Freddie Silva Biography Birthday Age Family Photos and Videos

Freddie Silva's Biography:

Haupe Liyanage Athukorala Morris Joseph Ranabahu, better known as Freddie Silva, was a renowned figure in Sri Lankan cinema and the music industry, with a career spanning from 1973 to 2002. Born on 18 May 1938 in Puvakaramba, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, he was the only child in his family. His father served as an overseer for the Moratuwa Urban Council, while his mother was associated with the Salvation Army. Freddie's early fascination with singing and dancing led him to St. Sebastian's College, his Alma mater.

Music Career

In the 1950s, Freddie Silva performed the Alanson Mendis composition "Bar Bar Bar" in front of Sir John Kotelawala and received a warm reception. Leveraging this opportunity, he obtained a letter of recommendation from Kotelawala, which he presented to Livy Wijemanne of Radio Ceylon, securing a job as a radio artist.

Freddie's musical journey commenced with his first recording, "Mottapala." He followed this with an updated rendition of "Bar Bar Bar," now with music by P. L. A. Somapala, which became a resounding success. Subsequently, Silva collaborated with the late Premakirthi de Alwis, producing comedic songs like "Aron Mama," "Pankiritta," "Nedeyo," "Handa Mama," "Kekille Rajjuruwo," and "Parana Coat" (from Lokuma Hinawa). His most acclaimed musical achievement was the track "Kundumani."

Acting Career

Freddie Silva's foray into the world of cinema began with a chance meeting with K. A. W. Perera in 1963. During this time, he resided with H. R. Jothipala and Roy de Silva and was a guest entertainer at various parties. Perera cast Silva in the film "Suhada Sohoyuro," alongside L. S. Ramachandran and Vijitha Mallika. He gained prominence by performing at a beachside dance, singing "Diya Rella Werale Hapi Hapi" with Pushparani, and soon found himself cast in predominantly comedic roles.

Silva also showcased his versatility in serious roles, notably in "Sekaya" (1965), "Lasanda" (1974), and "Sukiri kella" (1975). In the latter, he portrayed a mentally handicapped character and, in preparation for the role, lived with a real handicapped boy in Koralawella.

By the 1980s, producers were hesitant to make films without Freddie Silva, fearing that the movies would not perform well. Despite his extravagant lifestyle and minimal savings, he received the Ranathisara award from the leading film weekly, Sarasaviya, in 1989. A pivotal moment in his life was the tragic murder of his friend Vijaya Kumaratunga, with whom he had appeared in ten films, the last being "Yukthiyada Shakthiyada." Freddie Silva attributed this event to the decline of the film industry, but he remained active, appearing in 15 out of the 26 films made in 1992.

Personal Life

Freddie Silva had four children from his two marriages to Kamala Swarnalatha Prera and Chithra Herath. His first son, Janesh Silva, was also an actor and a singer. Janesh, born on 26 January 1962, attended Carey College for his studies and was married to Hemamala, with whom he had a son named Janith Silva. Unfortunately, Janesh Silva passed away on June 10, 2012, while undergoing medical treatment for cancer. Janesh Silva was known for his comedic roles in over ten films.

Freddie Silva himself passed away on 29 October 2001 in Siddamulla, at the age of 63.