
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
The sets were buzzing with activity as `Sihina Kumari’ (Dream
Princess), Sri Lanka’s first lengthy teleserial to be aired with stereo
transmission facilities was being filmed. The star couple Chathurika
Peries and Roshan Pilapitiya along with Chathurika’s father, Jayantha
Peries, bring `Chala Ru Creations’ maiden project from Monday to Friday
at 7.27 p.m. on Rupavahini.
The 32 episode teleplay is based on the life and activities of four
youths. Directed by the award winning Chamara Jayaweera of `Dehadake
Aadaren’ and `Vidharshana’ fame, the creation introduces a couple of new
faces to the scene along with popular and experienced campaigners.
Ashanthi Ranasinghe and Roshan Perera act opposite Chathurika and
Roshan while Veena, Nita, Robin, Kusum Renu, Buddhi and others play
significant roles in the story scripted by Lakshman Pushpakumara. Child
actress Saranya Jayakody will also display her acting talents while
Sriyantha Mendis makes a guest appearance.
`Sihina Kumari’ is based on a variety of themes: a triangular
romance, business rivalries, the bond between parents and children and a
series of rare yet realistic occurrences.
“We stumbled upon the structure of the plot on the internet. It
contained most of the ingredients of interest to the contemporary
society. Lakshman developed some scenes to bring a local touch to the
work and the finale product encompasses a thrilling and engaging story
of four youths and their attitude towards life, their parents and
peers,” Chathurika explained the roots of the project.In a period when
teledramas take on a monotonous path `Sihina Kumari’ provides a novel
experience to the audience.
Audience will be able to identify pieces of their own life and
experiences embedded in the tale.“Most of the present day directors
refrain from focusing on the technical aspects and the quality of the
final product. If the product shows signs of becoming a hit they merely
add a few more incidents to stretch it for a few more months. New
devices need to be put to use.
We should make creations to nurture the industry and leave something
for the next generation to develop on,” Jayantha Peiris stressed the
need of using new technological resources to make quality creations.
He also added that most of the past teledramas had been family
oriented or set on a rural backdrop.
`Sihina Kumari’ highlights the youth lifestyle of today. Only a few
creations have captured this aspect on a big scale and brought it before
the audience. It focuses on a universal aspect: the clash between
parents and adolescents,” he stressed.
All the crew involved in the teleplay are youths so a lot of fresh
ideas have been laced together in combining the final product. Veteran
director Nalan Mendis too had given them a few tips before shooting
commenced.Manjula Dushan is the art director, Romesh Akila is the
assistant director, Hansaka Gunawardena the make up artist and Rohana
Hewavitharana is in charge of the settings. Priyantha Pradeep is the
cameraman while Sankalpa Randika is the editor. The costume designers
are Chandana Priyankara, Bhanu and Kanthi Gamage.
Mangala Pradeep is the music director of the teleserial for which
Prageeth Ratnayake and Nishantha Priyadeva penned lyrics. Ajith Chandana
is the production assistant. |