ලාංකික සංගීත හා සිනමා කලාවන්හි රුක්මණී දේවී සාධකය පිළිබඳ විමර්ශනයක්

Abstract

The cultural forms of a society are usually moulded based on the art traditions and the talents of the contemporary artists of that society. There is a common exoteric opinion that Indian performing art was the most influential factor for shaping the form of music and dancing arts of this country. When Rukmani Devi set her foot on to the field of art, the Indian influence was dominating in full swing in the film industry and the field of music. Rukmani Devi is hailed as the first and foremost ‘star’ in the Sri Lankan cinema and music arts. The objective of this study is to quest whether she has only disseminated the Indian form of singing and dancing, or has added any additional new dimensions to the Sri Lankan art field, and if so, to find and analyse such new dimensions as well. Accordingly, it would be possible to perceive through this study, whether Rukmani Devi was merely a propagating agent of Indian art and culture, or has made any significant contribution as a pioneer in introducing a new approach to the Sri Lankan art. Finally, this study made way to realise that the role of a humanitarian artist shall not be limited to showing up his or her creative talents, but shall complement with some unprecedented values to the society too. It is an evidently true fact that the common aesthete will grasp those extraordinary values presented by their beloved artists, with affection and fondness.