Roshen Shevan is a nine-year-old student from Thalawathugoda Prime Minister’s College. He is talented in dancing with a special interest in hip-hop. He dreams of becoming a dance trainer and considers his dance trainers his role models. He is an actor and also pursues several sports in school. He was among the seven finalists in Season 10 of Derana Little Stars. 

Tell us about yourself and your favourite things. 

My full name is Roshen Shevan Nadeesh Perera and I am in grade four at Prime Minister’s College, Thalawathugoda. I live in Thalawathugoda with my parents, my elder sister, and my grandmother. I have a pet fish. I love dancing and especially hip-hop. I learn traditional dancing too. My father helps me learn aerial dancing; it’s something I really love to practise. My favourite sport is cricket and I attend gymnastics and swimming practices regularly. I am also a karate player. I have also acted in a few teledramas and a few are yet to be released. These things keep me busy. 

My favourite subject in school is English. My favourite food is pizza and my favourite fruit is grapes. I love the colour blue. I enjoy reading, helping others, and sharing things with my friends. 

What is your ambition?

I want to become a dancing teacher and teach hip-hop dancing just like my teachers Miss Dilshara Ushani and Nadeesh Randika sir. They help me to master my moves accurately and this makes me want to be just like them. 

What keeps you occupied these days?

I attend Amila Illukkumbura sir’s training for traditional dancing. That is interesting too. He is going to have a show at Nelum Pokuna very soon. Apart from my usual routine, I am mostly occupied with training for this show. I am really looking forward to it. Miss Nilangi Anushika is one of my traditional dancing teachers. 

Can you tell us about your experience at the Derana Little Stars competition?

I competed in Derana Little Stars Season 10 and I was one of the seven finalists in the dancing category. I chose hip-hop for this competition too. It was a very exciting experience for me. I was able to improve myself a lot while training for this competition. 

What are the teledramas you have been a part of so far?

There are more than six teledramas that were telecasted including ‘Bhoomi,’ ‘Akurata Yana Welawe,’ ‘Shakthi,’ ‘Colombo,’ and ‘Heenayaki Me Adare.’ Two teledramas were abandoned due to the pandemic. I played the main role in one of those teledramas. There are a few more that are soon to be telecasted. I have had the opportunity to act in commercials too. Taking part in one of the video clips of the Janai Priyai comedies was also a very fun experience for me.

What was the last book you read?

It was ‘Kuda Hora’ (‘The Umbrella Thief’) by Sybil Wettasinghe.

Tell us more about your aerial dancing practices. 

It is a form of performance art, which combines dance and acrobatics. It is practised on a vertical pole or a cable. I was a little scared to try it out at first. But, seeing Lalith Parakum sir do it really motivated me to try it out. I don’t feel scared anymore because my father is always there by my side whenever I try this out. He even made me a platform to practise using things lying around at home. 

What qualities do you need to become a good hip-hop dancer?

You have to have good human qualities first of all. That’s what will make you a good trainee. You have to study the art very well and do physical exercises regularly. You have to be very careful about your diet too. You shouldn’t eat without control and you shouldn’t eat too many sweets. Make sure you get a balanced and very nutritious diet. 

Is there anyone you want to thank for supporting you?

All my teachers for their contributions. Uncle Iththapana and uncle Sisikirana for their support and uncle Sudaththa Thilakasiri. And especially my parents for being there for me always.