Gemini Kantha
Nona Yuhan Sheriffdeen (born 20 February 1925 – died 22 June 1992 as ජෙමිනි කාන්තා) [Sinhala]), popularly as stage name Jemini Kantha, was an actress in Sri Lankan cinema.[1] One of the earliest pillars of Sinhala cinema, Kantha is considered as the first female comedian in Sinhala cinema. She was a pioneer comedy actress[2] known as "Josi Baba" and singer in early Sri Lankan cinema.[3]
Jemini Kantha ජෙමිනි කාන්තා | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nona Yuhan Sheriffdeen 20 February 1925 |
| Died | 22 June 1992 (aged 67) Rome, Italy |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Other names | Jemini Kantha |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1947–1954 |
Personal life
Gemini Kantha was born on 20 February 1925 in Meewakkumbura village in Matale to a Malay father.[4]
Career
After the end of school life, Kantha joined the B. A. W. Jayamanne's Minerva Drama Group. She won a reputation as a singer who sang for the discs during the Gramophone era along with Eddie Jayamanne, Mohideen Baig and A.M.U Raj.[5] She became the first comic actress in Sri Lankan cinema with the role of "Josi baba" in Sri Lanka's first film Kadawunu Poronduwa in 1947. She also sang the song Nonage Ale Ge Meda Sale with Eddie Jayamanne.[4][6]
She has acted in only seven films in a short span of 8 years.She quit cinema after having the first child.[7] She also starred in Bennett Ratnayake's teledrama Tharu, which was her last appearance in career.[5]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Kadawunu Poronduwa | Josi baba | |
| 1948 | Kapati Arakshakaya | Supina | |
| 1948 | Weradunu Kurumanama | Maria | |
| 1949 | Peralena Iranama | Pabi Nona | |
| 1953 | Prema Tharagaya | Podihamy | |
| 1953 | Sujatha | Emily | |
| 1954 | Warada Kageda | ||
| 1982 | Kadawunu Poronduwa remake | Song Performer |
References
- "Actresses of Sinhala cinema - Jemini Kantha". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- Mel, Neloufer De (2001). Women & the Nation's Narrative: Gender and Nationalism in Twentieth Century Sri Lanka. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 85. ISBN 9780742518070.
- "Jemini Kantha filmography". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- "The first comic actress of Sinhala cinema". janeelaya. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- "The name of the art is the Malays of Sri Lanka". Divaina. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- "Artists who brought smiles and said goodbye to us". lifie. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- "Unforgettables". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
External links
