Jayani Senanayake Phenomenal Autographed Actress in Tele Drama, Film and Stage in An Effervescent voyage of over two decades in Stardom – by Sunil Thenabadu

Kapuwela Vidanage Senanayake Mudiyanselage Jayani Chamathka Dharmadasa Senanayake born February 1st, 1975 popularly known  as Jayani Senanayake, is a highly versatile  actress in cinema, theatre and television. She has been labelled as the ‘Queen’ of  stage , which is still her favourite base. In order to become an acclaimed actress, there are many personality characteristics are needed like charisma the most surface qualities expected. Obviously the next trait is passion, hard work and commitment ,intelligence able to be articulate and well spoken, should be highly imaginative the biggest and important traits that make a great actress.Similar to a tree which had grown profusely Jayani too has had proper foundation in school to be in this elated position..

Jayani recalls her young days from about three years old when she has had a frolicking time. She remembers well the attractive little school bag which her mother had stitched  for her in pink synthetic material. Then about the times when she was taken by her parents to the ‘Chena’ cultivations along with them when the kids could not be kept at the dwellings. They used to carry large sheets which were tied to large branches of trees in the vicinity of the cultivations, to form ‘makeshift’ ‘thotillas’ which the kids enjoyed when they were set on motion by swinging Jayani recollects many episodes where she has had a wonderful enjoyable young days with her younger sister Priyanga and four  cousin sisters, her loku amma’s daughters who lived front door. These six girls forming a formidable ‘cluster’ had been up to many mischievous deeds having played havoc in the village like deeds which boys typically did, like plucking fruits,like mangoes from even tall trees by hurling objects,  even throwing her own shoes when throwing objects were scarce , not accessible .Once Jayani recollects her shoe had landed in a water tank in the police barracks where policemen used to bathe, a policeman had brought it and wanted to know why it happened, also swimming in the lakes and rivers in the village. The ‘clique’ loved to ride big bicycles doing doubling too which they loved, often falling, and injuring themselves which was a norm to them. Jayani had added that she used to swim and climb a large ‘Kumbuk’ tree at the center of the lake , then dive on to the water from the tree tops. She and her sisters used to get on the bridge on the road and jump into the flowing water in the river beneath. The six had been used to ride large bicycles which were more suitable and ridden by adults had fallen and got wounded several times but still were insisted to ride on them. These girls ‘set’ was very well noted in the village who behaved comparable to boys.The parents too did not mind about their activities to deprive their enjoyment. The grandmother was in the habit to ask ,’after how long would they return’ in order to prepare the afternoon snacks and tea. Her grandmother on return used to ask her how many times did  you summersault. She used to advise to wear a frock or a trouser when performing such conducts as it was safer than clad in a ‘cheeththaya’.Jayani had revealed that after school she has had no other responsibilities other than to enjoy to hearts content..

Jayani had commenced her initial education for six months at her father’s village Siyabalagaswewa., in Wellaragama Junior school in father’s village. Then Jayani has had her primary education at the Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya in a rural setting in Eppawela..Owing to her passion for acting had entered when she was barely ten years old to be educated at Dhammadinna Vidyalaya,Galkulama and finally from Niwanthakachethiya Vidyalaya  also in Eppawela, Anuradhapura. Initially in school her talents were identified by the teacher in charge of dancing Sumithra Dissanayake  wanted her to pursue an acting career, The motive of shifting of schools had been primarily to exploit her talent in acting. Jayani had also been a good athlete, netball and volleyball player which were identified by her teacher Sagarika Peiris, her sports teacher who had wanted her to excel in sports and to come as the sports trainer to her own school. Jayani had been unbeatable in Netball and Volleyball having captained in the under 15,under 17 and under 19 age groups.She has laid emphasis that this exposure had made her mentally and physically strong even to date in fitness areas ,having said could withstand long hours in her present vocation. Though immensely talented in both, she had opted to select the acting career as it was simply impossible to prolong in both, opting for acting owing to understandable facets. She commenced acting on a stage drama while still a schoolgirl. She had won two awards for the best actress in North Central Province Drama festival which had undoubtedly boosted her morale which encouraged her to unprecedented tall heights. She recollects accepting her awards clad in school uniforms. The stage plays had been ‘Wera’ and ‘Mosam Sulang’ directed by M Dharmasena..It should be mentioned that when as the Principal of the Guru Vidyalaya in Anuradhapura had requested her school authorities to nominate a young girl to portray roles in two dramas. The dancing teacher in her school Sumithra Dissanayake had sans any hesitation nominated her unanimously to the request of Dharmasena. After which she had lamented that she hardly knew what acting really was, believes it was because of a bit of a hereditary affiliations combined with genes from her mother who was a reputed dancer, together with her own innate talent which had contributed to her success.

Jayani had asserted that at home there had been some exposure to the subject of drama, her uncle was a fine exponent of the ‘Dolki”,her ‘Seeya’ a competent singer ,with other family members were in the habit of organizing village ‘theatre’ dramas , her mother was an expert dancer while her uncles were all talented musicians.  Jayani in a television confrontation had added very modestly that the awards she  won ,would not consider a real enhancement or an ornament to her future as it was decided by a panel of adjudicators and that she may have just eclipsed another by a small margin on points. She humbly stated that to another panel she would not been adjudicated as the winner. She had also asserted humbly that the award does not mean she is an exclusive actress as it was only for that portrayal only, she was elected. This confession she had repeated even after winning many awards. Jayani also stressed that after winning an award it is the responsibility of the actor or actress to perform to the best of the ability to precision, whether the recipient of an award or not. . It needs to be emphasized that her paternal uncle had produced ‘Kalagola’ drama in the village theatre to which Jayani had portrayed ‘Diththala’ for her dancing aptitude, a lead character opposite to his uncle’s ‘Kalagola’ role which had been undoubtedly a morale booster for her future acting career though performed at village level, yet seriously. This level of acting she had lamented had just come to her automatically again may be via hereditary affiliations through genetic relationships. 

Jayani’s major triumph in theatre was initially after she entered the university of visual and performing arts, in Colombo where she did dancing as her main subject, meeting Wasantha Dukgannarala known from Anuradhapura existences, who after his tenure at the Sri Jayawardenapura university  was  involved  producing  three dramas,’Mangala Kema’,’Dandana’ and ‘Uththama Chariya’.The male roles were portrayed by Mangala Senanayake,Bahnu Prasanna and Mangala Jayaguptha.After her portrayals in these drams,  tele drama stalwarts Prasanna Jayakody, Chandanie Seneviratne and producer of tele dramas Ananda Abeynaike had come to meet Jayani on an invitation to act in a tele drama “Sanda Mawaka” alongside Jayalath Manoratne and Chandanie Seneviratne which was a huge opportunity for young Jayani to show her acting prowess which she had developed to some degree with the  character of “Premawathie”.This was the beginning of Jayani’s illustrious career to follow.Jayani had lamented that the stage actors and actresses have had numerous issues to resolve which they discuss. But to her all need to battle within themselves as all human beings we all face problems. She stated that only Lionel Wendt theatre  was the only recognized theatre during the beginning of her career. Many others needed refurbishment to improve the stage acting industry. Hence a drastic improvement in the infrastructure development is the need of the hour to raise the standards in the stage play concept. Yet Jayani reveals there is a set of artistes who amidst all these constraints continue their passion  She had asserted that for at rehearsals or continuous acting she feels healthy to carry on as the foundation for fitness was laid at school, involving in sports playing netball and volleyball had given her this strength . Hence a spate of dramas, teledramas and films to undertake at regular intervals was not a challenge to her. 

Jayani’s maiden cinematic involvement was in year 2001 in the film “Mathu Yam Dawasa” directed by acclaimed Dharmasena Pathiraja..Although it had been a minor role she hails it tall as it was her first cinematic exposure, even to have got this opportunity under renowned Dharmasena Pathiraja was an achievement.  To date until recently she had been chosen to portray vivid roles which had been discharged to precision to the entire gratification of directors. But Jayani laments that to date she had not got roles to portray to satisfy her.  About her family when questioned also in a television interrogation added had lived as a happy cohesive unit but had lost their properties during the 1988/89 insurrection. The doors of their house were open to all villagers to have a meal anytime. Jayani too has acquired these human virtues is in the habit of donating whenever possible to destitute school children, wheel chairs for the crippled, food for the poor etc etc.But she had added that none of these  acts ,donations have been made public not even in her face book page.    

In life she has said a love affair should not essentially end up in marriage. Nowadays the trend in present days  love affair is a bit violent ending in stabbing or killing which was not the trend in her days. If it was found to have any disagreement the two used to amicably alter stances to go their own ways with an understanding. She asserted that even after such a mutually agreed separation the duo had kept etched in their minds the good the two shared during happy times sans taking revenge as in the present days context, it was nonexistent. For Jayani love is the most pleasing entity in life. Jayani possess in her name a Face Book page which is confined to a fewer number of friends.The other day one fictitious face book page had been opened with her photograph. Had posted a very damaging post perhaps by some jealous personnel.which had been known to her by her associates .She had been amazed had said she was disgusted with that post had reported to the Police who had caught the culprits to relieve her.Jayani’s house had been burgled four times and taken all valuables.But she had not been that worried for the loss of material valued stuff.She had related this story to some colleagues laughing ,some had added the only person who had related such a serious incident amused. Jayani is a person who is not scared to die saying when the date destined to arrive no one could transform. Jayani is very strong mentally, even for a grief she would shed tears only for a maximum five minutes then settles down to be normal.She is very helpful ,kind soft person never retorts. She would like to give her hundred percent when she portrays a role as it is her vocation which should be her priority.

The Television serials that comes to one’s mind in which Jayani was involved in are Ado, Anavaratha,Angani,Bogala Sawundiris,Chalo, Chandi Kumarihami,Dhawala Kanya,Dhawala Yamaya,Diya Yata Gini, Ehipillamak Yata,Isisara Isawwa, Jeewithaya Horu Aran, Kampitha Vil, Maya Roo,Me Wasanatha Kalaya, Meeduma,Meedum Amma,Nonimi Yathra,Paara Wasaa Etha,Pateelage Kathawa,Pinkama,Rathi Virathi,Sadqunakaraya,Sadisi Tharanaya, Sanda Amawakai,Sedona,Sihinayak Wage,Sindu Kiyana Una Pandura,Siyapath Arama,Suddilage Kathawa,Sulanga Maha Meraka,Tharu Ahasata Adarei,Three wheel Malli, Wara Peraliya,Weeraya Gedera Awith,Sindu Kiyana Una Pandura,Weten Eha etc., where she had portrayed main roles, supporting roles to precision winning the hearts of many audiences to the entire satisfaction of the respective directors of the tele dramas.Jayani did made a complement to the trio Inoka Sathyangani Keerthiratne, Anada Abeynaike and Namal Jayasinghe for contributing to this tele drama ‘Weeraya Gedera Ewith’ which was an exclusive creation. In this tele drama she had emphasized that she was very particular about the tone of her dialogues to which had made special reference. Jayani from her inception as a novice to the tele serials to date has been a sought-after actress able to portray any role entrusted to her irrespective of the magnitude. She had asserted as an actress she should be able to portray any role given to her. For Jayani it is the society who had made her a such an actress as she searches lives always wherever she travels. Jayani says she loves to roam about to view how people behave to imitate them which could to a large extent assist in her portrayals.

Some of the selected stage dramas she had portrayed roles which are still in the minds of all audiences are Bakamuna Weedi Basi,Debiddo,Horu samaga Heluwen,Miss Yulee,Saadaya Maarai Salli Hamarai, Sihina Horu Aran, Siriwardena Paula,Weeraya Merila,Wera etc.She is well known undoubtedly as the ‘Queen ‘ of stage drama so attractive.In thie above context Jayani is definitely an indispensable actress to the stage Her versatility has been proved initially in drama and comedy is best remembered for her roles in films ‘Sulang Kirilli” ,’Walapatala’, ‘Weeraya Gedera Ewith’and ‘Goal” etc.One of the latest stage dramas she was involved in was ‘Freedom Theatre Group’ production “2019 July Mase Eka Dawasank a concept of Rajitha Dissanayake an exclusive dramatist and script writer idolized by Jayani. This is Jayani’s sixth of his twelve stage drama’s produced.Jayani had previously acted in his drama ‘Siriwardena Paula”.Jayani had made a remarkable comment on the standards he maintains with exclusive scripts only in his inimitable style.Jayani had also commented on the exclusive team who star in this drama which she had interpreted to experiences of the team well exploited. Jayani had elaborated to the media to portray a role in a stage drama is a very cumbersome process has to spend hours and days practicing and rehearsing is not a paying exercise with monetary gains, unlike in films and tele dramas. But Jayani acknowledges the stage is an ideal platform to enhance talent  for anyone to pursue a career in tele drama and films. Jayani’s exposure to music from her young days with family members had facilitated her in vocals while portraying roles in stage plays.This had been a distinct advantage for her career on stage plays.Jayani at intervals had been invited to many television channels where she had excelled in singing. .

Jayani had portrayed many roles in filmography beginning in the year 2001 which was the period she was at the peak. Films that comes  to one’s mind are Mathu Yam Dawasa, Agnidahaya,Sudu Kaluwara,Sulang Kirilli,Gini Kirilli,Sooriya Arana,Aksharaya.Bherunda Pakshaya,Nisala Gura, Machang, Akasa Kusum,Walapatala,Bindu,Sihuthi Nawatha Enna,Mahindagamanaya,Gamani,Selvam ,Colour,Mouse, Bomba Saha Rosa ,Siri Parakum, Bora Diya Pokuna, Sinahawa Atharin,Maharaja Ajasath,Ho Gaana Pokuna,Cinderella,Puthandiya, Heena Hoyana Samanallu,A Level. Goal,Udumbara, etc. There are some films completed yet to be screened. 

With the Covid -19 related period many directors had not taken a risk. Jayani had stated that during this period she had achieved what she had not been able to do in the past. She had asserted in a television interrogation that she was able to sleep well to cover up her sleep arrears, eat on time, to read which is her passion, had also attended to gardening, also she had watched many films which had been backlogged, above all living with the entire family as a cohesive unit was a wonderful opportunity, which hitherto had deprived her. Jayani this period devoid of her busy acting life asserted was a true blessing in disguise. 

Jayani is a very simple leads as a normal woman who goes marketing with many humane qualities. She never camouflages. She dislikes people who are untruth .She gets hurt when hearing griefs of others. At times she feels she is more towards this behaviour, willing to help sans any slightest hesitation.Still very attached to her parents and siblings. Even today she conveys that her parents send her all provisions particularly raw rice from Eppawela by train. She believes it is time she treated her parents. Simply Jayani is a rare human being perhaps not found even in millions. Jayani is a very humble individual who had been in this field for over two decades has won over thirty awards for her acting in stage drama,tele dramas and films in award ceremonies like Sumathi, Sarasaviya, Presidential, Signis telecine, Raigam ,Bunka cultural, OCIC, Derana Film,in addition several Merit and Honorary awards some of them consecutively in succession. Jayani received the best actress award for her immaculate acting in the tele drama “Weeraya Gethera Ewith’  at the Raigam Tele’s award in the year 2019 the festival held amidst the covid-19 restriction period. For the same role Jayani received in year 2020 ‘Rupavahini State award’ which were her latest collection to her awards tally. She had humbly stated of course it was a happy occasion, but she needs perform much better to be ecstatic. Jayani recollects the huge accolade she received from Kaushalya Fernando who has an immense knowledge in art having complimented her saying it was like ‘flowing water’ her portrayal. There had been small roles she was given to portray  in film “Ho Gana Pokuna’ which she laments could have not done  any better having given her utmost. Jayani has added there have been instances which had respectfully declined roles given to her, for her decisions she is elated for her verdicts. She had said against her wishes she has had to portray two roles as they could not be evaded owing to influence. During a television discussion Jayani praised Chandani Seneviratne for her talent in Tele drama as her ‘Queen’ as she is so competent in tele drama arena having learnt a lot from her. She feels, still laments though she won so many awards she is yet to perform to her expected potential levels, has asserted this very humbly also at a television discussion. All her fans would wish her good health and for her to receive a role to satisfy her ambition to perform the challenging role which she is longing for, to portray..

Sunil Thenabadu

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