Shesha Palihakkara

David Sydney Loku Palihakkara (June 5, 1928 – July 12, 2009), popularly known as Shesha Palihakkara, was a Sri Lankan dancer, film actor, and producer. He achieved critical recognition with a starring role in Lester James Peries' masterpiece Rekava and as producer of Getawarayo, Saravita and Ranmuthu Duwa.

Personal life

Palihakkara was born in the village of Ruppagoda, in Kadawatha of the Gampaha district. He attended the St. Benedict's College, Colombo in Kotahena and St. Joseph's College in Colombo. At the age of 14, Palihakkara witnessed the Sinhala dancer Chitrasena perform in the Vidura ballet and was inspired to be a dancer.

Palihakkara left school without getting his Senior School Certificate in his late teens, and went to India to train at Shanthi Nikethan. He stayed at the school for two years focusing on dance along with painting and sculpting. Palihakkara then enrolled at the Institute of Kala Kshethra in South India majoring in dance.

Cinema career

On his return to Sri Lanka, Palihakkara was asked to choreograph movies like Ahankara Isthri and Puduma Leli. He got his first starring role in Matalang and travelled to Madras, India to film the movie in 1953. Palihakkara played a cruel king and his rogue bandit son; the film was a huge success and made Palihakkara a heart throb in Sri Lanka.

Filmography

Year Film Acting role Other roles 1955 Matalan Chitramba Kumaru / Matalan 1956 Ramyalatha Choreographer 1956 Rekava Stilt walker / balloon vendor Make-up Artist 1962 Ranmuthu Duwa 1964 Getawarayo Producer 1965 Saravita Producer 1967 Ran Rasa Make-up Artist 1970 Lakseta Kodiya 1978 Seetha Devi Make-up Artist, Choreographer 1980 Ektam Ge Make-up Artist 1980 Sankhapali Choreographer 1981 Sagarayak Meda Make-up Artist 1982 Bambara Geethaya Make-up Artist 1982 Sakvithi Suwaya Notharis Unnahe Make-up Artist 1984 Hima Kathara Make-up Artist 1985 Adara Kathawa Make-up Artist 1986 Peralikarayo Make-up Artist 1987 Viragaya Make-up Artist 1987 Sathyagrahanaya Mr. Ranataunga Producer, Art Director, Make-up Artist 1990 Christhu Charithaya Make-up Artist 1993 Ragini 2001 Poronduwa