At the Academy, I learnt how to use our life experiences in acting. I never thought that one can study acting as a subject
Dasun Pathirana, Winner of the Best Actor, Sarasaviya Awards 2018 has won many accolades for his acting over the years. An out-of-the-box - actor he has appeared in controversial movies and teledramas, among them are ‘Motorbicycle’ and ‘Frangipanni’. According to Dasun, an actor’s power and ability lies in his versatility, a fact which his own acting career has portrayed in many a way. Young Voice spoke to this award winning actor about his life and acting.
How are you spending your time these days?
I’m currently working on Roshan Ravindra’s ‘Thanamalwila Kollek’ tele drama. Next month I will be appearing on screen as a monk. In the meantime, I’m looking after kids and family. That’s how I spend my time these days.
Did you do any acting as a child?
If I won any certificates in school, it was for drama and dancing. The freedom given by my parents helped me to gain this position. Actually, they didn’t put any restrictions on me. They didn’t expect anything from me until I got into this field. They didn’t force me to do a job plus they don’t depend on me in any way. But they had faith that I will choose a good career. In my life as an actor my parents are number one, they are my priority. I’m in this position because my parents always gave me the freedom I needed.
How did your acting career begin?
I started learning acting at Mahendra Perera’s Academy for Acting and Drama in 2004. So, it’s been 14 years since I started acting. Acting changed my life in many ways. Before I went to Mahendra aiya’s academy, I only had the basic knowledge about acting and the passion for it. At the Academy, I learnt how to use our life experiences in acting. I never thought that one can study acting as a subject. There I saw new areas and paths an actor can go on after entering the field. I got to know which areas I should study; I understood that one can absorb life experiences and reflect them in acting. For an example, if my girl friend leaves me behind I just thank for the feelings and the life experiences that she gave me. I do not go on weeping and indulging in self-pity.
What makes your acting out of the ordinary?
An actor’s dream is to perform different kinds of characters. If an actor always prefers a certain type of character the audience will get bored. I didn’t want to be confined to a certain area. Some wanted me to act the typical lover’s character and I was offered the same thing over and over again. But I wanted to break that stereotype casting. When I finished Ananda Abeynayake’s ‘Ahasin Watuna’ teledrama, I changed my appearance completely by shaving and cutting my hair short. So, if directors want me for a particular role, they have to take me the way I am. I want to give my maximum potential to the character I portray. If we take the character of the gay lover in the movie ‘Frangipani’ and the father character of Lalith Rathanayakes ‘Thaththa’, those two entirely differ from each other.
With whom do you love to work the most?
I like to work with different directors. Among the directors that I have worked with, “Boodee” is special to me, because his style is unique. Even I came to this field after being inspired by the movie ‘Milla Soya’. Boodee is one of the finest directors in Sri Lanka. These days I’m working with him. When I shift from one director to another it’s a period that I consider as a great workshop. What we learn is different from director to director. Because they have their own styles and views regarding acting.
Tell us about your role-models?
The only role model that I follow is Mahendra Perera. I entered to the field inspired by him. At a time when no one had faith in my desire and attempt to be an actor, Mahendra Aiya was my guiding light and has been so throughout my journey in acting. I follow the Kollywood and Bollywood actors. Because India is a country that is very close to us, we share a lot of similarities. There are many Indian actors I follow, and Ameer Khan and Jhonny Depp from Hollywood are chief among them.
What are the most effective teledramas or movies?
A good work of art is always embraced by the audience, whether it is a movie or a teledrama is irrelevant.
What are your future appearances?
‘Subha’ and ‘Gajaman’ are the upcoming creations; ‘Gajaman’ will be released this December. I’m the first actor in Sri Lanka to do motion capturing.
Where are we in the international context?
Sri Lankan Cinema has already reached international level. We have the man power already, what we lack are producers. Producers here are afraid to invest money on works of art, because they aren’t sure whether they would be able to generate an income or profit out of it.
Are the artistes given a value within the field?
Today acting is not given a value. Some told me to change my career when they got to know what I chose. But in the past, acting had a value. Those days’ artistes were paid according to their efforts. Today, this field is not systematically organised and the artistes are paid less.
How do you feel about your journey in acting so far?
My journey has taught me so much. From making tea to costume direction I have learnt, self learning has given me much exposure which has made me competent in every area.
What does it mean to be popular and famous?
Popularity exists for a short period. I don’t act to be popular. We cannot earn popularity by force. The audience dislikes artistes mostly because of negative marketing. In the past, people went behind actors. In contrast, today, the artistes have to go behind people, begging for smses in award ceremonies and reality shows. In a way that is good for the freshers, but an artiste who has made a name for himself doesn’t deserve it. Actually I’m ashamed of doing it, so I’m not in the race for being famous.
Your ideas about ‘Frangipanni’?
For me, Frangipanni is a love story, the gay concept is new to people here, but for me it’s also a kind of love that exists in society. This is a kind of character that was rejected by many. When it came to me, my friends asked me “what are you going to do, are you crazy? Don’t take it!”.
What does the Sarasaviya Award mean to you?
The Sarasaviya Award is one of my biggest achievements. I have been watching the Sarasaviya Film Festival from my childhood, os it’s like a dream come to life. I won the Award for the Best Actor this year, and I’m extremely happy and proud about it.
How would you describe yourself?
I’m not a strict follower of religion. But I have the knowledge to differentiate between good and bad. I have gone to the temple, chapel and kovil when I was small. Therefore, I had a wide exposure to those religions. I live my life the way I want, I don’t cause trouble to anyone and that’s what the religion teaches us. What makes you a true actor is, how deeply you can delve into the role you are given, and how intensely you live within the hearts of the people in the name of a particular character.