Swarna Kahawita, born Kahawitage Dona Leena Swarnalatha on November 1, 1946, was a celebrated actress in Sri Lankan cinema. She was widely known as Swarna Kahawita and gained immense popularity during the 1960s and 1970s in the Sinhala film industry. Her remarkable performances in movies like "Binaramalee," "Onna Mame Kella Panapi," and "Suraya Surayamai" garnered critical acclaim and earned her several prestigious awards.
Swarnalatha Kahawitage Dona Leena, popularly known as Swarna Kahawita, was a renowned actress in Sri Lankan cinema. She was born on November 1, 1946, in Kotahena, Colombo, British Ceylon. Swarna rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1970s as one of the most beloved actresses in Sinhala cinema. Her notable performances in films such as "Binaramalee," "Onna Mame Kella Panapi," and "Suraya Surayamai" earned her critical acclaim and awards.
Swarna completed her education at Kotahena Central College (formerly Nilveediya College) and Buddhist Ladies' College. Despite her passion for acting, her parents strongly opposed her involvement in the film industry. They even ended her romantic relationship with a future doctor due to concerns about her education. As a result, Swarna remained unmarried throughout her life.
In 1967, Swarna made her acting debut at the age of 13 in the 16mm film "Rahas Dupatha," directed by Irvin Jayamanne. She then had the opportunity to act in Dharma Sri Caldera's film "Rana Giraw" later that same year. However, it was her response to an actress selection advertisement for the film "Binaramalee" that granted her a lead role and marked the beginning of her cinematic journey. Released in 1969 and directed by Mudalinayake Somaratne, "Binaramalee" became a pivotal film in Swarna's career, earning her the Best Actress award at the 7th Sarasaviya Awards.
Despite her growing popularity, Swarna decided to take a break from acting and traveled to Japan in 1980. There, she worked in an advertising company until 1985. She returned to Sri Lanka due to her mother's paralysis and received invitations for teledramas. However, none of those opportunities materialized.
Throughout her career, Swarna appeared in lead and supporting roles in films such as "Onna Mame Kella Panapi," "Rana Giraw," "Pujithayo," "Suraya Surayamai," and many others. Her most frequent on-screen partner was Vijaya Kumaratunga. Her final film appearance came in the 1981 film "Dayabara Nilu," directed by Kandapola Kumaratunga. Though she was initially cast in the film "Hingana Kolla," she withdrew from acting due to losing her preferred role as 'Lama Hami.'
Apart from feature films, Swarna also acted in documentary films such as "Sahan Eliya," "Raththaran," and "Thangame Thangam." In the 2010s, she gained further popularity through a biscuit advertisement in which she portrayed "Chandra Kumara's mother."
Swarna Kahawita received numerous accolades throughout her career, including an honorary award at the 19th Presidential Awards in 2019. In 2021, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award for her invaluable contributions to Sinhala cinema in its early decades.
Swarna Kahawita passed away on May 23, 2022, at the age of 75 after a brief illness. Her body was laid at Jayaratne Parlor in Borella for the public to pay their respects, and her final rites were held at Kanatte Cemetery on May 24, 2022.
Filmography:
Copyright 2022-2023 All Rights
Reserved
Like
Dislike
Follow this Artist
Whatsapp
Call
.jpeg )
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
