“A career as a dubbing artiste is rewarding for creative individuals who love to use their voices,” said Jathin Thishakya. He is dreaming of becoming a doctor in the future. In an interview with The Sunday Morning Little Stars, Jathin said that reading the facial features of the original actors is very important in becoming a good dubbing artiste. 

Introduce yourself to us. 

I am B. Jathin Thishakya Fernando and I study at Prince of Wales’ College, Moratuwa. I am currently residing in Moratuwa with my family but we are planning to shift to Panadura. I used to do swimming and karate as sports. But, since I have to get ready for my Ordinary Level exams, I had to quit these sports temporarily. I am an actor and dubbing artiste. I study drama and theatre as a subject in school. My sister is studying to become a nurse. My dream is to become a doctor. I collect stamps as a hobby, there is a lot you can learn from a stamp. I also like to read during my free time. My mother is a beautician and my father is a technician at CGR. 

When did you start your acting career? 

I was around 12 when I got my first opportunity. It was a short film named ‘Bicycle’ and it was Nimatha Prasara who gave me the opportunity. It wasn’t a lead character but after this production, I received many opportunities to play more prominent roles. 

The first time I received a chance to play a prominent role was in another short movie named ‘Maru Salli’. It was a turning point in my acting career. I still get feedback about the role I played. It was about a boy who sings ‘viridu’ on a bus to take care of his sick father who was also a ‘viridu’ singer. I received the opportunity to play this role because of my talent for singing.

Does this mean you are a singer too?

Well, it’s hard to say that. But I have contributed to a few commercials with singing. I don’t train my voice as a singer or study music as a subject. I train by myself and I believe it’s an innate talent. 



How many teledramas have you acted in? 

A few. The most prominent roles I played in teledramas are Pancha in Kasun Tharindra’s ‘Akuru Maki Na’, Shakthi in Sudaththa Thilakasiri’s ‘Teacher Amma’, and Matheesha in Sriyantha Prasad’s ‘Salena Nuwan’. ‘Salena Nuwan’ is currently being telecasted on TV Derana. Sudaththa Thilakasiri’s ‘Teacher Amma’ was another turning point in my life as it taught me many lessons about acting. 

Any movies? 

So far I have only acted in one film named ‘Sahodari’ produced by the Health Promotion Bureau. The film is yet to be released. 

Tell us about your achievements in school too.

My school-level achievements are mostly in announcing. When I was in grade five, I won second place in an all-island announcing competition. I joined the school media unit when I was in grade five and that was the main reason for my achievements. 

What is your ambition?

My ambition is to become a doctor. That has been my dream since I was really young. I am ready to prioritise my studies to achieve this dream. I might even give up acting until I get there. I might give up all extracurricular activities except for dubbing. 

It sounds like you have a special interest in dubbing. 

Yes. That’s what I really enjoy doing. I was the voice of Kanha in the popular drama ‘Maharaja Kansa’. My first experience in dubbing was in the drama ‘Adiraja Dharmashoka’. There are a few dubbed cartoons I have contributed to which are telecasted on TV Derana. 

What helped you become a skilled dubbing artiste? 

It was mainly the school media unit and the experience I received while working with the unit. I also watched a lot of YouTube clips to train my voice. My first audition was for TV Derana and I was so happy when I was chosen for my character instantly. 

I also followed a dubbing course conducted by Prageeth Wijesooriya. I learnt a lot of skills there that helped me in acting and voice training too. It is a fun exercise to watch facial expressions to determine the voice expressions. It’s very important to become talented in what I do. 

Is there anyone you want to thank for supporting you? 

Well, there is a long list. First is my family. They are the ones who are always behind my success. I want to thank Prageeth S. Wijesooriya, Anuradha Sigera, Bhagya Fernando, Dayal Bandara, Sameera Weerakoon, Yogika Jayathilaka, Sudhaththa Thilaksiri, Thimira Udalamaththa, Sriyantha Prasad, Niduk Madushika, Gayan Mahagalage, Niwantha Prasara, and Kasun Tharindra. They are the ones who brought me to the place I am today. There are many more names I may have forgotten.