Freddie Silva

Haupe Liyanage Athukorala Morris Joseph Ranabahu, popularly as Freddie Silva (Sinhala: ෆෙ‍්‍රඩී සිල්වා) (06 February 1938 – 29 October 2001), was a Sri Lankan film actor, and playback singer, who appeared from 1973 until 2002.[1] Freddie was known for being one of the most popular Sri Lankan comedians of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.[2][3] He appeared in over 400 films and Produced 2 films, of which 300 were screened at the celebration of fifty years in Sinhala Cinema.[4]

Freddie Silva
ෆෙ‍්‍රඩී සිල්වා.
Born
Haupe Liyanage Athukorala Morris Joseph Ranabahu

(1938-02-06)February 6, 1938
Puwakaramba, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
DiedOctober 29, 2001(2001-10-29) (aged 63)
Siddamulla, Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
NationalitySri Lankan
Other namesFreddie Silva
OccupationActor, Playback Singer
Years active1963-2001
Spouse(s)Kamala Swarnalatha Prera
(Deceased)
ChildrenJanesh Silva (Deceased)
Chandani Silva

Biography

Early life

Silva was born Haupe Liyanage Athukorala Morris Joseph Ranabahu in Puvakaramba, Moratuwa, and was an only child. Silva's father was an overseer for the Moratuwa Urban Council and his mother was a member of Salvation Army. Growing up he was fascinated with singing and dancing. St. Sebastian's College was his Alma mater.[5]

Musician

In the 1950s Silva performed the Alanson Mendis composition "Bar Bar Bar" in front of Sir John Kotelawala and was warmly received. He used this opportunity to get a letter of recommendation from Kotelawala which he presented to Livy Wijemanne of Radio Ceylon to secure a job as a radio artist.[5]

Silva's first recording was "Mottapala." He followed the song with "Bar Bar Bar" now updated with music by P. L. A. Somapala. It was a success. Subsequent efforts teamed Silva with the late Premakirthi de Alwis. Their work include comedic songs like "Aron Mama", "Pankiritta", "Nedeyo", "Handa Mama", "Kekille Rajjuruwo" and "Parana Coat" (from Lokuma Hinawa). Silva's crowning achievement is considered the tune "Kundumani."[5]

Actor

Silva got his first screen role through a chance meeting with K. A. W. Perera in 1963. At that time he was living with H. R. Jothipala and Roy de Silva and frequented parties as a guest entertainer. Perera cast Silva in Suhada Sohoyuro alongside L. S. Ramachandran and Vijitha Mallika. He appeared at a dance on the beach singing "Diya Rella Werale Hapi Hapi" with Pushparani who also died same week and went on to be cast in mainly comedic roles.[5]

The serious side of Silva was seen in Sekaya (1965), Lasanda (1974) and Sukiri kella (1975). In the 1975 film he played a mentally handicapped character and in preparation for the role lived with a real handicapped boy in Koralawella.[5]

By the 1980s, producers were reluctant to make a film without Silva fearing that the movie would flop. He was then living an extravagant life and saved little. In 1989 Silva was awarded the Ranathisara award by leading film weekly Sarasaviya. A turning moment came when his friend Vijaya Kumaratunga (who he appeared alongside in ten films the last being Yukthiyada Shakthiyada) was murdered. He cites this event as leading to the downfall of cinema. Still Silva stayed busy appearing in 15 of the 26 films made in 1992.[5]

Silva died on 29 October 2001 in Siddamulla.[5]

Family

Freddie Silva was a father of two children from his only marriage to Kamala Swarnalatha Prera. His son Janesh Silva was also an actor and a singer.[6][7] Freddie's daughter Chandani Silva is a singer and actress. She is currently working to keep his father and brother's legacy.[8]

Janesh Silva was born on 26 January 1962 and attended to Carey College for studies. He was married to Hemamala and they have one son Janith Silva.[9] Janesh died on June 10, 2012 while he was taking medical treatment for cancer. Janesh Silva is known as a comedian that acted in 10+ films.[10]

Filmography

Year Film Role
1963 Suhada Sohoyuro
1965 Sepatha Soya
1966 Seethala Wathura
1966 Mahadena Muththa
1969 Paara Walalu
1970 Ohoma Hodada
1971 Samanala Kumariyo samaga Api Kawadath Soorayo
1972 Sujeewa [11]
1973 Haddinnath Tharu Asoka's friend
1973 Sunethra Geetharatne
1973 Dahakin Ekak
1973 Hondata Hondai Komalawathie
1974 Lasanda Vijay
1974 Duleeka [12]
1974 Kasthuri Suwanda Kamal's friend [13]
1974 Dinum Kanuwa
1974 Sheela Poster affixer / Guru
1974 Sihasuna
1974 Shanthi
1974 Jeewana Ganga
1974 Unnath Daahai Malath Daahai
1975 Obai Mamai Sirisena
1975 Sukiri Kella Pushpananda / Robert Louis Nanapala
1975 Sadhana
1975 Mage Nandi Shyama
1976 Hariyata Hari Chauffeur 'Somapala'
1976 Rajagedara Paraviyo
1976 Kolamba Sanniya Tarzan
1976 Haaratha Hathara
1976 Aasha
1976 Wasana Martin
1976 Ran Thilakaa
1976 Kauda Raja Peacock Dancer ("Dine Lanka")[14]
1976 Adarei Man Adarei
1977 Maruwan Samaga Waase Mudalali store frequenter
1977 Tom Pachayaa
1977 Hithuwakkarayo
1977 Siri Madaara
1977 Hariyanakota Ohoma Thamai
1977 Niluka
1977 Chin Chin Nona
1977 Saja
1977 Sithaka Suwanda Tintin
1978 Sasara
1978 Maduwanthi Freddie
1978 Siripathula
1978 Apsara
1978 Deepanjali
1979 Samanmalee
1979 Minisun Athara Minisek
1979 Muwan Pelessa Pina
1979 Rose Mal Thunak Flutist
1979 Akke Mata Awasara
1979 Subhani
1979 Nuwan Renu Pabilis
1979 Wisihathara Peya
1979 Hari Pudumai
1980 Silva
1980 Muwan Pelessa 2 Pina
1980 Adara Rathne Student leader
1981 Kolam Karayo Ahanga Lal Sulojana
1981 Geethika Silva 'Mahathaya'
1981 Anjaana [15]
1981 Ek Dawasak Ra Photographer
1981 Amme Mata Samawenna Freddie
1982 Miss Mallika 1982
1982 Wathura Karaththaya Reporter
1982 Kadawunu Poronduwa remake Sewaris 'Unnah'
1983 Sumithuro
1983 Chandi Siriya
1983 Sister Mary Friend
1983 Hasthi Viyaruwa Velu
1984 Ara Soyza Soyza
1984 Thaththai Puthai Silva
1984 Kakiley Rajjuruwo Andare
1985 Araliya Mal Bandara
1986 Dinuma Ustad
1986 Mal Varusa Lona
1987 Yugayen Yugayata
1987 Thaththi Man Adarei
1987 Yukthiyada Shakthiyada
1987 Raja Wedakarayo Upul 'Music Master'
1987 Ran Dam Wel
1987 Obatai Priye Adare
1987 Ahinsa
1987 Hitha Honda Chandiya Serpino
1988 Newa Gilunath Bandchun Gira
1988 Rasa Rahasak Sena
1988 Gedara Budun Amma Minister
1988 Amme Oba Nisa
1988 Angulimaala
1988 Durga
1988 Satana
1988 Newatha Api Ekwemu
1988 Chandingeth Chandiya
1989 Badulu Kochchiya
1989 Mamai Raja Ranjith's Advisor's son
1989 Nommara 17 Potato 'Nommara 13'
1989 Obata Rahasak Kiyannam
1989 Randenigala Sinhaya Sunny 'Aiyya'
1990 Sambudu Mahima
1990 Dese Mal Pipila

Bandu

1990 Thanha Aasha Amadoru
1990 Dedunnen Samanaliyak
1990 Walavuve Haamu
1990 Pem Raja Dahana Guru
1991 Uthura Dakuna Alwis
1991 Paaraadeesaya
1991 Bambara Kalape
1991 Love In Bangkok Jackie
1991 Cheriyo Doctor Doctor Koko
1992 Sathya
1992 Jaya Siri We Kumariya
1992 Kadiraa
1992 Kiyala Wadak Na Jackie
1992 Malsara Doni PPL Perera
1992 Okkoma Kanapita Don Juan alias Ali baba
1992 Sinhayageth Sinhaya Sergeant Jayapala
1993 Jooriya Mamai
1993 Sarjant Nallathambi
1993 Surayan Athara Veeraya Sunil
1993 Sura Veera Chandiyo CID Silva
1993 Prathigna Sena
1993 Mewila Penevi Roope
1994 Okkoma Hodatai Bandara Silva alias Himself
1994 Raja Wansen Ekek Sunny
1994 Vijaya Geetha Dougie "Payan' Jayasuriya
1995 Inspector Geetha
1995 Pudumai Eth Aththai
1995 Vairayen Vairaya
1995 Cheriyo Captain Ping Pong
1996 Sura Daruwo
1996 Manamohini Dougie
1996 Sihina Vimane Rajakumari
1996 Cheriyo Darling Doctor Coco [16]
1997 Raagaye Unusuma
1997 Soorayo Wedakaarayo
1999 Kolompoor Freddie
2001 Jolly Hallo Father
2001 Oba Koheda Priye Dulcy[17]
2001 Pissu Puso Pachavansa[18]
2002 Parliament Jokes
2002 Pissu Double Gajadeva
2003 Vala In London Charlie
2006 Supiri Balawatha Freddie

As Producer

Year Film Director
1994 Okkoma Hodatai

Songs

  • Aachchi Podi Wedawarjanayak
  • Aappa Weladaamey Umba - with Kalawathee
  • Aaraadhitha Amuththek (Vikata Rasaanga) - with Gemunu Wijesuriya
  • Aaron Maama
  • Aaronge Malli Baaron
  • Aawaa Mey Mama - with Anjaleen Gunathilake
  • Ahanna Balanna
  • Aladinge Puduma Pahana - with Nihal Nelson
  • Allapu Gedarin
  • Aluth Kathawak
  • Aluth Kalaawak
  • Amuthu Adum ada
  • Anangaya Anangaya - with Anjaleen Gunathilake
  • Amuthu Sathaa
  • Andare
  • Andare Mehe Waren - with Desmond De Silva
  • Anna Hande Haawa
  • Api Kaatada Baya - with H.R. Jothipala
  • Arabiye Thele
  • Arulu Burulu
  • Ata Sakilla Waage
  • Athaka Selawena
  • Athadunna Hithawanthi
  • Aththa Yukthiyata
  • Au Au Au Au Mage Sawarina
  • Ayiya Saami - with Kalawathee
  • Baanumathi
  • Bachna Bachana
  • Balla Balla
  • Ballan Biruwata
  • Ballata Ethiwedakuthne
  • Bam Manna
  • Bar Eken Beela
  • Bara Karaththe
  • Batakola Wattiyakata - with Kalawathiee
  • Beela Beela
  • Blade Thaley
  • Bombay Sundaree
  • Bola Kadala Seeni Kadala - with Kalawathee
  • Boru Manasgaatha Noweyi
  • Bulath Wadiyak
  • Buruthu Buruthu Mal
  • Buuru Naamba
  • Chandrase Kelum
  • Cheriyo Kiyala Me - with Gration Ananda
  • Cheene Indalaa Aawe - with Kalawathee
  • Chi Chi Chi
  • Chimpanci Putha
  • Chin Chin Nona - with H. R. Jothipala and Milton Perera
  • Dannawu Rata Pawathenna Wu
  • Dawasak Daa Kakuluwekuta
  • Deweta Dige Man Awa
  • Dil Thadap Thadap (Illagena Kana Parippu)
  • Diya Yata Wiskam
  • Duka Wanasana Sepa - with Milton Mallawarachchi and M. S. Fernando
  • Ekamath Eka Rataka Ea Kale
  • Enakota Enawa Hina Wevi (Nadayo)
  • Enna Enna Wadiwenna
  • Gaha Kola Mal - with H.R Jothipala
  • Gaja Labai Nona Mahathune (Pacha)
  • Galkisse Muhudu Werale
  • Galu Muwadora Pitiye (Dahas Gananakin)
  • Ganu Parane Mawwe Deyyo
  • Gigiri Jagari Handawana
  • Giri Goris
  • Handa Mama Udin
  • Indi Gaha Yata Wadiwela
  • Ipadunu Rata Daya
  • Irida Pole Domba Gaha Yata
  • Jack Saha Jil
  • Kamatha Gawa' - with Nirosha Virajini
  • Kaputulanthe Wasiyo
  • Kawadawath Na Mehema Deyak
  • Kawuda Gona (Oon Maru Hathara Hina)
  • Kawuda Me Ane - with Kalawathee
  • Kewilige Patiya (Kaputige Kooduwe)
  • Lagadi Papai Nondi Jimai
  • Lokaya Namathi Game
  • Maduruwathi (Keen Koon Hangi Hangi)
  • Maha Kaleka Benayaka (Naga Rajaya)
  • Maha Kelaye Nuga Sewane (Bakamuna)
  • Mamai Motta Pala
  • Mame Me Bakamuna - with H.R Jothipala
  • Mangala Athupita Sarasi
  • Mayam Mawala Pala
  • Me Danno Danithi
  • Mini Gejji Handana
  • My Name Is Saiman Silva
  • Naga Rajaya (Maha Kalayaka Benayaka)
  • Nandamma Na Nedo - with Srilal Abeykoon
  • Nikamma Inna Wadata Adanna (Pin Batha)
  • Nitharama Biruwata Ballek
  • Oba Raja Weela - with Kalawathee
  • Onna Babo Billo Enawa
  • Or Mister
  • Pana Palayan Labana Sumane
  • Pankiriththa
  • Parana Coat
  • Parawiya Wage Raja Malige
  • Pata Sarungal Wagei - with Vijaya Kumaranatunga
  • Princy Darling My Sweety
  • Raigamayanani Gampolayanani
  • Raja Umbane Gona
  • Rakinna Kiyala Aran Thibba
  • Ran Thatiyaka Kiri Pani Purawala
  • Rupiyal Lakshayak Thagi
  • Salli Labenakota
  • Sando Gundo (Kalayakin Nowa Munagahune)
  • Sopinath Ekka Man
  • Surangani Surangani
  • Thamath Innawa (Vijaya Kuwenila)
  • Thangamani - with Kalawathee
  • Thea Kude Pite Badan
  • Tikiri Kirilliyo
  • Topsina Premi Mage
  • Upan Dine Langa Ena Hinda
  • Vikara Loke Loka Vikare
  • Wadath Agei Hadath Penei - with Gration Ananda
  • Weda Mahaththaya
  • Wella Simbimin Rali Perale
  • Yakada Kate - with Anjaleen Gunathilaka
  • Yantham Athi
  • Yantham English Dana Gaththa

References

  1. "Its 10 years after Freddie left us". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 5 May 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  2. "Comedians of Sinhala Cinema". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
  3. "Freddie Silva filmography". Rate Your Music. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  4. "National Film Corporation of Sr Lanka about Freddie Silva". NFC Sri Lanka. 2016. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  5. "Freddie Silva: He took our breath away and we did not care". Info Lanka. 2002. Retrieved 2007-02-29. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH2y2xXONqo
  7. http://www.english.gossiplankanews.com/2014/08/cancer-risk-factors-and-behaviour-of.html
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kynQGmpAoQ
  9. "Dear Janesh, come back". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  10. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-07-10. Retrieved 2015-04-24.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "All about Sujeewa". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  12. "All about the film "Duleeka"". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  13. "All about the film "Kasthuri Suwanda"". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-11.
  14. "All about the film "Kawuda Raja"". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  15. "All about the film "Anjana"". sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  16. "Cheriyo Darling - චෙරියෝ ඩාලින්". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  17. "'Oba Koheda Priye': Story of deceit and intrigue". Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  18. ""Pissu Puso" : Local version of 'Crazy Boys'". Sunday Times. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
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