Photo courtesy of Ceylon Today
The queen of actresses, Malani Fonseka, who graced local cinema with her acting talent for six decades, passed away at the age of 78.
Born in Kelaniya, a haven for popular artists, Malani Fonseka received her primary education at St. John’s College, Nugegoda and later attended Gurukula College, Kelaniya. Demonstrating an innate talent for acting, she won the best actress award for her performance in the stage play Akal Wessa, in 1968. This performance marked a turning point in her artistic career as it opened the doors of cinema to her.
The 1970s marked the beginning of the Malani Fonseka era as she took on a role in the film Punchi Baba. From that point onward, Malani extended her influence across every film genre both classical and commercial over six decades. In addition to her acting talent, she became an icon of Sri Lankan female beauty during that time. She was honoured with the Deepashikha Award for most popular actress in 1972 and 1973 and went on to be the Most Popular Actress at the Sarasavi Awards from 1976 and then consistently from 1979 to 1985.
She won the 1972 Critics’ Award for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in Lester James Peries’s film Nidhanaya. The Jury Special Honour Award that Malani received for her role in Eya dan Loku Lamayek at the 9th Moscow International Film Festival in 1975 is considered the first international award ever presented to a Sinhala film actress. In 1977, she was also awarded a certificate of merit for her performance in Siripala ha Ranmenika at the 6th New Delhi International Film Festival in India.
In 2009, Malani Fonseka received the Silver Peacock Award for Best Performance at the 39th International Film Festival of India for her role in Akasa Kusum. The following year she once again won Best Actress for the same film at the 7th Levante International Film Festival, Italy. In 2014, Malani received a special award at the 16th Deauville Asian Film Awards in France, recognising her 50 years of contribution to cinema.
With a wide range of roles in both black and white and colour cinema, Malani Fonseka was an actress who helped shape multiple eras of commercial cinema. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Sinhala cinema revolved around her for decades.
In the early years, pairings with well-known actors such as such as Gamini Fonseka, Vijaya Kumaranatunga, Tony Ranasinghe, Ravindra Randeniya and Sanath Gunathilake played a significant role in drawing audiences to the cinema. There is no doubt that Malani was a guiding light for many of these leading actors, helping them reach the heights of popular cinema through her presence and powerful performances.
Malani had the opportunity to make her acting debut in a South Indian Tamil film starring opposite Sivaji Ganesan in the Indo–Sri Lankan joint production Pilot Premnath.
In addition to acting, Malani was also one of the few female directors in the predominantly male dominated Sinhala film industry. She has directed three films: Sasara Chethana, Ahinsa and Sthree.
Malani Fonseka’s influence extended beyond cinema into the political sphere as well. Like many prominent filmmakers she often – knowingly or unknowingly – used her popularity to shape political outcomes. During the J.R.-Premadasa era, she appeared on the UNP’s election platform. Later, in 2010, she entered parliament through the national list representing the United People’s Freedom Alliance under the Mahinda Rajapaksa government.
Widely accepted as the undisputed queen of cinema transcending ethnic and social boundaries, Malani Fonseka eventually found herself drawn into the political turbulence of the country. During the final stages of the war against the LTTE, she expressed support for the Rajapaksa government and participated in political activities, aligning herself with its wartime agenda. This stood in stark contrast to her earlier actions during the anti-Tamil violence of July 1983 when she had courageously intervened to protect her Tamil neighbours from Sinhala mobs.
Given the complexities of politics, it would be unjust to single out Malani for her later political positions. Like many others, she was swept up in a wave of nationalism and militarised sentiment. Still, there is no denying that her political alignment gradually dimmed the brilliance of a film star once embraced with deep affection by people of all communities.
The Rajapaksa regime used Malani for its political purposes. Just as leading men in cinema from Gamini Fonseka to Lucky Dias drew light and strength from her star power, the Rajapaksas did so even more effectively in the political arena. Yet unlike in cinema, Malani gained little from politics – only public criticism, insults, and humiliation.
The controversy over her receiving financial assistance from the President’s Fund also emerged not because she was a respected artist but because she had served as an MP through the national list. Had she been recognised purely as an actress, there is no doubt she would have been honoured and respected by all.
Many popular stars have entered politics, either by choice or under the influence of others, but few have found lasting success. Sri Lankan political history offers many such examples and among them stands the queen of actresses, Malani Fonseka.
Until her passing Malani continued to contribute to cinema and television. Several films featuring her are still awaiting release, a testament to her enduring presence in the industry.
Malani was a courageous woman who stood shoulder to shoulder with men in both cinema and politics. While she may not have succeeded in the unfamiliar world of politics, she overcame numerous challenges in cinema with strength and grace. Although her life has come to an end, the star named Malani will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her admirers.