This week, the Youth Observer reaches out to model and upcoming actress Anjana Dilhani, to get a glimpse of her life and her career.
Anjana entered the entertainment industry as a dancer, she was part of the dancing crew Selvo, seeing the entertainment industry from a dancer’s perspective, Anjana slowly eased her way into modelling and then acting, her talent and her undying passion for the arts has allowed her to make a name for herself in Sri Lankan entertainment.
In conversation with Anjana here’s what we found out:
Q: How did you get into acting?
A: I was a dancer first as you know, and this meant I was exposed to many different characters from the entertainment industry. I got to meet and learn from many people and this way I got to network and build some connections and friends and through them I got called into modelling gigs, which I was very excited to be a part of at first and then I realised I was good at it. I mostly do bridal modelling. And eventually in 2017 I got the opportunity to be in a television series called ‘Muthu kuda’. This was my entry to acting. It was an amazing experience and I immediately fell in love. I did another web series after that and was part of 2 music videos and is also a part of another television series that is currently in the works.
Q: Do you still dance?
A: Sadly with my busy schedule I have lost touch with dancing but I am hoping to get back to it.
Q: What do you like the most, modelling or acting?
A: I mostly do modelling but I think I like both equally.
Q: Who is your inspiration for modelling
A: I try not to imitate anyone. I want to create my own unique persona. I however really admire the work that Yureni has done and I also follow the techniques and poses of several European models.
Q: Tell us your experience with acting so far?
A: My acting experience is very limited but that limited experience has filled me with many life lessons and pointers. I have gotten an opportunity to work with many talented actors and they were very nice and accepting of me despite me being a rookie. They gave me advice and helped me when I was struggling with my parts, it has truly been wonderful.
Q: Are you proud of your career?
A: I am very proud of my career, I have in fact been in the modelling industry for over six years now and I believe I have created a name for myself and it is a great achievement for me.
Q: What are your big dreams?
A: I have my own business, a clothing brand and it is my dream to someday have a brand in my name and be known in the designing field.
Q: What plans for this year?
A: I am working on a drama and a few music videos this year. I am keeping busy and is very excited.
Q: Tell us the best advice you have gotten so far, that has helped you with your career?
A: The best advice is probably to try and be unique and make a name for myself as myself and not imitate someone else. When starting off many senior models and photographers told me this and really respect their wisdom and I believe that is the way to success.
Q: Is your family supportive?
A: When I joined the field my father didn’t like it at all, but as time went on and he saw my pictures in magazines and started seeing my dramas he has learnt to accept it. Now he and the rest of my family are extremely supportive. My husband, who is also a photographer, is probably my biggest supporter and I really appreciate everything he has done for me.
Q: What is your favourite thing about being a model?
A: I like that with this, mostly, I get to be my own boss. I am not someone who is stuck to an 8 to 5 job. There is freedom to do as I please.
Q: How do you grow as a model?
A: I am always learning on the job. I don’t have a professional modelling education but I learn from my seniors, I learn from social media, I learn from photographers and literally each day is a learning opportunity for me and I am so glad I got that opportunity because it keeps me grounded and more focused on my work.
Finally I asked Anjana if she had any words of wisdom for her fellow models and she said, “There are people who do a shoot and call themselves a model. I think you should not be like that, I say to study, study the art. It is important to have an understanding of what you are doing. You can self-learn or even join an academy if you like. Because talent without guidance is useless.
Pix: Thilak Perera