Shanthi Lekha
Biography
Rita Irene Koys (July 1, 1929 – May 11, 2009),[1] better known as Shanthi Lekha, was a Sri Lankan Film actress. She played the role of mother in more films than any other actress in Sinhala cinema.
Known For & Full Filmography13 Titles
Movie - 1976, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Kolomba Sanniya (Colombo Mania) is a 1976 Sinhalese language comedy film directed by Manik Sandrasagara that follows the lives of middle and upper-class people in rural and urban Sri Lanka. The film stars Geetha Kumarasinghe, Joe Abeywickrema and Denewake Hamine are notable for containing the first depiction of best comedy in a Sinhala film.
Movie - 1960, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Sandesaya (Sinhalese language word meaning The Message) is a 1960 film. The film based on the war between the Sinhalese people and the Portuguese invaders in Sri Lanka. It was directed by Sri Lankan film director Lester James Peries. It was produced by K. Gunaratnam on behalf of the Cinemas Company on the request of Raj Kapoor.
Movie - 1972, 2h 15m • as Irene's mother
Based on a short story written by G.B. Senanayake in one of his short story collection known as "The Revenge," the film revolves around a murder committed for the purpose of gaining access to a hidden treasure.
Movie - 1974, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Lasanda is the name of the girl played by the famous actress Nita Fernando. Her acting amplifies the moral qualities of her heroine – a proud woman, irreconcilable to everything that degrades human dignity. The world is divided into two clearly delineated camps. In one of them are the rich mine owners and their accomplices, in the other - the working class, the poor, forced to make ends meet with odd jobs. The first reign supreme, believing that they can buy off any crime with money, although they fear an organized uprising by workers. The second are almost powerless in the face of tyranny and violence; their existence, their future depend on the whim of their masters.
Movie - 1981, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
The cost of living sky rocketed. The government introduced an income ceiling. Private practice for doctors was abolished. It was the fate of Dr. Moladanda to live with a struggle he did not create.
Movie - 1966, 2h 15m • as Mother
The son of a newly rich industrialist becomes embroiled in a murder cover-up.
Movie - 1975, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
A naive village girl’s romantic dreams are shattered when she is forced into an abusive marriage with a cruel aristocrat. Stripped of her innocence, she must find the strength to defy the patriarchal society that bounds her, transforming into a hardened, fiercely independent woman.
Movie - 1978, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Dr. Sarath (Tony Ranasinghe) domineers over his timid wife Vineetha (Sriyani Amarasena). When she is to have a Caesarean delivery of their baby, Sarath refuses to be present even though he himself is a doctor. She dies during surgery and Sarath is forced to live with the spectre of his wife hanging over him.
Movie - 1967, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Cyril (Tony Ranasinghe) is dissatisfied with his introverted fiancée Sujatha (Punya Heendeniya). He starts a relationship with the outgoing Sarojini (Anula Karunatilleke) and gets her pregnant. Sujatha meanwhile is fascinated by a wandering Buddhist nun. Due to the pregnancy, Cyril breaks off the engagement having no intention to marry Sarojini. Till the birth of the child he supports her and then leaves her for an older rich woman. Sarojini is distraught and contemplates suicide. Sujatha by this time is planning to become a nun.
Movie - 1966, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
The story follows Bonny Mahaththaya (Gamini Fonseka), a wealthy and hedonistic landowner who lives a life of wine and pleasure. His world is challenged by his unrequited love for Kamala (Punya Heendeniya), who instead loves a humble worker named Sirisena (Joe Abeywickrama).
Movie - 1970, 2h 15m • as Mother
Based on the famous novel Thun Man Handiya, this movie demonstrates a fraction of life of a youth who reflects back to his childhood and steps to a new era of life when he moves to the Governmental Art Academy.
Movie - 1975, 2h 15m • as Susila's Mother
Susila lives in a small village with her mother and two brothers. Growing up facing the bitterest realities of life, her coming of age is delayed. But once it happens, she instantaneously attracts the attention of the young men in the village leading to conflict.
Movie - 1979, 2h 15m • as Sushila's Mother
The film deals with the inter-ethnic, communal violence between Sinhalese and Tamils. It demonstrates the ambivalence of the Sinhala socio-political establishment towards the Tamil people.