This week we reached out to a familiar face, a talented actress we have come to love through the small screen in the recent past. Chandima Karunadasa also known as Darleen in ‘Para Dige’.
Chandima studied acting at the University of Kelaniya and started her acting career from theatre, she took part in various commercials and have been part of approximately 11 television series currently. However her most beloved role is her portrayal of Darleen from the television series ' Para Dige’.
Q: How did you get into acting?
A: I did drama and theatre in school, however, I didn’t have a dream to become an actress. I did my Bachelors Degree in acting and drama and this is where my journey as an actress began. I fell in love with the subject and wanted to explore more and I believe it motivated me into getting roles and acting.
However, when I got certain roles in teledramas I didn’t think I would do acting as a profession, I still don’t. I hold a permanent job at a government institution and I do acting as a part time activity, although I genuinely enjoy it and I am excited to do more roles in the future.
Q: What is the best teledrama you have been a part of?
A: I have acted in about 11 teledramas and they were different from one another and I cannot say one was better than the other, I genuinely learnt so much from each of those roles and one experience was different from another so I am so glad I was a part of each of those projects.
Q: What is your ‘Para Dige’ experience like?
A: This is an out of the world experience honestly. I had worked earlier with the directors and some of the crew members in ‘Para Dige’ so going into the project I was already somewhat comfortable, but I hadn’t had to do a role like this one before. So this was a big challenge for me, I had to study it, learn the lingo and slowly get into the role, but the whole experience was wonderful.
Q: What do you prefer, stage dramas, movies or teledramas?
A: I like all of it. But I hold a special place in my heart for stage dramas, because that was my start and I am so grateful that I had that experience. But I believe each of these very different forms of art have its unique features and I think they are all great and as an artist I appreciate the beauty of all forms of performing art.
Q: What is your approach to get into a character?
A: I read my script, I try my best to do justice to my character and I always seek the support of my crew to do my best in the role I am playing. Taking a character to the audience takes a lot of commitment and I try to commit to it as much as possible.
Q: Are you someone who likes to get advice?
A: Yes. I am someone who loves constructive criticism. It is what helps me grow and what keeps me grounded as an artist.
Q: Is there any advice you have gotten that you try to live by?
A: I have gotten a lot of advice and I am so grateful for all of it. I may not remember to single out a particular one, but I try to live by trying to do everything the right way, rather than looking for shortcuts.
Q: Are you proud of your career?
A: I am so happy about how far I have come. Like I said before I haven’t decided if I want to make acting my sole profession as yet but I am so proud of how far I have come. Everyone in my family has been supportive and I am so grateful for that. I came into this profession having studied it without any family background in acting, so it was a difficult road, I have had to face many hardships but I have still come a long way. I am proud of myself.
Q: Is there anyone you haven't worked with and you like to?
A: I have worked with a lot of senior artists and I have gotten a lot of experience and knowledge from them. I like to do different characters, challenging ones and I do not want to get stuck in a certain frame and despite who the director is, if I feel challenged in the role I am offered I will take it.
Q: Do you have any upcoming new projects?
A: I am working with ‘Para Dige’ currently and I have two other projects that will come up but I am uncertain when they will commence but I am looking forward to them.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?
A: I am new to the field. I know I came to the field with an educational background and that really helped me navigate it. I want to tell young people that it is important to learn and get into the field, which will help you face the issues head on.
Pix: Thilak Perera \