WTF - ’’I’m 98’’

31 May 2017

Who - Dr. Lester James Pieris

It was last Thursday when I got a chance to go down Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha to No. 24. This old house with its picture perfect garden has a very strong message on its gate warning passers-by to beware of the dogs. When the gate opened, I saw a labrador which was so deprived of sex that it took the liberty of using one of the WTF team member's legs for his afternoon romp. It has always been something that I wanted to do on WTF, to meet the man who changed Sri Lankan cinema.

And a few years ago I got a call, from Dr. Lester saying how he is such a fan of the radio show that I host. He told me how how his radio is permanently tuned to Lite87, because music is one of his great joys in life.

Last week, I spoke to Dr Lester's wife Sunethra and made an appointment to see him at 4:00PM. And I was told by her that he will be waiting for me, which I found to be a wonderful honour.

Sitting amongst all those antique chairs that have hosted politicians, movie stars and international figures, in the dim lights of the house, eating patties and butter cake from a nearby bakery; all what Dr. Lester kept telling us was "Kanna, kanna. Keep that aside and eat first!".

He wore a bright red shirt and a checkered sarong and what I thought would be a ten minute conversation ended up for two long hours, at which point his wife said in surprise that "Normally he would have ended the chat in ten minutes!".

My first question to him was "How are you?". He replied with a twinkle in his eye "I'm 98".

His fond stories of his time at Cannes to his time here in Sri Lanka making films made the time pass in a flash. We were surrounded by his brother's paintings which are hung all over the house. Gesturing towards the paintings, Sumithra laughed and said, "Most of the pictures are scandalous! People might think we run a brothel!"

We spoke about the house which they had rented in 1969, and made into a beautiful home for so long. When their landlords had asked for the house again, Sunethra's cheeky answer had been "Just give me a few years and we'll be done!". Sunethra's take on life is like her home - beautiful and light.

We ended our tea party with a walk to his office room, which projects utmost success in a career that created a legend and through him created many more. What is amazing is that at the age of 98, he takes the time to watch most of the new films that have come out. It was an honour to have these two wonderful souls on my column.

VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHS by You're My Favorite

Danu Innasithamby

Danu Innasithamby is proof that one person can survive on coffee, curiosity, and an unhealthy number of WhatsApp messages. A television host, actor, producer, writer, and professional chatterbox, he’s spent years turning conversations into stories and stories into memorable television. Born in Jaffna and proudly calling Sri Lanka home, Danu has built a career around asking the questions everyone else is thinking—but with a smile that usually gets him out of trouble. Whether he’s interviewing celebrities, hosting major events, judging competitions, or chasing the next great story, there’s never really a dull moment. When he’s not on screen, he’s busy supporting local talent, championing meaningful causes through Sri Lankan Smile, or convincing himself that “just one more project” is a perfectly reasonable life choice. Known for his humour, colourful suits, quick wit, and the ability to make almost anyone laugh, Danu believes life is best lived with good conversations, great food, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. If you spot him, don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly part of an interview… or at least a really entertaining conversation.