Cinema
Magnificent Malani
by Ruwini Jayawardana
Acting is her forte. With an
abundance of talent, dignity and modesty Malani Fonseka had thrilled
many cinemagoers with her exceptional performances for more than four
decades. Not only was she the most adored star in the film scene but she
had also taken Sri Lankan cinema to the global sphere.
Having already bagged the Silver Peacock Award at the 39th
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year Malani went on to
win the Best Actress Award at the Levante International Film Festival
held in Bari, Italy, recently. She won both international awards for
portraying the role of ageing actress Sandya Rani in Prasanna
Vithanage’s movie ‘Akasa Kusum’.
“To be nominated for the Levante Film Festival is an achievement
itself as many countries compete for awards. Winning it was an added
bonus. I am destined to bring honour and fame to my country. It is
indeed an achievement,” Malani said adding that it is her way of showing
tribute to a country which had lavished love on her for many years.
“I am fortunate to be loved by so many people. To be adored is a rare
opportunity that comes across one’s life. I wish to thank my fans for
their wishes. I am grateful for their support and request them to extend
their blessings even in the future.
They are the reason that I find strength to continue acting,” she
noted. Speaking of her role in the movie Malani said that director
Vithanage should be commended for exploring the female mind in such
depth. She said that many of those who had watched the movie in foreign
soil had questioned this. “He is exceptionally talented and committed to
his work.
I had second thoughts in accepting the role as I believed that it
would be difficult for me to do justice to the movie but Prasanna was
able to talk me into the project. It was a challenge which was close to
home. Sandya Rani is an actress of the bygone era. She faces incidents
that are very much present in an actress’ life,” Malani said.
Apart from Malani, Dillhani Ekanayake, Nimmi Harasgama, Kaushalya
Fernando, Jayani Senanayake and Malani’s niece, Samanalee Fonseka,
portray pivotal roles in the movie. Another niece, Sanduni, portrays
Sandya Rani’s childhood.
“They are the cream of our industry and portrayed their roles
admirably. I got a lot of support from them and the working atmosphere
was very encouraging. They represent many generations of actresses in
our industry,” she stressed. Malani flew to Australia to take part in
the Asia Pacific Film Awards ceremony in Brisbane where she had been
nominated, yet again, for the Best Actress Award for ‘Akasa Kusum’. |
