The Arjuna-Ameesha combination

To look at one is to see the other. Ever since they began acting opposite each other in movies the names Arjuna Kamalanath and Ameesha Kavindi have been inseparable. Not only do they portray roles on screen but they also make glamorous appearances at functions and enthrall audiences with their dance acts. Daily News ‘Projector’ caught up with the glamorous pair as their latest project Sudu Hansi unspools on the wide screen

Ameesha

Only three of her films made it to the screen but talented Ameesha Kavindi had already become a popular face in cinema. She had first appeared as a dancer on the reel before taking on lead roles.

She says: “There was an accusation some time back that our artistes cannot dance but this theory was proved wrong. Our artistes are gifted enough to perform dance scenes that are included in Indian films. Nobody made use of their talents.”

She is looking forward to the screening of Jaya Pita Jaya as she feels that it is a project which made maximum use of her gift for acting. She vies to portray a character of a courageous CID officer in an action movie.

“I did not intend to become an actress. My childhood ambition was to become a dancing teacher. My parents and sister encouraged me to step into the field. I do not take on every role that I am offered. Though there are means of gaining fame, like portraying a role in a mega teledrama, I am satisfied about the path I chose,” she explained while adding that acting had now become her profession.

She says that her second movie to be screened, Sir Last Chance, opened doors to a whole new experience as she was able to act with around 80 renowned names in the field.

However she adds that her role in Sudu Hansi is special for her as many people have expressed their love for the impish, young Maleesha.

“Director Jayantha Chandrasiri and media personality Hema Nalin Karunaratne congratulated my performance,” she said.

Referring to her impending marriage she revealed that it will not happen for three or four years. Her first desire is to establish herself as an actress in the field.

Arjuna

Ruwini Jayawardana

Though he had been in the cinema scene for more than a decade Arjuna Kamalanath says that it is his latest movie, Mohamad Shaffraz’s Sudu Hansi, which gave him the much needed breakthrough.

“Both the director and producer are new to the scene. As an old campaigner in the field I needed to help out with the production and coordination process. Sudu Hansi is not exactly a commercial film. It has an artistic value, much like one of H.D. Premaratne’s creations. I have acted in a number of commercial movies which involves a lot of fight scenes and songs. These are rare in Sudu Hansi. The plot is based on a novel by Gamini Wasalasooriya and is a 100 percent Sri Lankan movie. It does not include copied scenes from Indian films. Everything is Sri Lankan from the cast to the crew,” he said.

He says that the movie is doing well by drawing in crowds and that many critics have made comments.

“Only a few gifted directors remain in the scene today. I have already worked with a few of them but they too make a limited set of movies,” he explained on why it had taken him so long to come out with a noteworthy role.

Queried if he would ever turn director Arjuna said that his thoughts had never taken on that angle. He said that he wishes to excel in acting as he feels that no one had made maximum use of his skills.

Speaking on why he is mostly cast opposite Ameesha in movies he says that he always wanted to work with an actress who worked purely in films.

“I wished to find a partner with similar talent and tastes and Ameesha fitted the bill,” Arjuna added with a smile.

His next project is Sunil Soma Peries’ Jaya Pita Jaya. He had also been chosen for a role in Jayantha Chandrasiri’s Dutugamunu.

He says: “If a teledrama has an interesting plot and character to offer I would take up the role. I do not want to take on projects which exceed 40 episodes.”

He invites all the movie buffs to see the movie.

“Many say that there is nothing worthwhile to watch in theaters. We have made a movie which everyone can watch and learn a moral lesson. We’ll be able to make better films only if the movie is a profit maker.”