She may hail from Lankan cinema’s first family, but Senali Fonseka has created her own niche in the industry. Riding on the success of Vijayabahu Kollaya, she is getting more roles to prove her strong presence on screen.
Having acting associated with her at an early age, it would have been easier for her to make a breakthrough in the industry, but her famous surname was not what got her far in the industry but hard work and talent did.
Senali talks to Youth Observer, about cinema, her upcoming projects and progressi in the industry.
Q: 2019 has been a great year for you, what is the most memorable moment?
Yes, indeed 2019 was one of my best years both professionally and personally. There were some great moments, but memories that have really stayed with me from 2019 includes spending time with family and friends.
Q: Tell us about your latest projects?
There are several movies to be launched in 2020. They include Jackson Anthony Sir’s movie Eka Gei Sokari, Dhanushka Raymond’s The White Mark and Christy Shelton Fernando’s Yathra. Moreover, there are a few new movies due to commence shooting.
Q: As an actress how have you progressed?
I believe that in acting you can never be perfect and it’s a continuous journey of progress. Personally, when I look back I think I have come far. I’m always on the lookout to improve my acting skills and that involves much homework and preparing.
Q: What inspires your selection of work?
The script and my gut feeling. For me when I select work, whether it’s cinema or tele drama, the script is the main r factor and also how my character is involved in the plot. I don’t run after the main roles, but I want the story to be strong as well as my character to have something different to do than just a character who is used as a decoration.
Q: Sri Lankan cinema is a highly fluctuating industry, how do you try to fit in?
I guess not trying to fit in is what fits me into this industry. Acting and being able to portray different characters as an actress was my dream since I can remember. However, to survive in the industry there are few things that are necessary. I believe that hard work and ambitions play a big role in surviving all the obstacles which come. But, the love you receive from your fans who I call my extended family is equally important, because they are the ones who make you or break you and how you receive their love will decide how far you go.
Q: A rebound to the previous question, as you and a couple of actors are constantly looking for meatier roles. Do you think you will get the characters you are looking for?
Our film industry used to be huge back in the 60s and 70s, therefore, our seniors had the opportunity to portray some amazing characters. However, now our industry is small, thereby the characters and story plots are also limited. Therefore, it is very hard to get those meatier roles that we all wish to play.
But with a little bit of patience, you can get good roles and the justice you do to the roles you get will be remembered for a longer period of time. It all depends on you and how you capture the attention of the viewer as the character is the real challenge.
Q: What’s your most memorable role?
Dili from Hara Kotiya. I think I learnt a lot as an actress while preparing and doing this role. This role also gave me the opportunity to be recognised by a wider audience since it was a tele drama. Thereby, it’ll always have a special place in my heart forever.
Q: How do you prepare yourself for a character?
I like to change my characters each time. Therefore, I always try to bring out small differences in each character, even if it is the way she walks or the style in which she speaks. According to the character, I try to observe people with a similar attitude and try to bring that out in my performances. Also, it is very important to know your character inside out so that you start living it as if it is your second personality. I should also mention the makeup artist, hairstylist and the costume designer who plays a huge role to make me believe I am the character that I play.
Q: One role of a lifetime?
To be able to play a biopic, a role of a legend that has done great things for the community.
Q: Actors and directors you look up to and why?
My list is long as I like to be inspired and learn things from everyone, whether it’s from Sri Lanka or internationally.
Q: As a Lankan actress, what progress are you looking for in your career?
There is a misconception that being an actor is an easy task. But there is hard work and principles involved in being a good actor. That’s where I want my career to go. I don’t want to be just an actor; I want to be one of the good or best actresses. However, I have a very long way to go but hopefully, I’ll get there slowly.