Mahendra Perera

Mahendra Shrikantha Perera (born 17 August 1956: ), is an actor in Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television. One of the most influential actors in Sinhala cinema, Mahendra has performed from drama to comedy in many blockbuster films.

Personal life He was born on 17 August 1956 in Mount-Lavinia, Sri Lanka as the youngest of the family. His father Vincent Perera, was a store manager at the Browns, and his mother Soma Weerasekera, was a matron at several government hospitals. He has two older sisters, Priyanthi Damayanthi and Shivanthi Kalyani. He first studied at Highland College, Nugegoda. Later he went to Maharagama Vidyakara College and Thurstan College, Colombo.

He is married to Thakshila Damayanthi, daughter of Mr.Nandadasa- a decorated financial advisor. The couple has three sons, Uvin, Navin and Ishanka – all Wesleyites. The eldest son, Uvin works in the tourism industry. Naven is currently residing in Australia while the Youngest, Ishanka works as an Interior Architect.

Career During his life at Thurstan, he met a friend called Kalani Perera, who later became a violinist. They both studied music under the music teacher Yogananda Wijesundera where Mahendra learned violin, water wave, tabla and xylophone. After school life, he joined a rock band in Mount Lavinia and played guitar. When his father did not succeed his intentions, Mahendra ran away from home and planted potatoes with a cousin in Haputale. During this period, he met the writer and lecturer, Upul Shantha Sannasgala. Meanwhile, the father came to Haputale brought Mahendra back to Colombo. Mahendra met with Arisen Ahubudu who first introduced him to Gamini Fonseka. His maiden cinematic experience came through 1978 film Sakwithi Suwaya directed by Gamini Fonseka and played the role ‘Berty Malli’. Under Helena Lehthimaki, he followed a three-year course during which they did Punthila. He won a merit award for the role in the serial Diyaketa Pahana. Amuthu Minissu Ath Kanda Lihiniya Bhavathra Charithayakata Paata Denna Dadakeli Arana Dande Lu Gini Deyyo Sakki Dhawala Kanya Dhavala Rathriya Diya Keta Pahana Diya Matha Ruwa Diyasena Duvili Maliga Ekama Raene Kurullo Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli Golu Thaththa (2016) Hadawila Sakmana Herda Sakshiya Hiru Thanivela Ingammaruwa Itu Devi Vimana Jeewithaya Dakinna Kampitha Vil Maama Haa Ma Mage Kaviya Mata Denna Mahamera Paamula Me Sonduru Piyapath Nethra Mangallaya Niyan Ukusso Pata Veeduru Pinkanda Simona Ralla Veralata Adarei Samartha Sanda Amawakai Sanda Nathi Reya Sasankara Satharadenek Senpathiyo Sathyaya Sisila Ima Star Sri lanka Histhanak Sudu Saha Kalu Sulanga Matha Mohothak (2013 - 2014) Thalaya Soyana Geethaya Thattu Gewal Uththamavi Wanawadule Wasanthaya Weda Hamine Yakada Pahanthira

Filmography

Awards and accolades He has won several awards at the local cinema, stage drama festivals and television festivals.