Mahendra Perera Biography Birthday Age Family Photos and Videos

Mahendra Perera's Biography:

Mahendra Shrikantha Perera, born on August 17, 1956 (Sinhala: මහේන්ද්‍ර පෙරේරා), is a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama, and television. Revered as one of the most influential actors in Sinhala cinema, Mahendra has left an indelible mark with his versatile performances, ranging from drama to comedy, in numerous blockbuster films.

Personal Life:

Born on August 17, 1956, in Mount-Lavinia, Sri Lanka, Mahendra Perera is the youngest in his family. His father, Vincent Perera, held the position of a store manager at Browns, while his mother, Soma Weerasekera, served as a matron at various government hospitals. Among his siblings are two older sisters, Priyanthi Damayanthi and Shivanthi Kalyani. His educational journey included stints at Highland College, Nugegoda, Maharagama Vidyakara College, and Thurstan College, Colombo.

He is wedded to Thakshila Damayanthi, the daughter of Mr. Nandadasa, a distinguished financial advisor. The couple has been blessed with three sons—Uvin, Navin, and Ishanka—all of whom are Wesleyites. Uvin, the eldest son, is employed in the tourism industry, Navin resides in Australia, and Ishanka pursues a career as an Interior Architect.

Career:

During his time at Thurstan College, Mahendra connected with a friend named Kalani Perera, who later became a violinist. They both studied music under the guidance of music teacher Yogananda Wijesundera, with Mahendra gaining proficiency in the violin, water wave, tabla, and xylophone. Following his school years, he joined a rock band in Mount Lavinia where he played the guitar. When his aspirations did not align with his father's vision, Mahendra embarked on an adventurous journey, planting potatoes with a cousin in Haputale. During this period, fate led him to cross paths with the writer and lecturer Upul Shantha Sannasgala. Eventually, his father intervened and brought him back to Colombo.

Upon his return, he joined Dhamma Jagoda's theater classes, immersing himself in the craft of acting. A brief stint here led to a difference in opinion with Dhamma, as Mahendra found the focus on acting in plays like 'Sinhabahu' and 'Maname' to be uninspiring. He then enrolled in a drama course conducted by Dr. Solomon Fonseka, delving into the theatrical techniques introduced by Russian playwright Konstantin Stanislavsky. His first foray into stage acting was with "Ahimi Jeevitha" at the Lionel Wendt theater. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Arisen Ahubudu, who introduced him to Gamini Fonseka.

Mahendra's entry into the cinematic world began with a role in the 1978 film "Sakwithi Suwaya," directed by Gamini Fonseka, where he portrayed the character ‘Berty Malli.’ Under the guidance of Helena Lehthimaki, he undertook a three-year course that included performances in "Punthila." Noteworthy milestones in his career include powerful roles in Shakespeare's plays "Julius Caesar" and "Gimhane Reyaka Sihinayak," produced by Tony Ranasinghe. His cinematic journey included the blockbuster "Sagarayak Meda." Alongside his stage and television performances, Mahendra continued to captivate audiences through cinema. He was a driving force in a multitude of successful films such as "Sihina Dēśayen," "Asvæsuma," "Bahubūthayō," "Sudu Kaḷu," "Arumōsam Væhi," "Mille Soyā," "Adḍress Nǣ," "Kosthāpal Puñyasōma," "28," and "Gindari." He was awarded a merit for his role in the television serial "Diyaketa Pahana." In addition to his acting prowess, Perera displayed his talent as an art director in the films "Julietge Bhumikawa" and "Pawuru Walalu." He also served as an assistant director in the film "Koti Waligaya."