MALANI SPEAKS ABOUT VIJAYA

What I possess memories about Vijaya are very pleasant which cannot be ever forgotten
MALANI SPEAKS
“I was very close to Vijaya tor 20 years. The entire period was very pleasant and happy. That period lingers in my mind always. But when I think of those happy days I feel very depressed. It is a way of life” Malani now confesses.
A good account of our friendship was published yesterday. The love affair between me and Vijaya was extensively published. After the demise of Vijaya for tomorrow the 16th February it will complete 25 years. Malani reminds about the life with Vijaya in the following manner.
“When you consider the life span of a human being for 25 years it is a long period. Within a few seconds his precious life was grabbed away by an unidentified gunman which left millions in tears and deep sorrow.dar vijaya it is not 25 years period but after even a period of 50 years your memories will be lingering with many fans. I have a strong belief in it. The reason is your simplicity, humbleness, the unique qualities and the huge image you built among and around your unaccountable number of fans.
I have a strong belief that you had built an image that can never be forgotten or erased and it is one that is permanently rigid. I cannot imagine that an actor of your calibre had ever emerged to the silver screen in the annals of the history in our country. It is our privilege to all of us that an artiste like you was born to our country.
I initially met Vijaya when I portrayed a role opposite to him in the Timothy Weeraratna’s “Me Desa Kumatada “ film, who produced and it was directed by him also. I portrayed the role of village damsel while Vijaya portrayed a role opposite me as an innocent blind person. The film was acclaimed by many and it was total satisfaction for both of us. I remember this film very well.
Although it was the first film that was released we had previously portrayed role opposite to each other in ’Hanthane Kathawa” which was filmed earlier but released later. Ii acted in that film following an invitation. Anyhow this historical first film was released later for our bad luck.  When we acted together in the film “Me Desa Kumatada” both of was very raw and young lacking in much experience in the field. At the time we acted together in “Me Desa Kumatada” I was very impressed with his figure and mannerism and if I do not say that I began to become very close to him which was really a fact. His looks were very attracting and anyone at first sight would  fall for him. He was a more or less a born actor to capture any one’s eyes. He possessed a unique personality which was all his which no one could easily imitate.
Another feature I saw in Vijaya was open hearted and his boldness. Whatever that came to his mind he let it out immediately. He was a open minded person. I saw him to have a clear and positive mind without hiding anything.
Many talk about the golden era of Vijaya and Malani. Some say this era began with the film ‘Thushara’. It is my feeling too. The Director Yasa Palitha Nanayakkara grabbed in all the innate talents within us. This film was a heart throb of many and even today they speak about the film. It comes to my mind that it was a film that beat all previous box office records. Although I had not kept records of films we had acted together I believe that we would have acted together in about 50 to 60 films.
In all those films we acted together in real unison and proper understanding. The fans who came to see the films we acted together knew well that there was abundance of entertainment in store them from both of us. I feel that all love scenes we acted together was purely as we acted with understanding and maturity. It is my fervent hope that the era of Vijaya and Malani became so successful and popular owing to this reason.
I have heard that the Vijaya and Malani duo had been the most popular actor and actress duo in the annals of our film industry. The reason for that is we matched each other very well this was confirmed by me by watching the frames of pictures we had acted together. I was able to perform so well with Vijaya may be we nay had connections in our previous births.
Although Vijaya was classified as a popular actor i believe that he was an actor who could act in diversified characters for which he had innate abilities. He and I acted together in
‘Bambaru Avith’ and ’Madusamaya’ where he portrayed very sensitive characters .Nevertheless many Producers and Directors wanted him to perform playful characters. When I look back I feel that the Directors did not take the best out of Vijaya, I had a terrific liking to the actor Vijaya as well the singer Vijaya.I was able to identify his talents in singing much long ago. During in between shooting I used to hear how I murmured music verses with delight. He possessed a deep and a voice which was able to describe any scene properly.
I always gave him encouragement for him to sing. He sang with a deep sense of feeling .I have told him many times ‘Sha’ you can sing very well. I gave him a lot of encouragement. He was one of the most talented singers in the country. When he sang at parties I was one who stood away and appreciated to the maximum with a deep feeling of love. The talents he possessed as a singer is no secret. I classify his voice as the best voice a male had possessed. It was a real male tilting voice. I am telling the fact without any exaggeration. It is a pity that he could not win the best actors Sarasaviya award. But he was fortunate to win twice won Sarasaviya award for the best male singer. I see here that real justice was made for his singing talents.
I acted intimately with Vijaya for twenty long years. During those years our lives were filled with happiness as duo we clicked together very well understanding each other very well. Those happy days still linger in my mind. But when my mind goes back to those days a certain amount of unhappiness comes to mind as those days would never come again. However this is the way life goes? I make up mind not to feel sorry and sad.
Vijaya left us in a manner that one ever expected. A person who was loved my so many had to go his final journey on the 16th February in the year 1988.That day was such a surprising day. The series of unfortunate events lingers in my mind even today. If that incident did not take place I happen to think many a times. But it can never be changed now as it had already had happened. But it is something external feeling only.
Dearest Vijaya if you had lived along until today even is thought of several times it cannot become practical. I have to think it that way as it could never happen. But I am aware that I can never for a moment stop thinking of you as we were so intimate. It is so for your dear colleague actors and actresses. Although it is now twenty five years after your demise, the close friendship, brotherhood and beyond that your gentlemanly habits, feeling for others would be etched in our hearts for generations until we also depart.
“Oba Ruwa Chaya......Sengave Paya.......
Although you sang in that manner your figure  and voice will never be erased from our memories.”
The previous letter why Vijaya could not marry Malani could be read from HERE: