This week the Youth Observer is in conversation with another young and talented actor/model Prarthana Sewwandi. She is the winner of the Miss Lanka Pagent in 2018 and the winner of the titles Beautiful Eyes and Miss Photogenic in the Miss Sri Lanka for USA pageant in 2018.
She is well-known for her memorable performance in the teledramas ‘Ravana’, ‘Hapuge Lokayak’ and most recently ‘Jaanu’.
In a discussion with the delightful Prarthana, we found a little bit more about her.
Q: How did you start acting?
A: The start of my career is the Miss Sri Lanka 2018 for USA pageant where I won the title for most beautiful eyes and miss photogenic, during this time I was asked if I would like to join acting and was given a role in the teledramas ‘Sri Siddartha Gouthama’ which was telecast on Hiru TV.
This was a random opportunity and I took it. I did not have any idea about being an actress and this role was the turning point for me. It got me interested in the field and I was excited to see what else I could do and then the rest is history.
Q: What other teledrama have you acted in?
A: Right after the first tele drama I was part of I went for a screen test for the film ‘Ravana’.
The role I played was very pivotal, it got me to be admired by my audience as well.
Then I acted in ‘Hapuge Lokaya’, ‘Supun Raththiyaduwa’ and a new show which will be telecast soon – ‘Sandalu Seya’. I have been offered several roles but I am a little picky with the work I do.
Q: What is the best role you have played so far?
A: I am very excited about my role in the teledrama ‘Sandalu Seya’, as Wathsala. But if I think about the roles I have already played I’d have to say the role of ‘Seppathiniya’ in ‘Ravana’.
Q: How often do you do modeling and what is your criteria to pick projects?
A: I do a lot of bridal shoots and shoots for clothing lines. I believe the criteria for me is how creative it is. I love being part of period shoots and others that are filled with a vivid imagination.
Q: Do you want to get into films?
A: I like to. I have also gotten a lot of opportunities but I am a little picky because I want the first character I play in film to be unique.
Q: Movies or teledramas?
A: Teledramas. I came from teledramas so they feel closer to home.
Q: Who is your inspiration?
A: I really like Moni Roy. I saw her in this show that was dubbed in Sinhala titled ‘Prema Dhadayama’. I watched this when I was in school. I was very intrigued by her performance then and started following her and her career.
Q: Is there an actor or actress you haven’t worked with that you would love to work with in the future?
A: I am always so happy to work with veteran actors. Specifically I would love to work with Malini Fonseka, I love and respect her so it would be a great privilege. As an actor I think I would love to work with Dineth de Silva, he has a fantastic range.
Q: Are there any directors you would like to work with?
A: Somarathne Dissanayake and Sunil Ariyarathne.
Q: What is some life changing advice you have gotten?
A: I don’t have anything specific as such but I have gotten advice from my parents and many others from the industry and I have taken them very intently to heart. I am grateful for all those words of encouragement.
Q: What are some cool things you are planning for the rest of the year?
A: I have a new teledrama coming up, we may start shooting next month probably. There are also a few other teledramas and some other projects under discussion, if they materialize I will get busy with those as well.
Prarthana thanked everyone who helped her in her journey especially those who recognized her talent and took a chance on her including; Diluka Prasad Gunathilaka, Thushara Tennakoon, Priyantha Colombage and Hasun Sameera.
Pix: Thilak Perera
