Playing many roles
US-born actress Anjani Perera is perhaps best known for her role of Queen Prajapathi Gauthami in the 2013 film Sri Siddhartha Gautama—the epic motion picture whose Maha Sanga approved script tells the story of the Lord Buddha. The film was first screened in January 2013, with a re-release last month.
Though her father is from Kurunegala, Anjani was born raised in Los Angeles with strong ties to Sri Lanka.“My sister and I were in the United States, but we were raised as though we were in Kurunegala. And it was great,” Anjani remembers with a smile. An accomplished daughter is one of the many roles Anjani plays—she has studied criminal psychology and business management in university; she is trained in Arjukenpo Karate. She is also the first Sri Lankan female to be represented by one of Hollywood’s top ten agencies.
Anjani’s powerful portrayal of the woman who delivered and brought up Prince Siddhartha has earned her a role as the lead female character in Chandran Rutnam’s upcoming project ‘Saradiel.’ But that is not all the role of Queen Prajapathi has given her.“I have learnt so much from that role—most of which I never learnt during a lifetime of being brought up as a Buddhist. Prajapathi’s strength and her ability to take on the responsibility of bringing up the son of her sister have truly inspired me,” Anjani reflected.
During her short time in Sri Lanka, Anjani also co-presented the 2013 documentary titled “The Last Phase,” which details the life of a former LTTE cadre during the final stages of the war.Among other projects on Anjani’s agenda is the second season of the Art TV show ‘Colombo Fashion Forecast,’ which will air on August 5. The show, which is presented and co-produced by Anjani will feature not just clothes and accessories, but also hotels, museums and super sports in Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka has so much to show. There are many things the world should know about Sri Lanka. We are not just a small island that got hit by a tsunami. No, we are so much more than that,” Anjani said.
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus