Shanthi Lekha facts for kids

Shanthi Lekha (born Rita Irene Koys on July 1, 1929 – died May 11, 2009) was a famous Sri Lankan film actress. She is best known for playing the role of a mother in more movies than any other actress in Sinhala cinema, which is the film industry in Sri Lanka. Her career spanned many decades, making her a beloved figure in Sri Lankan films.

About Shanthi Lekha's Early Life

Shanthi Lekha was born as Rita Irene Koys in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, on July 1, 1929. She attended Holy Family Convent in Kalutara. It was there that she met her first husband, Shanthi Viraj. He later gave her the stage name "Shanthi Lekha," which became the name she was known by throughout her acting career. She passed away in France on May 11, 2009.

Shanthi Lekha's Acting Journey

Shanthi Lekha started her acting career on stage. She first appeared in a play called Shantha Prabha in 1942, which was created by the composer D. T. Fernando. After this, she became well-known as a talented dancer in plays that featured actors like Dommie Jayawardena and Nona Subeda.

Her First Steps into Film

Her first movie role came in 1953 with the film Sujatha. In this movie, she danced alongside Dommie Jayawardena to a popular song called "Pem Rella Nagi." This role was a big start for her. The producer, K. Gunaratnam, was impressed and offered her more roles in other films such as Warada Kageda, Radala Piliruwa, and Dosthara.

The Iconic Mother Role

Shanthi Lekha took on the role of a mother for the first time in the 1960 film Sandesaya. This role became her signature. She played a mother in over 350 films, making her the most frequent on-screen mother in Sinhala cinema history. Her ability to portray motherly figures made her a very important and recognizable actress.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Shanthi Lekha received several important awards for her acting. She won the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Sarasaviya Film Festival twice. The first was for her role in Gamini Fonseka's Parasathu Mal in 1968, and the second was for Mudalinayaka Somaratne's Binaramali in 1969. She also earned Presidential Awards for her performances in the films Mayurige Kathawa and Ridi Nimnaya, showing how much her talent was appreciated.

Selected Films of Shanthi Lekha

Shanthi Lekha acted in many movies during her long career. Here are some of the notable films she appeared in:

• Sujatha (1953)
• Warada Kageda (1954)
• Radala Piliruwa (1954)
• Dosthara (1956)
• Sandesaya (1960)
• Gamperaliya (1963)
• Delovak Athara (1966)
• Parasathu Mal (1966)
• Binaramalee (1969)
• Akkara Paha (1970)
• Tun Man Handiya (1970)
• Nidhanaya (1972)
• Thushara (1973)
• Ahas Gauwa (1974)
• Madol Duwa (1976)
• Kolamba Sanniya (1976)
• Ahasin Polawata (1978)
• Sarungale (1979)
• Ganga Addara (1980)
• Miyurige Kathawa (1980)
• Ridi Nimnaya (1982)