HERBERT M SENEVIRATNE A FILM PRODUCER,DIRECTOR, LYRICIST,FILM SCRIPT WRITER POSSESSED ABUNDANT OF INNATE TALENT CHARACTERIZED REMINISCED-by Sunil Thenabadu
Kappithadegiri Herbert Mendis Seneviratne was born on 25 July 1925 popularly as Herbert M. Seneviratne, was a lyricist and actor in Sri Lankan cinema as well as a film producer and a screen script writer who could be termed a GENIUS as an individual with exceptional remarkable intellectual and creative influences with innate talent characterized by extraordinary abilities ,innovative thoughtfulness with a unique perspective on the world possessing a wide range of unbelievable talents when it was in the primitive stages with technology was almost non-existent .Herbert was not merely intelligent but exhibited a rare combination of creativity, analytical thinking, with his unique ability to view connections that many would overlook
Herbert was a native of Kahawa,in the Galle district, . He was educated initially at Siddhartha Central College Balapitiya. His childhood was not pleasant as his older brother was constantly hostile to Herbert beating him sans a motive. One day, unable to bear this hostility he had run away from home had gone to his aunty had grown up in the shadow of his aunt, Emily Gunathilake, from where he had attended Siddhartha Vidyalaya, Balapitiya, he took the lead in cricket tournaments and later received a scholarship to study at the Siddhartha English School . After that Herbert, who grown up in aunt’s home in Colombo having entered to Mahabodhi Vidyalaya, Colombo for his primary and secondary education, It is learnt that Herbert had been a vivacious reader having read many books of WA Silva and others he found in the school library and elsewhere.He had read the book ‘Handapana’’ about twenty times which may have prompted him to produce the script for the film..
During his studies in Mahabodhi Vidyalaya at the tender age of eight, he had portrayed the charisma of ‘Peiris Mudalali’ in the play “Yantham Beruna.’ After his triumph Herbert had organized on his own to his male and female friends in the village on a small stage a story of an ancient king which was successful as it was appreciated by all his young colleagues. Herbert loved the flora and fauna of his village to unprecedented tall elevations loved the sounds of birds as a huge enthusiast of the environment. Most of the songs he composed lyrics later on were related to the ‘moon’. Herbert subsequently had his education at Mahabodhi Vidyalaya had triumphed in the Sinhala-English literature subjects. Herbert had come across an art-loving colleague, Marcus Perera, who was the elder brother of popular songstress Chitra Perera née Somapala.It was undoubtedly the association with Marcus which influenced his path to stardom of celebrity. He started writing lyrics for songs for Chitra Perera at the inception having had an innate ability. His original first song penned was the famous even today ‘Lalitha Kala Opa Karana’in year 1945 which was a duet sung by Chitra and P. L. A. Somapala. During this period, he was penning lyrics for songs for gramophone records which became awfully widespread in that era one of his earlier songs was ‘Saduu Siri Paa sung by AJ Careem to the Columbia label., later had met Eddie Jayamanne. Through him, Herbert got the opportunity to meet popular playwright and director B. A. W. Jayamanne. In year 1951, he had proceeded to Citadel Studio in South India to compose 10 songs for Jayamanne’s film ’Umathu Vishwasaya’ among which comprised had several popular hits such as “Siriyawi Mage”, “Isthira Aale”, “Mage Prema Raja”, “Kolompure Shriya”,’Dukin Pelena Me Loke’, and “Mama Manamali Obe”.etc all music directions were by famous Indian SS.Veda..
He also got the prospect and opportunity to play a minor role as ‘Piyasena’, Rukmani Devi‘s boyfriend in the film ‘Umathu Vishwasaya’. Beginning in year 1951, he starred in films for 20 years of his limited film career. During this time, he met Upali Wanasinghe who formed a drama society called ‘Kala Mandiraya’ and produced a play called ‘Daskon’. In that play, Herbert portrayed as ‘King Narendrasinghe’. Herbert then wrote several songs to Rukmani Devi for gramophone records and commercials which included popular hits “Dushmantha Aho Kimado”, “Soka Dahara”, “Aida Giye Mawa Thanikara” and “Pem Sihina Mawana” which were sold snappishly fast in the gramophone epoch.
Among the movie songs he wrote, all the songs he wrote for the film ’Kele Handa’ were enormously widespread such as “Mawila Penivi”, “Anna Sudo Ara Patawala”, “Ko Sepatha Me Sansare”. He later co-starred with Rukmani Devi in the films ‘Dosthara’(1956),’Siriyalatha
In year 1956 For the film “Dosthara’ portrayed a role opposite Ruckmani Devi for which lyrics of many songs like ‘Ho Pem Raje’,’Ma Palu Wee Yai’, Balapalla Me Muhune Heti’ were penned by Herbert.In 1957 for the film :Siriyalatha’ all film songs were penned by Herbert, v.i.z, :Sema Dama Oba Mage’,’Me Krura Lokehanvai Upanne’,’Sema Dama Oba Mage Kiya’,’Ayala Kala Nam Sepatha Soyala etc.’, The premier of the film ‘Handapana; the script and lyrics of songs were penned by Herbert was screened in year 1963 , an invitee at the Premier was the son in law of WA Silva civil officer Senaratne Nandedewa who had congratulated Herbert M Seneviratne by squeezing his palm had uttered that if WA De Silva had lived and participated in the premiere he would have squeezed your hand more tightly.
In year 1955 for the film ‘Dosthara’, he compiled lyrics for the songs ‘Ho Pem Rajaya’,’ Pem Sagare Gilila,’Vasanawantha Kala Laba,’Jeevithe Ma Palu Ve Yai’,’ ‘Balapalla Me Mune Hati’ as well having successfully portrayed a supportive protagonist. Al these songs are still widespread hits in the contemporary era even though many decades later. Herbert had met his friend Upali Wanasinghe who produced a stage drama ‘Daskon; when he had met GSB Rani with the assistance of them had portrayed the role of ‘Piyasena in the film ‘Umathu Wishwasaya in year 1952.He portrayed the role of the boyfriend with Rukmani Devi in the year 1957in the film ‘Siriyalatha’ and wrote all the songs in the film. He wrote the song “Me Saumya Rathri Gevila Yathi” for the 1968 film ’Sepali’. Then he penned the lyrics for the popular song “Chandraya Paya Enawa Priye” for the 1965 film ’Hitata Hitha’, the song “Wanamalata Asaven” for the 1965 film,’ ‘Satha Panaha’ an extremely popular film which remains as favourite songs still which would never wilt. Herbert penned was for Mignonne Ratnam ‘Ada Api Inne Vinodayen Math Wee .which song was produced to Gramophones as well as later to discs.
Herbert combining with Ruckmani Devi had made a lucrative business making commercial discs with many songs with his lyrics like ‘Hardaya Bedena’,’Sepa Nehe Aho Me Loke’,’Ananda Jawanika ‘, “Me Rathriya Awanie ron Soya’, ‘Magema Prema Sansarai’,’Anna Sudo”, ‘Ale Karannam’, ‘Magema Prema Malini’,’Hema Dama Oba Mage Kiya’.etc The assistance of musician SS Veda was received in the recordings.
Herbert played a military captain in the film ‘Senehasa’, where he later won the award for the Best Actor at the Sarasaviya Awards ceremony. In year 1970 Having been both the director and producer of this film.This prestigious award was the first and only award he received having acted in only seven films during his tenure of twenty years in the cinematic arena. On receiving the award, he had kissed it as he was elated to witness the applauding of the audience which to him was more than earning millions of rupees,
He was married to attractive Swarna Lakshmi the duo has one solitary child a son: Chinthana who is very concerned and anxious in reminiscing his legacy, while he participates in many television channels like ‘Pium Neela Wila, Nomiyana Sihinaya,Sanhinda,Avarajna’ telecast in the state channels SLRC and ITN The wife and son live along 9th Lane Etul Kotte, Chinthana could be contacted on +94769281680
Herbert later in his career wrote screenplays for two other films which he himself directed: ‘Ran Ethana’ in 1981 and’Situ Diyaniya’ in year 1982. He also acted in and composed lyrics for all the songs for these two films.
The contributions of Herbert M Seneviratne to Filmography
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Year
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Film
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Roles
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Ref.
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1952
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Umathu Wishwasaya
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Lyricist
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1953
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Kele Handa
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Lyricist
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1954
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Iranganie
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||
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1954
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Radala Piliruwa
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Lyricist, Actor: Gilbert
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1955
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Asoka
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Lyricist
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1956
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Dosthara
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Lyricist, Actor: Ranjith [8]
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1957
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Siriyalatha
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Lyricist, Actor: Sirimanne Ritigalle
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1957
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Sukumali
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Lyricist
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1958
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Sepali
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Lyricist
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1962
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Daskon
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Lyricist
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1964
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Heta Pramada Wadi
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Lyricist
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1965
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Handapana
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Lyricist, screenwriter, producer, Actor: Sena Galpatha, Charlie
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1965
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Hithata Hitha
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Lyricist
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1966
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Satha Panaha
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Lyricist
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1969
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Senehasa
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Director, producer, screenwriter, lyricist
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1969
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Athulweema Thahanam
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Lyricist
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1969
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Preweshamwanna
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Lyricist
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1972
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Miringuwa
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Lyricist
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1978
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Mage Ran Putha
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Lyricist
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1981
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Ran Ethana
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Director, screenwriter, lyricist
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1982
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Situ Diyaniya
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Director, Source Author, lyricist
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1985
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Regina
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Lyricist
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Making his debut as Peiris Mudalali in ‘Yantham Beruna’ at the tender age of eight, little Kappithadegiri Herbert Mendis Seneviratne captivated audiences and earned praise from the then Ananda College school’s principal P De S Kularatne, the Chief Guest who predicted an affluent future as an actor had spoken to him had advised him to develop his skills, recognising his potential for his unbelievable immensity for his natural innate talent and unwavering dedication. Subsequently after he flourished in theatre, film, and various creative roles, becoming a renowned actor, lyricist, director, and producer known for his versatility and captivating performances. Herbert faced a challenging childhood due to his hostile older brother. Seeking refuge, he ran away and found solace under the care of his aunt, Emily Gunathilake who lived in the vicinity. Later, he pursued his education at Mahabodhi College in Colombo which helped him carve his own path forward.
In the wake of a deep and passionate relationship, Herbert’s heart experienced both love and loss with the mesmerizing female star Rukmani Devi. However, Herbert remained hopeful and open to new beginnings, ultimately finding a profound linking with Swarna Lakshmi, whose love had mended the broken pieces of his heart. Together, they revelled in the wonder of life as they welcomed their precious son, Chinthana, into their arms.
B.A.W. Jayamanna’s film ‘Umathu Visvasaya’ became immensely widespread among art lovers, basically due to its captivating music. The film featured unforgettable songs such as ‘Sudata Sude Siriya Diley’ and ‘Isthira Aaley,’ which instantly became chart-toppers. ‘Umathu Visvasaya’ not only pronounced the launch of Herbert’s efficacious career in the cinema industry but also launched the stardom of numerous impending actors. Jayamanna, the poet behind the film’s lyrics, accomplished instant fame and recognised himself as a foremost songwriter. In addition to his lyrical contributions, Herbert also took on acting protagonists in several other films, including’Handapana’,’Radala Piliruwa,’ ‘Siriyalatha,’ ‘Dostara,’ ‘Asoka,’ ‘Surasena,’ and ‘Sepali.’
Herbert’s directorial debut was in the film ‘Handapana,’ where he also portrayed the lead role as the Captain as well as a dual role. It should be emphasised that Herbert possessed pleasing looks. The lyrics of many songs even popular today were ‘Aloke Pathura’ ‘Piduru Sevikala,’ Oba Nethi Me Bima Palui Andurui’,’Ahase Walawo’. Herbert showcased his incomparable aptitudes as a weathered artist. His amazing presentation in the film ‘Hithata Hitha’ earned him the prestigious ‘Best Film Star Award’. Despite declining the offer to play the lead role in the film ‘Kelehanda,’ Herbert enthusiastically accepted the task of writing the film’s lyrics. With songs such as ‘Mewila Penevi Rupe in year 1953 ‘( the lyrics of this song was much liked by Herbert which he had conveyed to the media), ‘Maaya,’ and ‘Devagini,’ which became gigantic hits in the era of 1950s decade, which endure to enjoy acceptance and admiration and appreciation even today almost after four decades,
Herbert had made immense charities to the golden age of the gramophone, long before electronics conquered the musical arena. His lyrical masterpieces resonated through the enchanting voice of Rukmani Devi, the nightingale of Sri Lanka cinema of yesteryear. Songs v.i.z. ‘Dushmantha Aho,’ ‘Me Rathriye,’ ‘Aadaraya Nisa,’ ‘Me Ganga Jalaase,’ and ‘Ada Andanwa Himiyeni’ were among the many preferential songs which she stunningly recited in the forties and fifties, all lyrics were penned by Herbert M Seneviratne. His poetic wisdom was also embraced by esteemed singers of the calibre of legendary singers like Mohideen Baig, Dharmadasa Walpola, and GSB Rani Perera. In fact, Baig master once revealed that he was repeatedly demanded by audiences to sing ‘Maya’ at musical concerts, a testament to Herbert’s timeless compositions which was so precisely worded to coincide with the lip movements of the Hindi song of SS Veda in the film ‘Kele Handa’,this shows his competence in adding Singhalese lyrics to coincide. perfectly to Hindi words which only a genius like Herbert Mendis Seneviratne was competent and skilled to execute.
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Herbert, who portrayed the leading role alongside Rukmani in the film ‘Siriyalatha,’, also showcased his unparalleled talent with the words in the song ‘Semadama Oba Mage Kiya’ encompassed in the title of it’. Throughout his illustrious vocation, Herbert dedicated his life to the higher progression and growth of Sinhala cinema, using his multifaceted innate aptitudes as an actor, lyricist, scriptwriter, and director to always enhance the standard of the industry. His imaginative creativity, prowess combined with his versatility earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and audiences in comparable acceptance behaviour.
Herbert, who portrayed the leading role alongside Rukmani in the film ‘Siriyalatha,’, also showcased his unparalleled talent with the words in the song ‘Semadama Oba Mage Kiya’ encompassed in the title of it’. Throughout his illustrious vocation, Herbert dedicated his life to the higher progression and growth of Sinhala cinema, using his multifaceted innate aptitudes as an actor, lyricist, scriptwriter, and director to always enhance the standard of the industry. His imaginative creativity, prowess combined with his versatility earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and audiences in comparable acceptance behaviour.
To reminisce his unique qualities there are many illustrations. He says he does not emulate Duleep Kumar but he acts in his own inimitable custom .Had stated that was not interested to accumulating billions over decade but otherwise he desired to be applauded by fans even for a minute at an awards ceremony. Herbert was never interested in earning stacks of money or publicity believed in self respect as his religion,stood up always for injustice. However he believed in auspicious times having commenced all important events at auspicious times.
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On June 7th, 1987, in Kotte, Herbert peacefully passed away at the relatively young age of 63. Although his physical presence may have departed, his colossal artistic legacy lingers to inspire and shape the landscape of the Sinhala cinema to this day. Herbert M. Seneviratne will forever be remembered as an astonishing, noteworthy and enduring artist. It is very optimistic that an artist of his calibre will never be born in this island. May he attain supreme Bliss of Nirvana
Sunil Thenabadu email sthenabadu@hotmail.com
