This week the Youth Observer reached out to another young rising star in Sri Lankan cinema, Nadeesha Madhushani.
In conversation with Madhushani, here is what we found out:
Q: How did you get into acting?
A: I really liked acting from a very young age. But I had a bit of stage fright and I was a little shy. And then I started doing drama in school. That changed everything for me.
I started loving the stage and envisioning a life of acting. Right after school I was in a commercial directed by Isuru Weerasinghe. This is when I actually realized I can do something, and maybe have a career in cinema. I did several photoshoots and more commercials and finally I got an opportunity to be in a movie. My first film was ‘The Game’ directed by Suranga de Alwis. This was my stepping stone into the cinema Industry and it was a surreal experience for me.
Q: Tell us about your experience in ‘The Game’.
A: This was my first experience ever so it was definitely very special to me. It was a small role but I got the opportunity to work with many renowned actors/actresses. I watched them perform, observed their process and honestly learnt a lot from them.
Q: What are you doing these days?
A: Since ‘The Game’ I have been in two music videos, several commercials and I will be starring in the sequel to ‘The Game’, ‘Game Karayo’. This is my first chance to play a main character in a movie and I am extremely thrilled as to how wonderful this experience will be.
Q: What is your favourite thing about being an actress?
A: I believe that art is the best way to go into the hearts of people, the best way to deliver a heartfelt message. It is a very strong tool and I am so privileged to be able to be a part of that.
Q: Tell us about your view on social media and its use as a new form of media?
A: Social media is probably the most abundantly consumed form of media. Everyone is on various kinds of social media. It is a great tool at our disposal to network, connect, influence, raise our voice and create a movement.
However, I believe it has to be used very carefully. Some people abuse social media causing a great deal of harm to others, which should be avoided. We must make sure the use of social media does not abuse or harm another person.
Q: Movies or tv shows?
A: Movies!! I love cinema, I always have.
Q: What is your favourite genre of film?
A: I love comedy movies and horror movies, I also really like period pieces.
Q: What is the best advice you have received in your career?
A: ‘If you are doing something, do it properly.’ This was the best advice I have received and it was told to me by my first director. I am so grateful for this advice. And I really try to live by this advice. I try to learn about films and increase my knowledge in the area I am interested in. He also told me that a lot of people can be popular overnight, but to really capture the hearts of an audience it takes talent. Again great advice.
Q: What is your view on the movie industry in Sri Lanka?
A: I believe the Sri Lankan film industry is about 77 years old now. I believe the production of poorly thought out creations for years have resulted in a decline in the movie industry. However in the present times there seems to be a rebirth with movies such as ‘The Game’, ‘Kathuru Mithuru’, Gindari’ and ‘Kadhira Divyaraja’ hitting the box office. There is hope for our movie Industry after all.
Q: How do you feel about your journey so far?
A: I am so proud of where I am. This was honestly a dream for me and I have tried my best to make that dream come true. I am in fact still on the way to get my dream come true but it is a positive uphill ride.
Q: Is there anyone (actor or director) who you haven’t worked with but would like to work with?
A: I don’t have anyone specific, I like to gain experience from talented individuals. I think I can gain something from anyone. So I would love the experience of working with whoever I get the chance.
Finally Nadeesha thanked her parents, her siblings, her friends, Suranga de Alwis, Harsha Udakanda, her music video director, Thilak Perera, Nuwan Nayanajith and everyone around her who has supported her and acting collectively like a guiding light in her career.
