Nadeesha: A star down to earth

Nadeesha Hemamali. She can impress one; with her warm reception, animated laugh, spontaneous response and simplicity. And probably due to these qualities in addition to her tremendous acting prowess, the people of this country love this wonder girl. Fathers and mothers want to have daughters like Nadeesha, youngsters want a sister like her and for others they just need a lovable friend like Nadeesha.

She is indeed a down to earth girl and for the young adorable actress with immense power, there are so many things she would love to do in life.

So, listen to the best up and coming actress and you'd know she has her own focus on work and life.

How do you feel when tele drama stars are being recognised by the masses today more than veterans who have contributed to the cinema?

I am embarrassed when those who have done so much more solid work than us, are lesser known than someone seen on the small screen. Television personalities are better known not because they are better or greater but simply because people have more access to television today. I have my feet firmly placed on the earth. I believe in getting real. Acting is just one of the things that people can do and I'm doing it as of now, I may or may not be doing it tomorrow. But I will always remain a good human being.

Is it possible for an actress in Sri Lanka to be a real professional? Why not? If you are prepared not to get bugged by other people not being professional. In my brief career I am proud to have worked with so many senior stars and I have seen wonderfully professional people in some projects.

We know that you are great music fan…

I've always believed that music is the highest form of art. If I want to act in a film or tele drama I need tonnes of equipment and 50 people around. But music needs nothing. You can sing when you feel happy or sad. It's so liberating… Music has always been part and parcel of my life. It keeps me going.

You are very frank when you talk about your social concerns. Don't you get misunderstood?

Being misunderstood and misquoted used to irritate me, but now I'm more at peace with myself and say this is part of the deal. I always believe in whatever I do. I always do what I feel is right and I don't hesitate to express my candid views if I see or feel something is wrong. That's my way of being honest.

You started off as a model, then switched to the small screen and now you are also making it big on the silver screen. Do you see a big difference performing in the small and big screen?

The size of the screen never makes the difference. At least this is how I feel. It is the performance, the characterisations, the storyline, the screenplay and the product that matters most.

You are an ambitious girl. Are you happy with the headway you've made in three years?

I feel I've just begun. I am happy for me because I don't come from a family of artistes. I've hardly had anyone to guide me but there are a couple of my closest friends who guide me and motivate me and I respect their honest views. I am extremely self-willed. Everyone wants to be on the top. So do I. But for me it's more for the love of acting. I'm learning on the job. I'm trying to figure out what kind of an actress I am and I just look at how much of challenge each role brings me as an actress. I stepped into this field with my eyes wide open and I know where I am heading. I like everything about myself. I wouldn't like to change that for the world. And I am very happy with the kind of work that my face has brought me. So, no complaints.

Of the characters you've played, which one has been the most difficult?

Difficult...I think this is a difficult question. Sometimes, certain scenes have been difficult because the director had something else in mind and I had something else but no role as such was very tough. A difficult role like that is yet to come.

Tell us your one abiding passion? You mean besides my acting career? Perfumes and shoes - I own hundreds of them. Hopefully I won't grow old and be known as a little old lady who collects shoes and perfumes.

If I ask you to score yourself as an actress on a scale of 10?"Oh, I'll give myself a 10/10 and that's because I am confident of me", says the pretty, playful and professional actress with loads of promise.