Talent not wasted
Uvindu Illeperuma
His efforts to climb up the ladder of arts are no sweet stories to
enjoy, but his courage and fortitude to step into where he thinks better
has already proved worthwhile.
He is Chandana Saman Kumara who gives life to the character of Sudu
Putha in the teledrama Ruwan Maliga telecast on Sirasa. Though he comes
to us as an actor the capacity he claims is not confined to acting. He
is a well seasoned cameraman now working for TH TV, a cable network.
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Chandana
Saman Kumara |
Speaking to Daily News ‘Artscope’ he described the arduous journey he
had to pass to attain the position now he enjoys.
“I hail from a little village called Duralawela, Ukuwela, located in
Matale district. Poverty and the remoteness of the area are common even
to my family. But I was rich in my quest to act. Though a camera was far
beyond my access I had loved it. I participated in dramas at school but
there was no one to guide me and show me the right place. To cut short,
there was no one to recognize my ability let alone noticing my desire to
act. But I knew myself well and I felt my potential,” Chandana said
humbly.
“When I wanted to fancy a film many are the times I came to Matale by
foot, watched the film and retuned to the village. Actually we had no
life to enjoy. Whenever I fancied a film I made it a habit to write the
flow of that film,” he reminisced.
In 1997 Chandana came to Colombo to follow a drama course conducted
by Sumith Galhenage. The course was free of charge. Then he learned
under Lal Hapuarachchi. It was a great turning point in his life to
learn under such a guru. There he could introduce himself to Dinesh
Priayasad who welcomed him to Onna Babo, the second digital film in Sri
Lanka.
“I worked with the film crew enthusiastically and made friends with
them quite well. They helped me a lot.”
What Chandana never forgets is how he was ridiculed when he took a
video camera to village. They called him a lunatic. When he passed the
village junction some people hooted at Chandana. They won’t ridicule him
anymore.
“In a way they encouraged me or challenged me. I took up the
challenge and proved I am capable. I’m willing to confront more
challenges. I am looking forward to handle the camera for a film or a
teledrama. If any film or a teledrama director likes me to join as the
cameraman I will be definitely doing my very best to make him happy. One
of my habits from my childhood days is to satisfy the people to whom I
am working and not to leave any defect which will bring in blame to the
person who hires me.”
Chandana contributed to a film called Target directed by Mark Samson
as the assistant director. So he has experience and potential in plenty
to shoulder any responsibility. Chandana heartily thanks Ruwan Maliga
director Ravindra Wijerathna and its production manager Thranga
Dissanayake.
“Without their extensive support it would have been impossible to
reach the position where I am now. I remember everyone gave me a helping
hand,” Chandana concluded.
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