Anula Karunathilaka (, born 23 January 1946) is a Sri Lankan film actress and theatrical performer. Her work is noted during the 1970s film and cinema history in Sri Lanka. One of the most popular actresses in Sinhala cinema in the 1960s, she is best known for the popular role 'Dammi' in the blockbuster film Golu Hadawatha.
Personal life She was born on 23 January 1946 in Wellawatte, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Career Karunathilaka's entry into the industry in the early 1960s came about as a result of a chance meeting with senior film industry figures at a beauty contest organized by the Dawasa newspaper in 1962. Having applied as a contestant at her sister's insistence, her photo was published in the newspaper among the other candidates' for the public to vote on. Filmmakers Sumitra Peries and Tissa Abeysekera were among the audience of the final event and, using the photo published in the newspaper, identified Karunathilaka during the day's proceedings. A week later, Sugathapala de Silva and G. W. Surendra visited the Karunathilakas' home with a message from Lester James Peries, Peries, and Abeysekera, inviting her to audition for the role of Nanda in Lester James' upcoming Gamperaliya. Despite her interest, Lester decided her to be too young for the part, and instead gave her the role of Liza, auditioning for the part in a scene alongside Gamini Fonseka. She thus made her on-screen debut at 16.
Karunathilika played a role in the local film industry's efforts to produce truly local performances, moving away from highly Indianized productions and plots.
Acting style Karunathilaka was an acclaimed popular and awarded actress. She is known for character acting. Her style is said to derive from her nurturing under a strict culture and family restrictions in the 1940s.
Key performances Golu Hadawatha made many notable contributions to Sinhala cinema, and became one of the most popular actresses in the late 1960s. Her most important role was as Dhammi in Golu Hadawatha (Silent Heart). Karunathilka was awarded with national Sarasaviya Awards in 1969 for the role. Another key role was Sugath.
Personal life Karunathilaka was married to photographer and journalist Daya Ranaweera.
Awards 1965 - Sarasaviya Award - Popular Actress 1969 - Sarasaviya Award - Best Actress - Golu Hadawatha 2011 - UV Sumathipala Memorial Award
Selected works
Filmography
Year Film Role Ref. 1963 Gamperaliya Laissa 1965 Chandiya Sumana 1965 Sonduru Yuwala 1966 Seethala Wathura 1966 Parasathu Mal Nona 1967 Daru Duka Sumana 1967 Ran Salu Sarojini 'Sara' 1967 Sadol Kandulu 1967 Vasanthi 1968 Punchi Baba Caretaker 1968 Golu Hadawatha Damayanthi 'Dammi' 1969 Oba Nathnam 1969 Narilatha Soma Weerasooriya 1969 Mee Masso 1969 Paara Walalu 1969 Mokada Une Lucy 1969 Bakmaha Deege Pabilina 1970 Penawa Neda 1972 Ihatha Athmaya Priyani 1976 Nedeyo Nirmala Gunaratne 1977 Yakadaya Rathi 1995 Demodara Palama Sumana 2004 Randiya Dahara Samantha's mother 2010 Tikiri Suwanda Samanmalee's mother 2017 Wassanaye Sanda Mihiri's mother 2019 Rush Mrs. Saparamadu
Television Aba Yaluwo Ammawarune Bhavathra Ganga Addara Hirusanda Maima Laabai Apple Mahathala Hatana Rosa Katu Sayaweni Patumaga Senehase Nimnaya Sepalika Sith Bindi Rekha Tharuka
Theater Boarding Karayo Ranthodu
References
External links
දම්මි තක්ෂිලාවට