Even before this young actress Nethmi Umaya Adhikari was born, her parents were involved in showbiz. Her father is well-known tele maker Wimalaratne Adhiakri while her mother Sumana Wanninayake is a well-known tele drama producer and character actress.

Nethmi who is now reading for a Degree in Psychology in an Indian University, became a household name with her role as Malithi in Ruwan Maliga which ended last Friday. Nethmi who is also playing another key role in ‘Thurya’ which is replacing ‘Ruwan Maliga’ said she was grateful to her parents for guiding her on the right path. But she is proud that she has won several awards having played male roles.

 

Can you recall your childhood?

Well, my parents were involved in arts even before my birth, so showbiz was not alien to me from my infancy. I studied at Visakha Vidyalaya from the pre school upto ALs, qualifying me for university entrance. But I had this dream of studying in an Indian university. I am now a final year student in India studying psychology for my degree. I acted in school plays and represented all-island contest too. I acted in other stage plays like Padmawathi, Vidura and Palu Dupatha. Just before I left school I played the role of Princess Vishaka in a musical ballet scripted by K. B. Herath. I also wrote script for school plays with the hep of my father.

I studied dancing from Kulasiri Budawatte and music from Visharada Nanda Malini. I was also the band leader of Visakha Vidyalaya. I was studious from my early childhood and I was keen about my father’s directing styles. I first acted as an eight-year-old in my father’s ‘Gajaman Nona’ tele drama. My parents guided me in the right path and they were happy to see me perform on stage.

 

 

What traits have you absorbed from your parents?

One important fact I believe in is that we cannot succeed in life without the blessings of our parents. My father is the head of Rupavahini’s drama division, but his first priority is his family. My mother reads the scripts of my tele dramas and shares her vital views and opinions about them. My father tells me about the camera angles and voice control.

 

What are the other dramas you acted in?

After Gajaman Nona, I acted in my mother’s productions ‘Itu Dev Vimana’, Dewa Daruwo’, ‘Imi Sara Peraliya’, Vasanthi Chathurani’s ‘Aga Pipi Mal’, Ruwan Maliga, Priya Ranasinghe’s ‘Pavanase Ewidin’ and Isura Rana Keli’. After Ruwan Maliga I am acting in ‘Thurya’ which is being telecast from today. I would love to act the role of a Buddhist nun. The role of Kashmira I played in my father’s tele drama is the character I love most.

 

 

What’s your view about mega tele dramas?

It makes no difference to me as long as the character suits me. We must realise that people don’t shun such dramas just because they are long. Music-wise I like the subject, but I am not so passionate about singing. I read a lot and I like to write whenever time permits. I am aware that a sound education will certainly brighten your future. Lastly I must express my sincere thanks to my parents, all my teachers at Visakha Vidyalaya especially Rithika and Pubudu teachers, Kulasiri Budawatte, Visharada Nanda Malini, Sunila Jayanthi Lokumanne dance teacher, Sandhya Mendis and all who have helped me. 

   

 

(Vasantha Wimalasinghe)