He is Shan, but he is better known by the people as ‘Shane’ largely due to his catchy role in ‘Sidangana’ which is now being telecast on Sirasa TV at 8 pm on weekdays.

The seasoned journalist cum photographer Shan Bandu Weerasinghe’s passion for films and arts was welling up in his mind since his childhood. That passion made him get involved in several artistic creations in the capacity of film and tele drama assistant director, art director and visual director, long before he became a journalist. He has created more than 60 visuals and was placed second in the short film competition in 1994.

Shan Bandu Weerasinghe. How did you become a journalist?

After completing my school education at Yapahuwa Maha Vidyalaya I followed a Mass Communication course at the Sri Jayawardenepura University. Then I joined the ‘Geetha’ film journal as a feature writer. Rodney Vidanapathirana introduced me to Tharunaya and today journalism has become my life.

But you are extremely popular as a travel journalist too?

It was Rodney Vidanapathirana who pushed me into this side of my career and I feel I am so fortunate to have visited and written about the most beautiful places in this country.

Your role as an actor?

As a journalist I had been associating with a large number of popular actors and actresses of this country, but I was not keen to act. I turned down several offers but for some reason I accepted Sanjaya Gunawardana’s offer to act in his tele drama ‘Amaya’. That paved the way for me become an actor.

How did your star friends respond when you joined their bandwagon?

I am so sorry to say that the response by 98% was unreceptive. They believed that I should be only writing about them. Among the very few who encouraged me were Sanath Gunathilaka and Malani Fonseka.

Are you choosy about your characters?

Initially I was not, but now I insist on the script for the sole reason of studying and preparing myself for the character. It doesn’t matter whether my role is black or white as long as there is substance. The role I play in Sidangana is a good example.  There are people who rebuke me for the villainous role I play as Shane, but that feedback is important from my point of view. I am also playing a role called Saranelis in Gihan Rohana’s ‘Muthu Keta Sihinaya’ which will be telecast soon. It is the role of a foolish, naïve village youth. I hope the masses will appreciate it.

Your memoirs as an actor?

First and foremost I must thank my directors for extracting my hidden talents, especially Shafraz who moulded me into a character actor in ‘Sansara Sakmana’. It really boosted my confidence as an actor.

You also acted in movies?

I first acted in Sandun Rajakaruna’s ‘Uththara’ and my next film will be ‘Ranja’.

How do you manage your time to focus on two fields?

I am grateful to my newspaper organization for its flexibility in giving me special consideration. Whatever  impact I make as an actor, journalism would always be my first love. I  know where to draw the line. When I act I am not a journalist and likewise I am not an actor when I work as a journalist. My intention is not to become a good actor; I just want to be a good artiste.

Your views about love, romance and marriage..

Money and wealth should never be the decisive factor in love. I can’t talk of marriage until I find my destined life partner.

Gratitude..

I am extremely grateful to Bandua Vidanapathirana, Anton Samson, Siri Ranasinghe, Rodney Vidanapathirana, Ramesh, Kanchana Dassanayake, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Sandun Rajakaruna, Shafraz, Danushka Basnayake, Daya Rajapakse and all my friends in the media, especially parents and two sisters.

By Vasantha Wimalasinghe