No doubt that nobody can eclipse her beauty and gorgeousness. She is more stunning than a shadow of a rose petal, more winsome than a silver statue and humble like a gently flowing giant river.
She is Ishanka Jahanvi da Costa whose name has become an echo in our Sinhala cinema. Born on March 1, 1998 in Piliyandala as Ishanka da Costa, she has set out on a long journey as an actress. It was the film director Theja Iddamalgoda who gave her the name ‘Jahanvi.’
Gifted with a beauty enriched with the gleam in her both eyes, Ishanka has become the cynosure of all eyes. “My school friends used to call me Sundari,” she said with a smile. Sri Lanka’s flagship youth magazine the Youth Observer caught up with Ishanka to discuss her life journey.
She had her education at Lindsay Girls’ school, Bambalapitiya. At present, she is following a degree program at a private university and working at one of the leading companies as a manager.
Ashawari
‘Ashawari’ was Ishanka’s maiden cinematic appearance. “The turning point in my life was the film ‘Ashawari’ because it was my first film. I worked hard for the film and had to make a lot of sacrifices for the film,” Ishanka said, awakening her memories.
The film titled ‘Ashawari’ directed by Theja Iddamalgoda is not another love story. Indeed, ‘ Ashawari’ is the story of love. Significantly, both Ishanka and Hemal have played the main roles in the film. As noted by Ishanka, the film revolves around a simple storyline. “My character in the film is Ashawari. She is a very mischievous and naughty girl. I wanted to do the maximum justice for the film,” she said.
As revealed by Ishanka, people are under great pressure. As a result, they expect a very simple plot to relax their minds. To my question about the screen test, she replied thus, “There were around 47girls for the screen test. But it is my mother who encouraged me to face the screen test. My mother wanted me to become a film star. Surprisingly, I got selected for the film. In the screen test I had to deliver an emotional line. I delivered the line and they were satisfied with my performance.
“On that day, our film director Theja Iddamalgoda and the cinematographer Ruwan Costa met my father and told that I got selected for the film. I was surprised,” she said with pride.
It is evident that Ishanka had to work with many veterans in the field. For instance, Jayalal Manoratne, Bimal Jayakody, Jayani Senanayake, Semini Iddamalgoda, Hemal, Saranga and Dinithi Walgama.
“Veteran actor Jayalath Manoratne played the role of Ashawari’s father. I had the golden opportunity to work with many veteran actors and actresses. But I did not know how they would accept me because I am new to the field. Surprisingly, they all encouraged me to play my role. The film director also helped me to build up my character,” she said.
Challenges
We travel the road of life, weathering storms and bearing the heat of the burning sun because our life journey is not a bed of roses. Challenges make us stronger. Obstacles make us determined. If we waver between two worlds, we will gain nothing and lose everything.
We have to face challenges in a positive manner to climb the ladder of success. Let’s see how Ishanka won her life. “I am new to this field. Our film director Theja Iddamalgoda was always behind me. Other veteran actors and actresses also helped in many ways.
It was really challenging for me to work with veteran artistes. However, I did my maximum for the film. Even now I am receiving positive feedback from others. Therefore, I am satisfied with my performance. In the near future, I intend to act in another movie,” Ishanka said.
Childhood
Never had Ishanka’s parents confined her only to studies. They created an appropriate environment for her to showcase her talents. Her father, Gamini da Costa is a police officer and her mother is Kumari. Being forward as well as talented, she had distinguished herself in extra curricular activities and studies.
She recalled her school life memories thus, “I played netball in the school and became a member of our dancing group and school band. Moreover, I have been appearing in commercials since I was 16 years old. I used my dancing skills for the film ‘Ashawari’.”
She said that she did not act in teledramas because she has a passion for films.
“Acting is my passion. I love films and want to do something for our film industry,” she said.
Speaking of the war between Russia and Ukraine, she said that she always prays for Ukraine. “I cannot understand why people are waging wars. I cannot understand why they cannot live peacefully. I always pray for Ukraine people,” she lamented.
No doubt that our veteran actors like Gamini Fonseka, Ravindra Randeniya had dedicated themselves to cinematic creations by doing their own stunts.
For example, both crowned actors, Gamini and Ravindra had received severe injuries doing stunts like jumping off the roof of moving trains. Sadly now questions arise as to why there is a collapse in our Sinhala cinema. Let’s see Ishanka’s take on the above problem.
“We still have talented artistes. But the problem is that we do not have good scripts for them,” Ishanka said in a sad tone. To be honest, even though Sinhala Cinema was recognized as an industry in the country, we cannot notice any steps being taken to uplift the country’s film industry.
Artistes like Ishanka have the stamina to take our film industry up to the international level. Unfortunately, there is not a sustainable atmosphere for them to be stable in the cinema field.
Pix: Saman Abesiriwardana
