In this episode of Fame Game, hosts Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz welcomed actress Dinara Punchihewa, best known for her acclaimed debut as Tikiri in Prasanna Vithanage’s Gaadi, which is listed among the 100 Best Asian Films Not to Be Missed. A mother, educator, and rising talent in Sri Lankan cinema, Dinara joined the hosts for a heartfelt and candid conversation about her journey from the stage to the big screen, motherhood, art, and life beyond fame.
Q: How did your journey in cinema begin, and what was it like working on your debut film Gaadi?
A: Honestly, Gaadi was an incredible experience. It was my debut film, and beginning my acting career under the direction of Mr. Prasanna Vithanage was truly an honour. I had the chance to work with such a talented cast, including Sajitha Anthony, Mrs. Iranganie Serasinghe, and Mr. Ravindra Randeniya, who are true legends of the industry. I am very grateful for that opportunity. The film was well received both locally and internationally, and looking back now, it is hard to believe that three years have already passed.
Q: You come from an English-speaking, urban background with a foreign degree. How did you adapt to the physically demanding role of Tikiri, running barefoot in the jungle?
A: It was tough at first. The first two days were the hardest because I kept having to pull thorns out of my feet. I actually bled and had to go to the hospital a few times for dressings. Watching Sajitha go through the same experience gave me strength. She was doing it, and that motivated me to push through. Eventually, I got used to it.
Q: The film touched on deep social issues. Did you meet anyone from the real-life communities portrayed in Gaadi?
A: Yes, I did. I met a man from the Rodi caste at a screening in Kandy. He introduced himself and shared that he had to change his surname because his girlfriend’s parents didn’t want her to marry someone from his caste. That encounter showed me how relevant the story still is. The film raised awareness about a painful history, and I’m proud to have been part of that.
Q: As your debut role, Gaadi was quite powerful. Were you happy to start your career with such a film?
A: Absolutely. I’ve wanted to be an actress since childhood, and Gaadi was a dream start. It opened doors and gave me the confidence to continue.
Q: What kind of feedback did you receive? Were there any negative reactions?
A: Very few, actually. Some people found my character Tikiri “brutal” or “mean,” but that was intentional. She came from nobility, and her arrogance and cruelty were central to the story. I believe I did justice to the character as written.
Q: You became a mother soon after your debut. How has motherhood changed you?
A: My daughter Arya just turned one, and being a mother is indescribable. The love you feel is so deep that you only truly understand it when you become one. It is exhausting and rewarding at the same time, and I am cherishing every day of it.
Q: Have you continued working after becoming a mother?
A: Yes, I never really stopped. I was teaching right up until I gave birth. Afterwards, I did interviews, a few short projects, and even worked on a film with Udan Fernando titled None Other Than. I also acted in a television show in Dubai.
Q: How do you manage your time between acting and being a mother?
A: It is all about balance and having a good support system. For instance, when I was shooting a short film for three days, my baby fell sick during that exact time, and it was very hard. Apart from moments like that, I am mostly with her.
Q: You were selected through an audition for Gaadi. How did that happen?
A: I went for an open audition. There were hundreds of people in the queue. I did not expect to be selected at all. However, I noticed that my name was written on a separate sheet, which I later realized was for shortlisted candidates.
Q: Did Prasanna Vithanage tell you why he chose you for the role?
A: He said it was my eyes. He believes the eyes of an actor connect deeply with the camera.
Q: How was your co-star to work with?
A: Amazing! He was so talented and supportive. We were filming in the jungle for nearly three months, and the entire cast and crew became like family.
Q: Gaadi contained scenes of suggested nudity. Did that concern your family?
A: Surprisingly, not at all. My parents and in-laws were very understanding. They watched the film several times and knew how those scenes were filmed. We were fully covered, and everything was done with camera tricks and skin-toned costumes. The scenes were vital to the story because Tikiri’s stripping symbolized her loss of nobility.
Q: Does your husband feel uneasy about your fame or public attention?
A: Not really. He’s an introvert, so he struggles a bit with public events and red carpets. But he’s very supportive and understands my passion.
Q: Do you hope to work internationally in the future?
A: Definitely. I’ve already worked on a UAE-based TV series that aired on Abu Dhabi TV. I’m now looking for an international acting agent. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka, we don’t have proper representation for actors yet, though models often do.
Q: If you could play any role, local or international, which would you choose?
A: Internationally, I would love to play a role like Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai. Locally, I would love to portray a historical figure such as Sirimavo Bandaranaike someday.
Q: Have you ever considered directing or writing?
A: I tried directing a short film a few years ago, but it’s not really my thing. Right now, I’m focusing on acting, though I’ve started writing a script. Maybe in ten years, I’ll revisit direction.
Q: How do you approach acting? Are you method based or instinctive?
A: I used to think I was a method actor, but over time I realized that I am more instinctive. I do my preparation, and once I am on set, I simply become the character. I have also learned not to take my character home, as it is important to leave that emotional weight behind.
Q: Who inspires you as an actress?
A: I am inspired by many people, both locally and internationally. I admire Alia Bhatt’s journey because she has worked incredibly hard. Closer to home, my mother inspires me every day with her perseverance and strength.
Q: You’re relatively private on social media. Why so?
A: I used to keep my account private and only made it public after Gaadi. I am naturally a private person and not someone who constantly updates followers. I prefer maintaining a little mystery, which I think suits cinema actors. I am still learning to be more active and to share selectively.
Q: How do you deal with unwanted attention or people hitting on you?
A: I act dumb! I just pretend I don’t understand what’s happening. Thankfully, it hasn’t been an issue recently.
Q: What are your thoughts on raising children in a technology-driven world?
A: It’s scary. Technology and AI have changed everything. But I think every generation faces its own challenges. For us as parents, the key is to encourage outdoor activities, real friendships, and open communication. She’s only one now, so I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it!
Q: Did you experience postnatal depression?
A: Thankfully, not really. I had a few emotional days, but staying active helped. Going out for walks, getting sunlight, and having family support made all the difference.
Q: What are your thoughts on award shows and recognition?
A: Awards are lovely, but for me, Gaadi itself was an award. Being cast in a Prasanna Vithanage film as a newcomer was a significant achievement. Awards are just the cherry on top.
Q: Do you think formal education in theatre is important for actors?
A: It’s not essential, but it definitely helps. Studying acting gives you a foundation and helps refine your craft. Still, there are many naturally gifted artists who learn through experience.
Q: How do you mentally prepare for a role?
A: I read the script several times, build a character arc to understand her emotional journey, and discuss it with the director and co-actors. Once on set, I simply react naturally. That is what acting truly is, reacting truthfully.
Q: Are there any types of roles you’d refuse to play?
A: No, I am open to any role, whether it is a villain, heroine, serious, or commercial. As long as the story and the director are good, I am willing to take it on.
Q: Is acting financially rewarding in Sri Lanka?
A: Not really. Most actors earn modestly. That’s why many of us also do commercials, teaching, or stage work. I’ve started setting my own rates now that I’ve done several films, and fortunately, most directors respect that.
Q: How much credit do you give your school, for who you are today?
A: A lot. My school really built our confidence through assemblies, stage performances, and competitions. It nurtured creativity and leadership. Of course, I owe most of it to my parents, but school played a significant role in shaping me.
