Jackson Anthony

Jackson Anthony is one of the most celebrated actors in Sri Lankan cinema (refer to Cinema of Sri Lanka). Though he has won greater reputation from his bright career as an actor (in Television, Stage and Cinema) his competence in other fields related to media and arts is impressive. He has appeared before the public in versatile forms; as an actor, director, producer, singer, screenwriter, novelist, lyricist, etc.

Early life

He received his primary education at Galahitiyawa Central College in Seeduwa and St. Mary's College in Bandarawela. For higher education he attended the University of Colombo where he first obtained an honors degree in Sinhala Language and Literature and did his Master’s degree in Mass Media at Sri Jayawardanapura University. Afterwards he started to win recognition throughout Sri Lanka with his versatile performances in a variety of fields. It was his entry into the field of acting which marked the dawn of his life’s golden era.

Career as an Actor

Although a talented artist while at school, the stage which was a haven for his youthful capacity brought Jackson Anthony to the threshold of maturity as an artist. Soon after he began his career as a stage actor he was able to captivate the hearts of the public through his striking skill. His performances in stage plays such as Marsad, Madura Jawanika, Loma Hansa, Dhawala Beeshana, Ath, Mora and Tharawo Igilethi brought him islandwide recognition. In this background he was highly recognized in the field of cinema. As a result he invaded the big screen in 1993. Having acted in Guru Gedara, Chitti, Ayoma and Loku Duwa, in his initial days, Jackson went on to prove his mega status in films like Bawa Duka, Bawa Karma, Gini Awi Saha Gini Keli, Aswesuma, Agni Dahaya, Sooriya Arana, Mille Soya and Randiya Dahara. In the mean time he came to terms with television as well. These fields helped him establish his own identity as an actor. Critics have acclaimed him for the versatility he displays through various contrasting performances. His performances have attracted the critics immensely due to expressionistic and realistic elements exhibited in them. He is also admired for his memorable performances in the roles of arrogant, assertive and impertinent characters. His collaboration with Jayantha Chandrasiri, a pioneering avant-garde director in modern Sri Lankan cinema and television, witnessed new facets of Jackson’s talent. In 2004, under the direction of the famous Sri Lankan director and writer, Somaratne Dissanayanke, he took up a leading role in the blockbuster film, Sooriya Arana in which he brought to life the role of an egocentric hunter who is compelled to vainly battle with the subtlety of Buddhist tradition both socially and spiritually. This bagged him awards at many of the local Award ceremonies. Apart from that, during his acting career he has garnered more than 20 Best Actor Awards at local award ceremonies such as Sarasavi Awards,Presidential Awards and OCIC Awards.

Filmography

[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0030894/link (Link at the Internet Movie Database)]
*Guru Gedara
*Chitti
*Ayoma
*Visidela (1994)
*Lokuduwa (1994)
*Bawa Duka
*Bawa Karma
*Gini Awi Saha Gini Keli
*Aswesuma
*Agnidahaya (2002)
*Sooriya Arana (2004)
*Mille soya (2004)
*Randiya dahara (2004)
*Guerilla marketing (2005)
*Dheewari (2006)
*Kurulu Pihatu (2006)
*ABA: Pandukababhaya (2008)

Other careers

Beside his prolific acting career, Jackson Anthony is a pivotal figure also in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry. He was the Winner of the PEOPLES’ AWARD FOR THE BEST ARTIST at the Awards Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) 2007. Currently, Jackson Anthony serves as the Creative Director of [http://www.swarnavahini.lk/ Swarnavahini Televison Channel] where his mature creativity has brought to the masses new trends on the small screen. He is acclaimed for his concept and presentation of ‘Maha Sinhalaye Vansa Kathawa’ (translated as “The Great Chronicle of the Sinhalese”) telecast through Swarnavahini channel for several years. With many erudite historians brought together, this probably became the most comprehensive programme dedicated to the History of Sri Lanka. Other popular programmes created by him include exploratory programmes like “Ganga dige”(an exploration of the water bodies in the island) and “Salang hanthe”(a travel programme revealing the history and civilization of Lesotho).

He has also directed several Sinhalese films. His directorial debut, ‘Julietge bhumikawa’ won him the award for the Most Promising Director at the Critics’ Awards Ceremony. Paradeesaya was another film directed by him. Currently he is working on his newest directorial enterprise, Aba, allegedly the most expensive movie ever to have been made in Sri Lanka. It is based on the historical legend of King Pandukabhaya; a story which took place more than 2300 years ago. Jackson’s son Sajith Anuttara will play the role of the young Pandukabhaya. This is expected to pioneer an “epical tradition of Sri Lankan cinema”.

Personal life

Jackson Anthony is married to Kumari Munasinghe, an acclaimed singer. They have one son and a daughter. His son, Sajith Anuttara has already become a famous figure in media after playing the role of the hunter’s son in “Sooriya Arana”. He is also playing the title role in his father’s upcoming big-budget film ‘Aba’.

References

* [http://www.aba.lk ABA's Official site]
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0030894/ Jackson Anthony at Internet Movie database]
* [http://www.swarnavahini.lk Swarnavahini TV Channel]
* [http://www.aba.lk "Aba": Jackson Anthony's upcoming blockbuster]