Sanjeevi Jayasuriya speaks to veteran film actor Ranjan Ramanayake
Pix by Jude Denzil Pathirajah
He’s the heartthrob of many young film goers - a romantic legend, Ranjan Ramanayake sculpted from the very finest heart throb energy has an inimitable persona. He is the envy of a whole generation of males who must be wondering how it feels to be a Ranjan Ramanayake. His fans specially the young ones are mesmerised by his good looks. His first film ‘Christu Charitaya’ produced by Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne was a instant success. His name became popular and his films drew large crowds especially the romantic youth.

He has all the pre-requisites for a good actor, good looks, dramatic talent and the ability to stay focussed. Dedicated to the industry, Ranjan Ramanayake will scale the heights of stardom in the years ot come.

"Nothing is impossible if you really want to do it", is the motto followed by Ranjan Ramanayake, a popular film actor here.

A self-made man with a vision for the future, Ranjan has worked hard to become what he is today.

My first appearance in a film was in a crowd scene in the film ‘Christu Charitaya’ produced by Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne.

His uncle Vijaya Kumaratunga a giant in the field then was Ranjan’s idol.

There is a difference in the opportunities then and now for those with acting skills.

It is comparatively easier to enter filmdom now as more opportunities are available and are a different set of qualifications are required, says Ranjan with his performance in the tele drama ‘Bhagya’. Ranjan earned fame performing a character of a major which attracted the attention of producers who offered him chances in over 20 films.

"I produced the highest income earning film ‘Parliament Jokes’, after spending just over Rs. 450,000. My income exceeded Rs. 47 million. "This film, with a difference was mainly due to positive approach, I think now we have a powerful language to reach our audiences". Today’s taste of film fans and the trend are for entertainment. With the complex lifestyle experienced at present viewer need something light and entertaining. They do not want more sad happenings to add to their already over burdened lives, says Ranjan.

He named a long list of films including ‘Bahu Bharya’, ‘Awaragira’, ‘Duwata Mawaka Misa’, ‘Pissu Double’, ‘Raja Wanse Ekak’, ‘Soorayo Wedakarayo’, Apaye Thatpara 84,000 and ‘Ayadimi Sama’ where he had acted.

The film ‘Yakada Pihadu’ is on the pipeline and according to Ranjan it will be an award winning performance. ‘War is Over’ is yet another production to be released shortly.

He had also taken part in a number of tele dramas. The character ‘Aranolis’ in ‘Pitagamkarayo’ displayed his talents even in the small screen.

When I was struggling to enter into films. I performed in a number of stage dramas, ‘Uddeta Giya Mage Pute’ being one of them.

An artist with multiple skills, he is also a popular singer much in demand. Up to now he has released four cassettes and the latest is with Nirosha Virajini as the co-singer.

Two year stay in America had transformed Ranjan, mainly in his appearance.

Ranjan says that the Sri Lankan film industry is not on the verge of collapsing, the main issue troubling the industry is the lack of enthusiasm among the film makers. A film is not an avenue for a fast buck. Proper script and selection of good location are important. The production budget should not be an issue. Application, dedication and organisation in making a quality film are very important. The lack of hard work and professionalism is a drawback at present.

"Our local film industry is shadowed by a ‘mafia’. This is a setback as this powerful ‘hidden force’ controls the operations and even the film corporation activities. Most of the films produced with financial support from the film corporation are a failure, Ranjan says. Mine was an exceptional case where I repaid my loan within four days of release of my film, he said.

Ranjan is conscious of his social responsibilities and much work is done in that direction too. His recent visit to Lebanon made him aware of the pathetic plight of our housemaids working there. He had done his best to bring relief to those who were subjected to inhuman treatment there, much to the annoyance of persons concerned in this issue. He seeks public support to change this situation and help our housemaids obtain better working facilities. Ranjan blamed the authorities concerned for their lethargic attitude to bring about a satisfactory solution.