Sehansa Tharindi is a talented nine-year-old residing in Kottawa. She is currently a grade four student at Kottawa Ananda Maha Vidyalaya. Apart from excelling in academics, Sehansa has a passion for the performing arts. She is not only an accomplished actress in both stage and television productions but also an avid dancer and TV presenter. With her dedication and love for dancing, Sehansa aspires to become a dance teacher in the future. 

Can you introduce yourself to us? 

I am Sehansa Tharindi and I am a nine-year-old residing in Kottawa. Currently, I am a grade four student at Kottawa Ananda Maha Vidyalaya. My family comprises my mother, who is a dedicated housewife, and my dad, who works as a manager in the private sector. I am their only child.

I have a keen interest in schoolwork and find joy in learning new things. Helping my mother around the house is something I take pleasure in as well. When it comes to playtime, I enjoy badminton, cycling, and hopscotch. Swimming is one of my favourite activities, which I get to do at school.

Can you tell us about your acting experience?

I love acting. I have been in a few plays and shows. My first drama experience was in a play called ‘Kaliyuga Kale,’ directed by Lal Devaratne. After that, I got to play roles in two more plays. One was called ‘Laksheta Kodiya’ by Suresh Kumarasinghe, and the other one was ‘Neluni’ by Mahesh Karunarathna. I had to learn my lines and practise a lot, but it was all worth it when I got to perform in front of an audience.

Right now, I’m also doing something cool. I’m presenting a programme on Beauty TV and it’s called ‘Around the World with Kids Hub’. It’s a show for children, and I get to share interesting things from different countries.

Currently, I’m also getting ready for not just one, but two stage dramas. We are rehearsing for them, which means practising our lines and movements.  

Have you had any unforgettable experiences during filming?

I had one experience that I will never forget. It was a rainy day, and we had to wait the whole day because of the rain. It felt like the rain would never stop. It was my first time acting in a teledrama with Sangeeth Prabhu aiya. He was so kind and helped me a lot. He made me feel comfortable and taught me some acting tips. I’m grateful for his support.

But the most unforgettable moment happened during a night scene. There was a snake on the set. It was a bit scary, but luckily, my father was there with me. He carried me the whole time.

What have you learned about acting while being a part of these dramas?

Acting has taught me so many cool things. One thing I’ve learned is how to face the camera. I have to make sure I look at the camera when I’m acting so that people watching can see my expressions and emotions. Another thing I’ve learned is how to deliver my dialogues – reacting to actions is also really important. Sometimes, things happen in the scene, and I have to react to them. It could be something surprising or exciting, and I have to show my reaction with my face and body.

What was the latest production you took part in?

The latest production I took part in was a dancing segment in Sivadasan sir’s sniper movie.

Have you been in a stage drama before?

No, this is my first time being involved in stage dramas. It’s really exciting for me. I am playing the role of a lion cub in Sumila Fernando’s ‘Sinha Lena,’ and the other is an innocent helpless child in ‘Ceylon Silva’ in Sunil Liyanarachchi’s play. Both characters are very different, but they are both so much fun to portray.

What is the difference between stage drama and teledrama?

When you’re in a stage drama, you have to speak louder. You need to project your voice so that everyone in the audience can hear you. But in teledrama, you can speak in a normal voice because the camera is close to you.

Secondly, there are a lot of rehearsals for stage dramas. We practise our lines and movements many times to make sure everything goes smoothly on stage. Another difference is that in stage dramas, we have to remember our dialogues well. We can’t forget our lines because there’s no chance to stop and do it again. But in a teledrama, if we forget something, we can do another take and try again.

Stage drama can be a bit difficult because everything happens in real-time, and we have to be careful with our movements and timing. 

Have you participated in any other activities recently?

I took part in a concept shoot where I played the role of a beggar. The concept was created by Rashmi Sumanasekara for Mother’s Day. We did the shoot at Piliyandala market, and Kasun Amarasinghe was the photographer.

It was quite amusing because people passing by thought I was a real beggar and tried to give me money. 

You are also a dancer. Tell us about that. 

Yes. Currently, I am training at Chandana Wickramasinghe’s dance academy. 

What is your ambition? 

I want to become a dancing teacher. I would love to continue acting too. 

Who would you like to thank for their support?

I would like to thank Lal Devaratne for introducing me to the acting field and allowing me to explore my talent. I am also grateful to my parents for their constant support and encouragement. My grandmother, who is like a second mom to me, has always been there for me and supported my dreams.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Sivadasan sir and Keerthi Ruwan Lalson uncle for their guidance and mentorship. A special thanks goes to aunty Rashmi for providing me with the opportunity to be on Beauty TV.

I am also thankful for the support from my school, including the principal, primary headmistress, and my class teacher, who help me stay on track with my schoolwork.