrase Kelum Cheriyo Kiyala Me - with Gration Ananda Cheene Indalaa Aawe - with Kalawathee Chi Chi Chi Chimpanci Putha Chin Chin Nona - with H. R. Jothipala and Milton Perera Dannawu Rata Pawathenna Wu Dawasak Daa Kakuluwekuta Deweta Dige Man Awa Dil Thadap Thadap (Illagena Kana Parippu) Diya Yata Wiskam Duka Wanasana Sepa - with Milton Mallawarachchi and M. S. Fernando Ekamath Eka Rataka Ea Kale Enakota Enawa Hina Wevi (Nadayo) Enna Enna Wadiwenna Gaha Kola Mal - with H.R Jothipala Gaja Labai Nona Mahathune (Pacha) Galkisse Muhudu Werale Galu Muwadora Pitiye (Dahas Gananakin) Ganu Parane Mawwe Deyyo Gigiri Jagari Handawana Giri Goris Handa Mama Udin Indi Gaha Yata Wadiwela Ipadunu Rata Daya Irida Pole Domba Gaha Yata Jack Saha Jil Kamatha Gawa''' - with Nirosha Virajini Kaputulanthe Wasiyo Kawadawath Na Mehema Deyak Kawuda Gona (Oon Maru Hathara Hina) Kawuda Me Ane - with Kalawathee Kewilige Patiya (Kaputige Kooduwe) Lagadi Papai Nondi Jimai Lokaya Namathi Game Maduruwathi (Keen Koon Hangi Hangi) Maha Kaleka Benayaka (Naga Rajaya) Maha Kelaye Nuga Sewane (Bakamuna) Mamai Motta Pala Mame Me Bakamuna - with H.R Jothipala Mangala Athupita Sarasi Mayam Mawala Pala Me Danno Danithi Mini Gejji Handana My Name Is Saiman Silva Naga Rajaya (Maha Kalayaka Benayaka) Nandamma Na Nedo - with Srilal Abeykoon Nikamma Inna Wadata Adanna (Pin Batha) Nitharama Biruwata Ballek Oba Raja Weela - with Kalawathee Onna Babo Billo Enawa Or Mister Pana Palayan Labana Sumane Pankiriththa Parana Coat Parawiya Wage Raja Malige Pata Sarungal Wagei - with Vijaya Kumaranatunga Princy Darling My Sweety Raigamayanani Gampolayanani Raja Umbane Gona Rakinna Kiyala Aran Thibba Ran Thatiyaka Kiri Pani Purawala Rupiyal Lakshayak Thagi Salli Labenakota Sando Gundo (Kalayakin Nowa Munagahune) Sopinath Ekka Man Surangani Surangani Thamath Innawa (Vijaya Kuwenila) Thangamani - with Kalawathee Thea Kude Pite Badan Tikiri Kirilliyo Topsina Premi Mage Upan Dine Langa Ena Hinda Vikara Loke Loka Vikare Wadath Agei Hadath Penei - with Gration Ananda Weda Mahaththaya Wella Simbimin Rali Perale Yakada Kate - with Anjaleen Gunathilaka Yantham Athi Yantham English Dana GaththaReferences
External linksජනප්රිය නළුවා ලෙස කිරැළ පලන් විකට නළුවා Yesteryear Sinhala film comediansFreddie Silva no more Freddie's fries මේ දරුවාගේ පියා කවදා හරි රජ වෙනවාජනේෂ් සිල්වා ගැන දුක හිතෙන ආරංචියක්''