Freddie Silva
| Freddie Silva | |
|---|---|
| File:Freddie Silva.jpg | |
| Born | May 18, 1938 Moratuwa, Sri Lanka |
| Died | Script error: The function "death_date_and_age" does not exist. Rawatawatte, Sri Lanka |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Other names | Halpeliyanage Morris Joseph de Silva |
| Occupation | Actor, Playback Singer |
| Years active | 1963-2002 |
| Spouse(s) | Kamala Silva (died), Manel Chandralatha |
| Children | Janesh Silva (died) ,Chandani Silva |
Freddy Silva (1938–2001), was a Sri Lankan film actor, and a playback singer, who appeared from 1973 until 2002. Freddie is known as the most popular Sri Lankan comedian of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in over 450 films ( of which 300 were screened at the celebration of fifty years in Sinhala Cinema). [1]
Contents
Biography
Early life
Silva was born Halpeliyanage Morris Joseph de Silva in Puvakaramba, Moratuwa 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.[2]
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.[2]
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."[2]
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 verale hapi hapi" and went on to be cast in mainly comedic roles.[2]
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.[2]
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.[2]
By the late-'90s Silva received no work and lived in poverty with a pension of 2000 rupees from the Sri Lankan Film Corporation. He called his home a broken down garage that served as bed room, living room and kitchen on Emmanuel Church Road, Rawatawatte. Silva died in 29 October 2001.[2]
Family
Freddie Silva was a father of two children, his son Janesh Silva, was also an actor and a singer. He died on June 10, 2012 while he was taking medical treatments for cancer. Janesh Silva is known as a comedian that acted in 10+ films.[3][4][5] Freddie's daughter Chandani Silva is a singer and actress. She is currently working to keep his father and brother's legacy.[6]
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 | |
| 1973 | Haddinnath Tharu | |
| 1973 | Sunethra | |
| 1973 | Dahakin Ekak | |
| 1973 | Hondata Hondai | |
| 1974 | Lasanda | |
| 1974 | Duleeka | |
| 1974 | Kasthuri Suwanda | |
| 1974 | Dinum Kanuwa | |
| 1974 | Sheela | |
| 1974 | Sihasuna | |
| 1974 | Shanthi | |
| 1974 | Jeewana Ganga | |
| 1975 | Oba Mamai | |
| 1975 | Sukiri Kella | |
| 1975 | Sadhana | |
| 1976 | Rajagedara Paraviyo | |
| 1975 | Mage Nandi Shyama | |
| 1976 | Hariyata Hari | |
| 1976 | Kolamba Sanniya | |
| 1976 | Haaratha Hathara | |
| 1976 | Aasha | |
| 1974 | Unnath Daahai Malath Daahai | |
| 1976 | Ran Thilakaa | |
| 1976 | Adarei Man Adarei | |
| 1977 | Maruwan Samaga Waase | |
| 1977 | Tom Pachayaa | |
| 1977 | Hithuwakkarayo | |
| 1977 | Siri Madaara | |
| 1977 | Hariyanakota Ohoma Thamai | |
| 1977 | Niluka | |
| 1977 | Chin Chin Nona | |
| 1977 | Saja | |
| 1977 | Sithaka Suwanda | |
| 1978 | Sasara | |
| 1978 | Maduwanthi | |
| 1978 | Siripathula | |
| 1978 | Apsara | |
| 1978 | Deepanjali | |
| 1979 | Samanmalee | |
| 1979 | Minisun Athara Minisek | |
| 1979 | Muwan Pelessa | |
| 1979 | Rose Mal Thunak | |
| 1979 | Akke Mata Awasara | |
| 1979 | Subhani | |
| 1979 | Nuwan Renu | |
| 1979 | Wisihathara Peya | |
| 1979 | Hari Pudumai | |
| 1980 | Silva | |
| 1980 | Adara Rathne | |
| 1981 | Geethika | |
| 1981 | Anjaana | |
| 1981 | Amme Mata Samawenna | |
| 1982 | Miss Mallika 1982 | |
| 1982 | Kadawunu Poronduwa New | |
| 1983 | Sumithuro | |
| 1983 | Chandi Siriya | |
| 1983 | Hasthi Viyaruwa | |
| 1987 | Yugayen Yugayata | |
| 1987 | Thaththi Man Adarei | |
| 1987 | Yukthiyada Shakthiyada | |
| 1987 | Raja Wedakarayo | |
| 1987 | Ran Dam Wel | |
| 1987 | Obatai Priye Adare | |
| 1987 | Ahinsa | |
| 1988 | Newa Gilunath Bandchun | |
| 1989 | Mamai Raja | |
| 1988 | Rasa Rahasak | |
| 1988 | Gedara Budun Amma | |
| 1988 | Amme Oba Nisa | |
| 1988 | Angulimaala | |
| 1988 | Durga | |
| 1988 | Satana | |
| 1988 | Newatha Api Ekwemu | |
| 1988 | Chandingeth Chandiya | |
| 1989 | Badulu Kochchiya | |
| 1989 | Nommara 17 | |
| 1989 | Obata Rahasak Kiyannam | |
| 1989 | Randenigala Sinhaya | |
| 1990 | Sambudu Mahima | |
| 1990 | Dese Mal Pipila | |
| 1990 | Thanha Aasha | |
| 1990 | Dedunnen Samanaliyak | |
| 1990 | Walavuve Haamu | |
| 1990 | Pem Raja Dahana | |
| 1991 | Paaraadeesaya | |
| 1991 | Bambara Kalape | |
| 1991 | Love In Bangkok | |
| 1992 | Sathya | |
| 1992 | Jaya Siri We Kumariya | |
| 1992 | Kadiraa | |
| 1993 | Jooriya Mamai | |
| 1993 | Sarjant Nallathambi | |
| 1993 | Surayan Athara Veeraya | |
| 1993 | Mewila Penevi Roope | |
| 1994 | Okkoma Hodatai | Himself |
| 1995 | Inspector Geetha | |
| 1995 | Pudumai Eth Aththai | |
| 1995 | Vairayen Vairaya | |
| 1995 | Cheriyo Captain | |
| 1996 | Sura Daruwo | |
| 1996 | Manamohini | |
| 1996 | Sihina Vimane Rajakumari | |
| 1996 | Cheriyo Darling | |
| 1997 | Raagaye Unusuma | |
| 1997 | Soorayo Wedakaarayo | |
| 1999 | Kolompoor | |
| 2001 | Jolly Halo | |
| 2001 | Oba Kohida Priye | |
| 2001 | Pissu Pooso | |
| 2002 | Parliament Jokes | |
| 2002 | Pissu Double |
As Producer
| Year | Film | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Okkomta 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
- 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
- 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 Kumarathunga
- 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
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://www.ceylontoday.lk/13-7744-news-detail-actor-janesh-silva-no-more.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH2y2xXONqo
- ↑ http://www.english.gossiplankanews.com/2014/08/cancer-risk-factors-and-behaviour-of.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kynQGmpAoQ
