Byline Indrajith Liyanage

Title : Panhindaka Sanhinda

Published by : Katahanda Publications
 

Reviewed by Aditha Dissanayake

Anybody who feels, next to people, books are the most important things' in the world (as did Old Daniel in James Michener's Fires of Spring) will find themselves in perfect harmony with Indrajith Liyanage.

A collection of his articles brought together as Panhindaka Sanhinda reveals there is more to the voice behind Balaji in the popular tele series - Praveena than what meets the eye or rather what greets the ear, everyday of the week from Monday to Friday.

"Our household did not have beautiful furniture of ornaments. But there were books everywhere. Piles and piles of them..." writes Indrajith on the chapter he dedicates to his father Gunadasa Liyanage. "My father never called us by our names. My sister (Upeksha) was "Lokka," I was "Hitchi," my brother Vajira was "Hotchi," and my younger sister Chethana was "Podi Lamaya".

In the article titled "Kalakamaya and Bebadukama" he ponders why some artistes need intoxicants to inspire them in their creative endeavours. He quotes from a plaque which was seen hanging on the front door of Herbert Ranjith Peiris' home.

"This is an announcement for my quests. I consider my time as a valuable commodity. Therefore, I will appreciate it if you could limit the time you spend with me to the minimum.

-If you came to gossip - 30 seconds

-If you came to ask for a donation - half a second

-If you are an ordinary friend - five minutes

-But if you are an ordinary friend with a bottle of arrack, Brandy or Gin you may stay as long as you wish"

As a tea-totler and non-smoker, Indrajith wonders why some artistes can never meet, discuss, create a work of art sans the stimulation found in a bottle of arrack. Proving he sees the world through unconventional eyes in the chapter, "Lessons to be learnt from Kamal Addaararatchchi, Indrajith quotes Khalil Gibran - "A philosopher's soul is in his head. A poet's soul is in his heart.

A singer's soul is in his voice. But the soul of an actor is spread throughout his body". Though he begins the article with this statement he does not make his stance about Kamal's prison sentence for raping a fan - Inoka Gallage, clear. Is he for or against Kamal?

The last of the articles is the most engaging - "Vicharayata plug gahanu epa", in which Indrajith accuses certain writers for writing their own reviews or for asking their friends to write reviews praising the work in question, sky high.

Conclusion: if you are looking for an action filled, breathtaking story this book is not for you. But if you are looking for thought-provoking points to ponder on, while lying on your couch on a lazy afternoon, "Panhindaka Sanhinda" is for you.

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