D. R. Nanayakkara

Don Ruter Nanayakkara (15 March 1915 – 4 January 1989) was a Sri Lankan actor in Sri Lankan cinema as well as in British drama. Playing lanky villains and comedic characters, Nanayakkara gained popularity in movies like Rekava, Kurulu Bedda, and Sikuru Tharuwa. He also appeared as the old shaman in Steven Spielberg's 1984 Oscar-winning movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Personal life He was born on 15 March 1915 in Kolonnawa, Sri Lanka. His father Don Diyas Nanayakkara was from Kolonnawa. His mother Nonno Caldera was from Gothatuwa. He attended the Kolonnawa Government School and St. Matthew's College, Dematagoda. Starting as a child, he was drawn to music and learned to play the Japanese mandolin.

Career 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. Later he was chosen to play the role of 'Saranapala' in the play Amma.

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. In 1984, Nanayakkara was chosen as one of the Sri Lankan actors in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In the movie he played the old shaman of Mayapore, India, who tells Indiana Jones that Shiva brought him (Jones) to this village in order that he may go to Pankot Palace to find a sacred stone that protects the village and which was stolen by individuals from the and return it to the village.

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. 1963 Sikuru Tharuwa Village Headman Sarasaviya Award for Best Actor (1964) 1965 Chandiya Piloris

Parasathu Mal Head Servant Amaris Sudu Duwa

Saru Bima Ran Salu Rena Giraw

Vanasara Singithi Surathal Indunila Hangi Hora Dahasak Sithuvili Man on bus Bicycle Hora Sarasaviya Award for Best Actor (1969) Ataweni Pudumaya Amathikama Akka Nago Adarawanthayo Abuddassa Kale 1969 Binaramalee Village Headman 1969 Romeo Juliet Kathawak 1970 Thewatha 1970 Ohoma Hondada 1971 Kathuru Muwath 1972 Lokuma Hinawa

Sinawai Inawai Bertie Suhada Pathuma

Duleeka Lasanda 1975 Sukiri Kella 1976 Nedeyo

Hithuwoth Hithuwamai Podi Appu Siripala Saha Ranmenika Maruwa Samaga Wase Vishmaya Sandawata Ran Tharu Ahasin Polawata Deviyani Oba Kohida? 1978 Kumara Kumariyo 1979 Hingaa Kolla

Siribo Aiya Baddegama Exorcist

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Shaman Welle Thenu Maliga 1988 Sandakada Pahana 1992 Beyond Justice El Mahadi 1994 Ahas Maliga posthumous release