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Sinhala cinema's grand old lady no more

The grand old lady of the Sinhala cinema, Denawaka Hamine passed away yesterday at the ripe old age of 96.

Cast in the role of matriarch in most of her films, she enlivened the silver screen with many a memorable performance and was a much sought after actress despite her withering years.

Outstanding among her performances is the role she played in the award winning film Sath Samudura. She also gave sterling performances in the films Colomba Sanniya and Matara Achchi.

Denawaka Hamine was one of the lucky few to have worked with world renowned film maker Steven Spielberg for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and six other foreign productions. She was also the recipient of Kalashoori, Rana Thisara, Rana Mayura and several other awards. She won the coveted Sarasaviya Film award as best actress for her role in Sath Samudura in 1968. D.M. Denawaka, better known as Denawaka Hamine among filmgoers and 'aunty' to all her fellow artistes was born at Imbulgoda, Gampaha on February 20, 1906. Denawaka Hamine who entered the cinema at 55 proved that age was no barrier to good acting.

There was a flood of offers from film makers after her performance in 'Sama', her maiden film. As Nannohamy, she brought in life the character she portrayed.

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