Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Acting, dancing and racing
Fun-loving dancer cum actor cum choreographer who claims he’s never read a book in his life, Shohan Chandiram tells Ishani Ranasinghe all about his passions.

Dancing: Shohan started off dancing Latin American and ballroom 10 years ago and was trained by Tony Fernandez. When he started competing, he went on to train with Naomi Rajaratnam and now has some international experience as well. “You need to train a lot and have oodles of energy,” he says of dancing.

Choreography: Dancing led to Shohan’s next love, choreography, which has earned him a measure of fame in Colombo’s theatrical arena. “The first ever show I choreographed was Viva Mexico. “One reason I do this is to get more people interested in dancing,” he says, for he believes in bringing out people’s latent talents. Thirty years old now, Shohan learns a lot when he is training young people, he says, for they have different levels of energy and he, on his part needs a lot of self-control. “You really learn how to interact with people.”

Racing: “It’s from this that I get my biggest thrills,” says Shohan, eyes twinkling. At present he spends most of his spare time motor bike and dirt bike racing. Work: His job as a Corporate Communication Executive at Shell Gas is also something that absorbs him. His responsibilities include seeing to the public relations aspect of the company and the promotion of the brand, in short planning out the advertising, promotions etc. “It’s one big flow,” he says adding that his entertainment background helps.

Adventure: Wildlife and camping in the jungle are exhilarating experiences for adventure-loving Shohan who likes nothing better than exploring Sri Lanka. “It’s interesting to look at the lifestyles of people,” he says adding that work apart, “it’s a good way to refresh yourself and learn to appreciate what you have. Any day for a holiday,” he laughs. He has now fulfilled his dream of going all over Sri Lanka on a motorbike.

Taking time out: Finding time to be alone is also something he cherishes. One day of the week he keeps for himself, to get up late, watch videos and sleep. “Just for one day, have no worries.” Movies: Thrillers, musicals and gangster movies are Shohan’s favourites. His picks? Green Mile, Chicago, Moulin Rouge and Coyote Ugly.

Exercising: Since dancing requires being fit, Shohan exercises quite often but also because he just loves working out. “Whenever it is possible, I go and sweat it out,” he says adding that this is really good as after a workout you can then eat anything. For him, the aerobic exercises are a welcome relief at the end of the day. Night outs: “I just like to spend a night of violent dancing with my friends. It helps to meet more people and make more friends,” says this old boy of S. Thomas’ Gurutalawa and Alethea International.

Acting: Another one of his passions - he first started acting “when Jerome de Silva picked me out of nowhere”. After making his debut as an actor in Viva Mexico, Shohan went on to take part in many plays. “After the first time I found a real thrill in acting,” he says laughing. He admits that a lot has to be sacrificed in terms of time and effort but the ultimate thrill you get cannot be measured.

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