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| Sunday, 11 July 2004 |
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Indika Upamali is an all-rounder who has the knack for many things. Singing is her main forte but acting, dancing and painting are also among her passions. In 'The Music Garden', an English movie directed by Belgian Director Semi Paval, Indika portrayed the young days of the main character, for which she won a Gold Medal at the Houston Film Festival in the States early this year. Refleting on the role of a young Tamil Sitar player, she says, "I had not learnt to play the Sitar at the time I was selected for the role, and did not know Tamil either. But I picked up both well. It was a good experience." Indika was just 17 when she got the opportunity to take part in her first tele drama Dhavala Kethu, where she portrayed a poor young girl street girl who marries a middle aged cemetery watcher. She won the award for the Best Young up-and-coming Atress for debut effort at the Sumathi Tele Awards in 1997. She followed her trail-blazing debut with significant roles in the teledrams Sisira Tharanaya, Uthuru Kuru Satana, Wasdandu Ravaya and Pulina Prasada. You can also see her in in Diya Sithuwam, Anora and Vasanthaya Evilla in the near future. These days, veteran film Director Roy de Silva is directing her in his newest musical Salamuthu Pinna. Indika's performance in this film promises cinema-goers a rare treat to savour. In addition to her performance before a camera, Indika is also a well-known stage personality. Yushuru Easop Sakvadawala, Monaru saha Api and Yashodara are among the plays that showcased her theatre talents at its best. Stage, Movies and teledramas aside , Indika speaks enthusiastically about her singing career, which has been her life since she was a small girl. She learnt the 'Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa', the eastern musical alphabet initially from her father, who was also a music teacher. Today Indika is one of the best students of maestro Pemasiri Khemadasa. She has been playing a major role in Manasavila, Doramadalawa and Warnadasi, three of the superlative Lankan operas presented by Khemadasa. Indika studied at a number of schools as the whole family were frequently on the move owing to her father's transfers. Indika did her O/Ls at Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo. "I was just an O/L student when I was taking part in Manasawilathe opera with Khemadasa Master, and then became an actress. Fortunately, both the principal of Ananda Balika and the music teacher, late Malani Bulathsinhala were art enthusiasts. So I never had any problem from my school days. Instead, my principal initiated and organised special school show of Manasawila, just to encourage me," she reminisces with gratitude. So far Indika has sung theme songs for about eight tele dramas to music composed by Khemadasa. She has also sung five solos and nearly 15 duets from time to time. "I hope to do a CD next year, after I finish my degree," she says. Currently an Undergraduate of Fine Arts at the Aesthetic Department, Colombo (affiliated to the University of Kelaniya) Indika has chosen singing as the main subject guitar and tabla as sub-subjects. Being the third of four siblings, Indika lives in a happy family circle with her sisters, nieces and nephews. "I like kids," she says. One needs a lot of disciplines to take part in operas and so Indika pays a lot of attention to voice training. "I do a lot of breathing exercises in the morning. It helps me to keep my voice fresh, and my mind healthy," she says. Indika is a strong believer in disciplining herself according to the five percepts taught in Buddhism. "I believe that no one can get anything by force. We can't grab or snatch anything from anybody. Everything should be gained through patience and devotion," she confides. As a message to the youngsters who are dreaming to step into the field of art or entertainiment, Indika says one should first develop a proper plan with discipline, knowledge, training and devotion. "Enthusiasm is not the only thing to build up a good career," she warns. Verstile and multi-talented, Indika identifies Fabric painting as one of her hobbies. "I learnt a bit of ballet while doing operas, and love to learn both ballet and Sabaragamuwa dancing forms as a full study. Probably I might find time to devote to it next year," she hopes. This young versatile artiste will soon be a bride to a Ruggerite. "His name is Rohan Chinthaka," blushes the young actress with a sweet smile. |
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Gifted actress, accomplished dramatist, opera star, singer.... Indika
Upamala, award winning star of 'The Music Garden' is a multi-faceted
personality who does fabric painting for a hobby, sings for a degree and
dreams of mastering the art of ballet Sabaragamuwa dancing.
