Mahendra Perera

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.{{Cite web |title=Superstar among actors: Mahendra Perera |url=http://www.silumina.lk/2021/05/15/තරංග/නළුවන්-අතර-සුපිරි-තරුව |access-date=2021-06-04 |website=Silumina}}

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.{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/031005/tv/11.htm |title=Mahendra Perera : An accepted exception |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=30 November 2019}}

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.

After return home, he joined Dhamma Jagoda's theater classes and learned acting. However, after few monthns, he clashed with Dhamma saying it was boring only to learn acting in 'Sinhabahu' and 'Maname'. Then he went to a drama course conducted by Dr. Solomon Fonseka and learned the theatrical techniques introduced by the Russian playwright Konstain Stanislavsky. Meanwhile, his first stage play was Ahimi Jeevitha staged in Lionel Wendt.{{cite web |url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2006/02/15/art01.asp |title=Cinema and theatre on the decline |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=10 August 2019}} 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’.{{cite web | url=http://www.films.lk/sinhala-cinema-artist-palitha-silva-236.html | title=Palitha Silva - පාලිත සිල්වා films | publisher=Sinhala Cinema Database| access-date=25 April 2019}} Under Helena Lehthimaki, he followed a three-year course during which they did Punthila.

Then Mahendra played powerful roles in Shakespeare's plays Julius Caesar and Gimhane Reyaka Sihinayak produced by Tony Ranasinghe. During the same time, he acted in the blockbuster film Sagarayak Meda. He also appeared in several stage plays including Ath, Ahimi Jeevitha and Sergeant Nallathambi. His maiden television acting came through Tharadevi. Since then, he acted in the serials such as Sudu Saha Kaḷu, Niyan Ukussō, Dhavala Rāthriya, Diya Kæṭa Pahaṇa, Hadavila Sakmana, Daṇḍē Lū Gini, Diyasēna, Vesmuhuṇu and Golu Thaththa.

However his most notable appearances came through cinema, where he continued to be one of the most influential cinema actors in Sinhala cinema. He dominated many blockbusters such as Sihina Dēśayen, Asvæsuma, Bahubūthayō, Sudu Kaḷu, Arumōsam Væhi, Mille Soyā, Adḍress Nǣ, Kosthāpal Puñyasōma, 28 and Gindari.{{cite web | url=https://www.asiapacificscreenawards.com/apsa-academy-members/mahendra-perera | title=Mahendra Perera from Sri Lanka | publisher=Asia Pacific Screen Awards | access-date=25 April 2019}} He won a merit award for the role in the serial Diyaketa Pahana. Apart from acting, Perera also worked as the art director in the film Julietge Bhumikawa and Pawuru Walalu. He was also the assistant director of the film Koti Waligaya.

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• Abuddassa Kalaya{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/040222/tv/1.html | title=Searching for a lost son | publisher=Sunday Times| access-date=17 July 2019}}
• Amuthu Minissu{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120205/Magazine/sundaytimestvtimes_6.html | title='Amuthu Minissu' to appear soon | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=2 October 2019}}
• Ath Kanda Lihiniya
• Bhavathra{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/040926/tv/4.html | title='Bavathra' deals with science fiction | publisher=Sunday Times| access-date=17 July 2019}}
• Charithayakata Paata Denna{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2009/12/03/_art.asp?fn=sa09120319&pn=13 |title=Charithayakata Paata Denna shooting |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=11 March 2017}}
• Dadakeli Arana{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2014/08/07/?fn=sa14080725 |title=දඩකෙළි අරණ ඇරඹේ |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=11 March 2017}}
• Deyyo Sakki{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2018/05/31/?fn=sa1805313 |title=Pradeep Dharmadasa teleplay Deyyo Sakki |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=31 May 2018}}
• Dhawala Kanya {{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/040111/tv/4.htm | title='Dhawala Kanya' : A mystery story | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=29 November 2019}}
• Diya Matha Ruwa {{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090830/Magazine/sundaytimestvtimes_05.html | title='Diya Matha Ruwa' now on the go | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=16 December 2019}}
• Duvili Maliga{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/030511/tv/3.html#1 |title='Duvili Maliga' :Story of youth |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=11 September 2019}}
• Ekama Raene Kurullo{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2018/08/23/?fn=sa1808237 |title=Gayan-Chathurika initiates "Ekama Raene Kurullo" |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=24 August 2018 |archive-date=24 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824205605/http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2018/08/23/?fn=sa1808237 |url-status=dead }}
• Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2015/02/26/?fn=sa15022630 |title=මේ ඇත්තම පාතාලයයි |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=11 March 2017}}
• Golu Thaththa (2016){{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2015/08/27/?fn=sa15082732 |title=ගොළු තාත්තාට මහේන්ද්‍ර ගොළු භාෂාවත් ඉගෙන ගත්තා |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=11 March 2017}}
• Herda Sakshiya{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2015/08/13/?fn=sa15081335 |title=හෘද සාක්ෂිය ටෙලි නාට්‍යයකින් විමසමු |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044120/http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2015/08/13/?fn=sa15081335 |archive-date=15 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}
• Hiru Thanivela{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/011118/tv.html |title='Hiru Thanivela': Portrays struggle of young love |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=27 November 2019}}
• Ingammaruwa
• Itu Devi Vimana{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/010916/tv.html |title='Itu Devi Vimana': marriage of opposites |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=27 November 2019}}
• Jeewithaya Dakinna {{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060101/tv/2.html | title='Jeewithaya Dakinna' : One Episode miniplays on Rupavahini | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=18 August 2019}}
• Kampitha Vil{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080427/TV/tv-times000010.html| title='Kampitha Vill' shows the life and times of people in 'Panama' | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=23 September 2019}}
• Maama Haa Ma{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2010/04/22/_art.asp?fn=sa1004229&pn=16 |title=Maama Haa Ma shooting completed |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=17 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531183838/http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2010/04/22/_art.asp?fn=sa1004229&pn=16 |archive-date=31 May 2018 |url-status=dead }}
• Mage Kaviya Mata Denna {{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060319/tv/8.html | title='Mage Kaviya Mata Denna' : Mano's filmic dream | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=18 August 2019}}
• Mahamera Paamula
• Me Sonduru Piyapath{{cite web|url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2010/01/14/_art.asp?fn=sa1001143&pn=13|title=Me Sonduru Piyapath on Rupavahini|publisher=Sarasaviya|access-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031015411/http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2010/01/14/_art.asp?fn=sa1001143&pn=13|archive-date=31 October 2017|url-status=dead}}
• Nethra Mangallaya{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/010114/tv.html | title='Nethra Mangallaya': another formula tale | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=23 September 2019}}
• Pata Veeduru{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/040111/tv/3.htm | title='Pata Veeduru': Drama off the beaten track | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=1 October 2019}}
• Pinkanda Simona {{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/050508/tv/8.html |title='Pinkanda Simona':Humour at its best |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=4 December 2019}}
• Ralla Veralata Adarei
• Samartha{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/030420/tv/2.html#2 | title='Samartha' new tele on Sirasa TV | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=29 November 2019}}
• Sanda Amawakai{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/010114/tv.html | title='Sanda Amawakai': Prasanna's latest tele venture for 2001 | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=23 September 2019}}
• Sanda Nathi Reya{{cite web |url=http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2009/12/10/_art.asp?fn=sa09121010&pn=16|title=Sanda Nati Reya shooting starts at Kandy |publisher=Sarasaviya |access-date=11 March 2017}}
• Satharadenek Senpathiyo {{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070422/TV/000tv.html |title=Return of the Reviver |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=10 December 2019}}
• Sathyaya {{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/031221/tv/15.htm |title='Sathyaya': Out to thrill |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=11 September 2019}}
• Sisila Ima{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/001126/tv.html |title='Sisila Ima': tale of two doctors |publisher=The Sunday Times|access-date=11 March 2017}}
• Star Sri lanka Histhanak{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110717/Magazine/sundaytimestvtimes_5.html |title=Empty spaces in Star Reality Shows |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=24 August 2018}}
• Sulanga Matha Mohothak (2013 - 2014)
• Thalaya Soyana Geethaya{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/050821/tv/7.html | title=Mapitigama makes a musical move | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=23 September 2019}}
• Thattu Gewal{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/010722/tv.html| title=Hilarious story of flat dwellers | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=23 September 2019}}
• Uththamavi{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/041010/tv/2.html | title='Uththamavi': Travails of a village damsel | publisher=Sunday Times| access-date=29 November 2019}}
• Wanawadule Wasanthaya{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/000507/tv.html | title=Sudath's stories on screen again | publisher=Sunday Times | access-date=16 August 2016}}
• Weda Hamine
• Yakada Pahanthira{{cite web |url=https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/daily-mirror-sri-lanka/20120528/283141425807534 |title=Yakad Pahanthira, a weekend treat |publisher=Daily Mirror |access-date=24 August 2018}}

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{{Pending films key}}

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

{{Awards table}}

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|| 2006 ||| Randiya Dahara || Best Supporting Actor || {{won}}

{{End}}

{{Awards table}}

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|| 2006 ||| Asani Warsha || Best Supporting Actor || {{won}} {{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070204/TV/002tv.html |title=President honours Lankan Cinema |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=10 December 2019}}

{{End}}

{{reflist}}

• {{IMDb name|1269796}}
• http://www.asiapacificscreenacademy.com/nomsarchive/mahendra-perera/
• {{Rotten Tomatoes person|mahendra_perera}}
• [http://www.sarasaviya.lk/2015/07/23/?fn=sa15072313 ජනප්‍රිය නළු මහේන්ද්‍ර පෙරේරා රසවත් කතාබහක..]

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Perera, Mahendra}}

Category:Sri Lankan male film actors

Category:Sri Lankan male television actors

Category:Living people

Category:1956 births