Jeevarani Kurukulasuriya

Jeevarani Kurukulasuriya, born on December 2, 1941, as ජීවරාණි කුරුකුලසූරිය (Sinhala), is a renowned figure in Sri Lankan cinema, theater, and television. She gained widespread recognition as one of the leading actresses during the early era of Sinhala cinema. Notably, she portrayed the central character in Sri Lanka's inaugural Sinhala color film, "Ranmuthu Duwa."

Early Life:
Jeevarani was born in Aluthgama, Kalutara, on December 2, 1941, as the eldest child of the Kurukulasuriya family. Her father was Kurukulasuriyage Venus Anthony Fernando. From a very young age, Jeevarani exhibited her talents by dancing, singing lullabies and poems, and performing various mimics before her parents and relatives. She completed her education at Good Shepherd Convent in Colombo and Kotahena.

Jeevarani has three younger sisters - Shirani, Janaki, and Menik - all of whom are accomplished actresses. She also has a brother named Vivek, who currently resides in Australia. Shirani had the opportunity to act alongside Jeevarani in the film "Ranmuthu Duwa," while Janaki appeared alongside her in the film "Sasaraka Hati." The youngest sister, Menik, is a popular actress known for her roles in commercial films such as "Ahas Gawwa," "Biththi Hathara," and "Nommara 17."

Personal Life:
Jeevarani is married to Lanka Wijeratne, a doctor, and they tied the knot in 1968. After five years of marriage in Sri Lanka, the couple relocated to Australia. They are blessed with three daughters: Sajeewani, Senani, and Lankangani. The elder daughter, Sajeewani, is a nutritionist and accomplished singer. The younger daughters have pursued careers in medicine. Lankangani is married to entrepreneur Nalaka Edirisinghe, the son of media personality Soma Edirisinghe. Senani is also a talented singer who released her debut solo track in 2016.

Career:
Jeevarani's artistic journey began when her father introduced her to Radio Ceylon at a young age, leading her to become a "Lama Mandapaya" singer. Guided by Thilakasiri Fernando, she achieved "A" grade artist status and collaborated with Fernando on popular songs like "Maala Manamaaliya Wu Daa" and "Naaga Lowin Gena A Bulath." During this period, she encountered Vajira Chitrasena and embarked on learning Kandyan dancing. Additionally, she received dance training from R.W. Sirineris Gurunnanse and Nalini Samarasinghe and joined the Panadura Arts Association.

Driven by her aspiration to emulate her idol Rukmani Devi, Jeevarani ventured into acting in 1959 with the stage play "Maha Hene Riri Yaka," a production based on a story by Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike and produced by Dick Dias. The play achieved remarkable success, being staged 40 times. Subsequently, Jeevarani's father introduced her to Dr. Lester James Peries, who offered her a role in his hit movie "Sandesaya," marking her entry into Sinhala cinema. Her filmography includes notable works like "Veera Vijaya" and "Ran Muthu Doowa," where she portrayed the role of "Kumari" opposite Gamini Fonseka.

During the 1960s, Jeevarani, along with Sandhya Kumari and Vijitha Mallika, stood out as some of the most prominent actresses of the era. She graced the screen in popular films such as "Bicycle Hora," "Adata Wediya Heta Hondai," "Okkoma Hari," and "Horungeth Horu." Noteworthy performances include her role as a nurse in "Senasuma Kothanda" and a portrayal of a destitute mother in "Senehasa." Despite her singing prowess, Jeevarani's sole playback singing opportunity came in the movie "Hatha Kendare." A remarkable highlight in her filmography was her portrayal in "Senasili Suwaya," directed by Robin Tampoe, where she convincingly depicted a gripping scene involving a train escape and a suicide attempt.

Following her marriage, Jeevarani stepped back from acting and relocated to Australia. After a hiatus of 28 years, she returned to the silver screen with a role in the 2006 film "Hiripoda Wassa."