By Kusumanjalee Thilakarathna
R.P.K. Maneesha Rashmika Perera is a multitalented young actor from Kiribathgoda who dreams of becoming a doctor. He is an athlete, a cricketer, and a karate player with a yellow belt. Maneesha has been a part of nine teledramas and has also acted in music videos and TV commercials.
Maneesha, can you introduce yourself to our audience?
I am Maneesha Rashmika Perera and I am 14 years old. I am a student of JMC International College, Kiribathgoda. I live in Kadawatha. I love to act, dance, run, and engage in sports. My father is Aruna Pradeep Kumara and my mother is Shantha Priyadarshani.
You said your most favourite thing to do is to act.
Yes. I love acting in teledramas. I was lucky to be a part of popular Sinhala teledramas like ‘Gugli’, ‘Sihini’, and ‘Bus Eke Iskole’. I really enjoyed the characters I had to play. I first starred in telemovies telecasted on Hiru TV. I am currently working on a new teledrama named ‘Nonimi’ which is directed by Suraj Mapa.
Who is your favourite character out of the ones you’ve played so far?
Definitely, the character I played in ‘Bus Eke Iskole’ with uncle Jagath Chamila. There were five main characters and I was one of them. All of them attended a school conducted inside an old bus. I had to play the role of a mischievous young boy who had lost both his parents. The drama portrayed how his character is positively shaped by the help he receives from his teacher. I really enjoyed working in that production.
Is there a character you wish to play?
Not really. I like to accept any character I get to play and do the best possible.
How long have you been studying dancing?
Since I was very young. I have been studying both traditional and western dancing under Sir Lalith Parakum for almost four years now. I love freestyle dancing. It makes me feel very good.
Can you tell us more about the sports that you take part in?
I take part in athletics and I mostly do running events; both short and long distances. I have competed in zonal-level karate meets. I practise karate at a private institute too. I currently wear the yellow belt and I am ready for my next grading now. I also play cricket for the Basilica Academy. All these things keep me very busy.
How do you manage your time with acting, sports, and studies?
Well, I make sure that my drama work or sports don’t clash with my school work. It’s tough. But, education always gets priority. I might give up one or two things during my Ordinary Level years.
What’s your favourite subject in school?
I love all things science. I love to read about biology and related topics when I get some free time.
Can you share about your experience being in music videos and commercials?
It’s like a short drama to me. It may not take a lot of time like dramas, but putting in your 100 percent is still important. I have to be thankful for those who’ve selected me for these productions.
Is there anyone you want to thank?
Firstly, my mother and my father for always supporting me and for making sure I have everything that I need. Sir Lalith Parakum is the one who first gave me the opportunity to act. I am grateful to him for motivating me and recognising my talent.
What is your ambition?
My ambition is to become a medical doctor. But this doesn’t mean I want to give up everything else. I want to continue with my acting and dancing careers too. I do not want to give up cricket either. I have to find a way to balance my activities and do the best possible in all those areas.