D. R. Nanayakkara

Don Ruter Nanayakkara (born 15 March 1915, died 04 January 1989) was a Sri Lankan actor of Sri Lankan and British drama. Playing lanky villains and comedic characters, Nanayakkara gained popularity in movies like Rekava, Kurulu Bedda and Sikuru Tharuwa.

Nanayakkara was born in Kolonnawa, Sri Lanka in 1915 and attended the Kolonnawa Govt. School and St. Matthew’s College, Dematagoda. As a young adult, Nanayakkara showed interest in theater and became a regular attender of stage plays. At one such drama around 1936, he was noticed by playwright Sirisena Wimalaweera who took him into his troupe of players. Beginning with Amma, Nanayakkara appeared in many of Wimalweera's plays; these include Seedevi, Pitisara Kella, Rodi Kella and Maggona Charlie.

Nanayakkara debut in film came when Wimalaweera adapted Amma into a motion picture in 1949, two years after the release of the first major Sinhalese film Kadawunu Poronduwa. Nanayakkara dabbled as a vocalist in Wimalaweera's films singing two songs for Amma. He continued to appear in Wimalaweera's movies up to Wimalaweera's death in 1963.

Nanayakkara's had one of his most celebrated performances in Rekawa (1956) which is considered a landmark in film. He appeared in the critically acclaimed role of Sooty, the protagonist's father who is a thief and attempts to use his son's supposed healing powers to gain wealth causing a death and his son's condemnation by the whole villages.

Nanayakkara continued his celebrated villainous roles in Kurulu Bedda (1961), Sikuru Tharuwa (1966) and Binaramali (1969). He won the Sarasaviya Best Actor Award for his role in Bicycle Hora in 1968. In 1984, Nanayakkara was one of the Sri Lankan actors chosen to appear in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom; He played the village headsman.

In Kathuru Muwath (1971) he played the lead role of the Kathuru Muwath. He had major roles in many of K.A.W. Perera's other films like Kapatikama (1966), Duleeka (1974), Lasanda (1974) and Nedeyo (1976),. Working with Lester James Peries again in Baddegama (1981) he played another major negative role as the Medicine Man.

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