 The tragic heroine of ‘Akasa Kusum’ speaks out:
Femme fatale!
by Ruwini Jayawardana
Watching ‘Akasa Kusum’ is like
visiting an oasis while living so long in a desert. Furthermore it was a
delight indeed to witness every single moment of Nimmi Harasgama on
screen. The svelte actress who is currently based in UK is recognized in
the industry for her powerhouse performances.
 Though the local audience hardly sees her on screen as she has only a
handful of films to her credit there is a charismatic aura surrounding
the actress which leaves a lasting impact. Entering the reel with
Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘Ira Madiyama’ (August Sun), Nimmi portrayed some
memorable roles in projects like ‘Nisala Gira’ (Silent Honour) and the
international mini-series ‘Mother Theresa’. She enthralled the local and
international audience with her recent appearance as the karaoke dancer
Priya in Vithanage’s ‘Akasa Kusum’ (Flowers in the Sky).
“I’m keen to learn new methods and styles of acting. I don’t think
you ever stop learning! There is so much to absorb in the world, not
just in acting but life in general,” noted the dynamic individual who
had been a student of Somalatha Subasinghe.
She had completed her B.A. (Hons.) in Drama and Theatre Arts from
Goldsmiths College, London, and had managed to win a scholarship to take
part in a workshop at the New York Film Academy.
Nimmi believes that hard work and dedication reaps success. She said
that pre-preparation for roles is necessary to deliver the best of your
talent, adding that it is the key ingredient behind her ability to
portray versatile characters.
“I feel honoured to be part of the film. One of the reasons I took up
the role is because I got to act in a film starring the legendary Malani
Fonseka. As a fellow actor and an executive producer of the project I am
thrilled with the response the film and Malani had received,” Nimmi
unravelled her ideas on ‘Akasa Kusum’.
 She added that she had been ecstatic to learn that Vithanage intended
to select her for Priya’s role. It had been a challenge indeed for she
had to get into the shoes of a character which embodies features that
are quite alien to her.
However at the end of the day you realize that she is also a human
being trying to survive the battle with life - like all of us! I wanted
to capture that essence and bring it to the fore,” she opined.
“My dream is to work equally in the West and in Sri Lanka. There is a
wealth of talent in the local film and theatre industry. I am
enthusiastic to visit my country and commit myself to more creations,”
she said.
While working on a short film script for Raindance film festivals’
award winning director Smita Bhide, Nimmi is also hoping to launch a
theatre show for her online character, Auntie Netta. The drama will be
staged by Tamasha Theatre Company in UK soon. |
