'I don't want to be a show-piece actress', says Damitha Abeyrathne
Sohel Haider Chowdhury (SHC): What is your feeling after becoming the best actress?
(DA): I feel delighted. The award has increased my enthusiasm as well as responsibility about my career as an actress. I'll have to step forward very cautiously from now. It's my 7th movie and for the first time I played the central role. My characters in the previous six films were all important ones but not the principal character. Perhaps I've performed well in The Wing Bird, because Inoka Sathyangani has selected me for his next film too. I believe, that's a great achievement for me.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. SHC: How did you get into acting?
DA: I started the journey by acting in a tele-drama named Passe Gena Manamali in 1987. So far I have acted in 78 tele-dramas. My first feature film Meeharaka was directed by Hewawasam.
SHC: Have you had any institutional training in acting?
DA: Not in acting, but I have had long course in music.
SHC: Without any training, how do you act so well?
DA: I have to work very hard, of course. For any character, first I try to understand the psychology of the role. Then I try to visualise the surroundings of the character. In short, my practice, endeavour and devotion help me advance.
SHC: How successful do you think is the 8th DIFF?
DA: I would say, it has been 100% successful! To hold such a festival without any government patronisation is a very brave task, and Rainbow Film Society has done a good job. A good number of internationally acclaimed films and film-personalities participated in the festival. This surely tells of Rainbow's success.
SHC: Have you watched any Bangladeshi films at the festival? What do you think of them?
DA: I have watched Aadhiar and Hasan Raja. I have liked the making and acting of both the movies. I believe there are many talented directors and actors in Bangladesh.
SHC: Will you perform in Bangladeshi films if you are offered?
DA: Of course, I will. But the film must be good and my role must have scope for good acting. I don't want to be a show-piece actress."
SHC: What is the secret of your success?
DA: I just maintain some regularity to keep fit. I also do some recitation in my free time.
SHC: Tell us about your future plan.
DA: For myself, I want to become a good actress. I'm also planning to bring out an audio album this year. And for my country, I want to help the poor and the children.