Susila Kuragama
Kala Bhushana Susila Kuragama (born 14 October 1943 – died 1 February 2016 as සුසිලා කූරගම) [Sinhala]), was an actress in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television.[1] One of the most popular television actresses in Sri Lanka, she is most notable for the trade mark role "Ensina" in the television serial Kopi Kade.[2]
Susila Kuragama සුසිලා කූරගම | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | February 1, 2016 72) Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | (aged
Nationality | Sri Lankan |
Other names | Ensina |
Education | Sri Parakramabahu College, Narahenpita |
Occupation | Actress, Dramatist |
Years active | 1950–2016 |
Spouse(s) | M. P. Gnanatilake |
Children | 4 |
Personal life
She was born on 14 October 1943 in Thimbirigasyaya, Narahenpita, Colombo.[3] She completed education from Sri Parakramabahu College, Narahenpita.[4]
Shee was married to M. P. Gunathilake, a retired police constable.[5][6] The couple has 4 children.[7][4]
She had been seriously ill for some time and had been receiving treatment at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital since 22 January 2016.[5] Kuragama died on 1 February 2016 at the age of 72 while receiving treatment at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.[3][8] The funeral took place on 3 February 2016 at the Colombo cemetery.[9]
Career
She started acting at the age of 7 in several Nadagam and Noorthi dramas. She made first stage drama appearance with the play Sakkara Wattan produced by GDL Perera.[1] Then she acted in the stage dramas Natabun, Manape, Avanhala, Elara Dutugemunu, Hemamali and Saradiel.[3][9][4]
Kuragama made her maiden cinema appearance with the 1978 film Deepanjali directed by Dharma Sri Caldera.[10] Since then, she has acted in many comedic supportive roles in the commercial films such as Muwan Pelessa, Ajasaththa, Gimhane Gee Nade, Vijay Saja Ajay, Naralowa Holman and Juriya Mamai.[4] She has been involved in theater, drama, theater and film production, acting and drama.[5] She produced the stage plays Sarapinage Walawwa, Silin Bilin, Sathmuthu, Diyasena, Upadinna Sakunthala and Rodi Kella.[11]
In 1981, Kuragama was selected to the television serial Kopi Kade by Thevis Guruge.[12] Her role as "Ensina" became highly popularized among the public and she was usually known by his character name rather than real name.[5] She appeared in the series from the beginning which first aired on 1 April 1987.[13]
She sang duet songs with fellow actor Chandrasiri Kodithuwakku such as Lanka Lanka, Oba Dakkoth Hari, Lassana Sande and Esuru Kala Kalaye.[14] She also held the one-man concert "Ensinage Sapirina".[9][4]
Filmography
Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
1978 | Deepanjali | ||
1979 | Muwan Palessa | Vadhi dance watcher | |
1979 | Visihathara Peya | ||
1980 | Raktha | ||
1981 | Ajasaththa | ||
1986 | Gimhane Gee Nade | Agnes | |
1987 | Hitha Honda Chandiya | ||
1988 | Ko Hathuro | ||
1990 | Madhu Sihina | ||
1990 | Chandi Raja | ||
1990 | Hitha Honda Puthek | ||
1991 | Suwandena Suwandak | ||
1992 | Ranabime Veeraya | ||
1992 | Salli Thibunata Madi | ||
1992 | Bajar Eke Chandiya | ||
1992 | Rajek Wage Puthek | ||
1993 | Bambasara Bisaw | ||
1993 | Juriya Mamai | Ensina | |
1995 | Wasana Wewa | ||
1995 | Vijay Saha Ajay | Lucy | |
1995 | Rodaya | ||
1995 | Deviyani Sathya Surakinna | Minister's wife | |
1995 | Demodara Palama | Rosilin | |
1995 | Chandiyage Putha | Chutti | |
1996 | Naralowa Holman | Komarika's mother | |
1996 | Hitha Hondanam Waradin Na | ||
1996 | Mal Hathai | ||
1996 | Cheriyo Darling | Nurse | |
1999 | Anduru Sevaneli | ||
2000 | Thisaravi | ||
2006 | Rana Hansi | ||
2007 | Hai Master | ||
2010 | Thank You Berty | Kuri | |
TBD | Adda Lanuwa Damma Kodiya |
References
- "Susila Kuragama filmography". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Kopi Kade Ensina is on its way". News First. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Susila Kuragama passes away". Hiru FM. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Ensina left Kopi Kade without telling anyone". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Ensina says goodbye". Dinamina. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Ensina of 'Kopi Kade' fame dies". Daily News. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Susila to retire from theater forever". lankatruth. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Susila to retire from theater forever". lankatruth. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Susila Kuragama died". Divaina. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Susila Kuragama films". News First. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Susila Kuragama intensive care unit". srilankamirror. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Those who have left us from Kopi Kade". lifie. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Kopi Kade". Sunday Times. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
- "Abilin Uncle bids farewell". Divaina. Retrieved 15 March 2020.