Sudharma Nethicumara has always been someone who wants to be different in whatever she does. That’s the secret behind her success.

Any reason for choosing Chandana Dharmapriya to direct your third tele drama?

“Chandana is a talented cinematographer and a creative personality with a good eye. On the other hand working with him would also be easy. I am following a direction course now and I might use this project to learn a few practical things on direction. Anyway I hope to work cordially with Chandana and the whole team.”.

Who are your lead stars?

Roger Seneviratne, Shalani Tharaka and Piyumi Botheju will play the lead roles in this tele serial while Samantha Perera will direct music and Ranaviru Real Star Ayomi Perera will sing. I am also planning another feature tele drama with Anuruddha Jayasinghe by January next year.

Success of Baryawo?

I am still getting unbelievable response for Baryawo, not only here but also from abroad. It is really encouraging.  I am also glad that my tele drama productions are associated with my name. After all it is my concepts. Some people may blame mega tele dramas as mere cheap products.

There may be such creations, but my productions have always been expensive and of high quality. People still talk about Baryawo and Ganga Addara.

Any plans to direct?

There is a lot more to learn before considering such options. When I did Ganga Addara I was basically raw to the field. I learnt through bad experiences. While doing Baryawo I was somewhat aware of the goings-on.

But this new project will make me more solid. I study direction not with intention of becoming a director. Any producer should know a bit of directing if he or she wants to make a brand in this field. Producing is not all about only dumping money.

Your close links with Ms. Sumitra Peries?

I first met this great poetess of Sinhala cinema when I called on her to discuss about the Ganga Addara tele drama. She did not hesitate a bit to give me her blessings. She treated me so well and I was so overwhelmed. I was wondering what I should do to her as a mark of gratitude.

Then I discussed with Ajith Galapaththi about doing a biography of Ms. Peries. He agreed and I then broke the news to Nimal Mendis and others. I must mention here that Nimal Mendis is one of the finest artistes I had ever met. He is such a principled man.

We held a small function to mark the launch of the book. However I came to know through the media that this book was released recently. I am so happy for Mrs. Peries because she deserves this treat.

Any big events after the huge success of Sonu Nigam Live in Concert?

The Sonu Nigam show was one of the biggest in recent times. There is something exciting in the pipeline but I need some time to confirm it. I will break the news soon.