In the lime light:

Hero of the celluloid world

How many of you have tried to emulate (to try and imitate) the little heroes and heroines of television productions such as Punchi Weerayo and Tikiri Hapannu? No doubt, some of you have your favourites among the many characters portrayed in these popular children’s serials that have captivated you and even fired your imagination.

Today we decided to introduce you to the real hero behind the screen of these productions - the veteran actor, director and producer Channa Perera, responsible for enriching your childish world with such quality productions.

The accolades (praise) he has won for his achievements are numerous and to many of you, he may be a hero too, as he has not only directed, but also acted in Punchi Weerayo. So, let’s see what he has to say to you, and also about his work, especially connected to your little world.

Having begun his career as an actor in the tele drama ‘Golu Hadawatha’ and film ‘Sujatha’, Channa Perera has come a long way to make a niche for himself in the celluloid world. He needs no special introduction as such because he is a well-known personality so, we’ll briefly introduce him before we highlight his views ...

A resident of Bandaragama, Channa Perera received his education at Royal College, Colombo. He had concentrated only on his studies during his early schooling career because his parents hadn’t wanted him to do any extra-curricular activities. Although he had a strong liking for the arts, he said he couldn’t pursue this field because of parental restrictions. However, with time, he had participated in some school dramas, especially after the O/L examination.

Realising that there weren’t many theatrical, cinematic or television productions for children, after entering the field as an artiste, he was keen to do something special to fill this void.

The television was a good medium to start with, explained Channa as there wren’t many tele dramas for children. With this aim, he produced Punchi Weerayo in 2000. Even though initially he had problems trying to find a sponsor, once the drama was telecast he had received a good response for his work.

Advising children to go forward bravely and work in self confidence while learning good qualities and following the advice of elders, he stressed the need for good examples and guidance not only from society, but also from the creative field.

Children like heroic acts; they like to hear about them, see them and then reflect on them, pointed out Channa, saying that this was proven by the response he received from the children to his production Punchi Weerayo.

Following the success of Punchi Weerayo, he had decided to produce yet another tele-drama, titled ‘Tikiri Hapannu’ which also was a success. It had taken one and a half years to complete work on this series which is being telecast over the small screen. This serial revolves around childish dreams and their heroism, two things children revel (take great delight) in.

He pointed out how children love to dream and live in a dream world. “Their dreams may not be big, but they reflect deeply even on their little dreams. So, they don’t like to see their dream world destroyed. They build up their hopes based on these dreams”. And, Channa’s aim was to offer them an opportunity to venture into, and enjoy, such a dream world through this television series.

Creative work which portrays violence generally disturb a child’s mind. In some children’s programmes, there are horrible scenes of violence and crime which even some adults can’t tolerate. “When we do such creations, we have to be extra careful. With the aim of capturing the attention of children, some introduce images and ideas which are unsuitable for them.

They do so, thinking only of the market potential. But, a market-based production is not the most important aspect”, he explained. In order to create suitable productions for children we must be dedicated, he stressed.

“Children always think differently, unlike adults. So, we have to first identify their needs and feelings. We have to look at their world through their eyes, because theirs is a very sensitive world”.

Advising children, he says, “One’s childhood and schooling career are both very important. However, priority must be given to education because only if we receive a good education can we reach a top place in society.

Doing, extra-curricular activities is also important, but they have to be followed wisely”, he added.Everything in life must be done to the best of one’s ability, he said, requesting children to read as much as possible, he pointed that books help one to gain a lot of knowledge about the world, which could eventually be used for the betterment of one’s life.

Another piece of advice this famous young artiste had to give the children was to keep company with elders who are very knowledgeable, especially about popular verses, stories and so on. “Reflect on such ineresting stories you hear from them and make it your dream to create something on similar lines. If you get used to this at a young age, you can go far in any field”, he added.

However, he cautioned anyone aspiring to take to the creative field not to imitate the works of others, but be original in their creations. “Observe the work of others to get ideas and inspiration, but never copy or imitate them. Only if you are original in your creations you can become famous and well accepted in society”, he said.

So, heed the advice given by your own hero if you want to be successful in whatever field you want to pursue and be famous like him.
Some dramas and films he
has directed
Films
Anjalika
Sanda Diyasalu
Tele dramas
Punchi Weerayo
Tikiri Hapannu
Some dramas and films he
has acted in
Golu Hadawatha, Ekagei
Kurullo, Diya Suliya,
Sathpurawesiyo,
Senehewanthayo, Vali
Sulanga, Theertha Yathra,
Sujatha, Anjalika.
Some of the awards
he has won

Best Young and Creative Director - 2001 (Sumathi Awards) for Punchi Weerayo

Most Popular Filmstar - 2006 - (Sarasaviya Awards) Anjalika

Most Popular Actor (Teledrama) - 2002, 2003, 2004 (Sumathi).

Asha Senevirathne