The man behind Isi Dasun

by Lakmal Welabada

The Romeo, handsome Irosh Nishan Balasuriya would roll his 'Indian' eyes around to capture another face not only to get himself enticed by them, but to add more in and increase the number of his model bank. Well, what is all this about? Photographer, actor, model, and an Insurance officer and entertainment presenter - My! how many titles. This Romeo has not followed any especial course under anybody, and all what he has mastered are his in born talents. "And also intuition," he chuckles.

Irosh completed his education upto A/L in the Commerce stream at Nalanda Central College, Minuwangoda. While at school he got the opportunity to appear in a youth news weekly through a make-up artiste Gamini Panditharatne. After this many doors for many ventures opened for him.

However, after the A/Ls Irosh followed a Management course and became a hotelier. 'Sea Breeze' - Mount Lavinia, 'Coral Sand' - Hikkaduwa and 'Janaki' - Kandy were among the few hotels he worked for before letting himself go as a full time entertainer.

How did he become such a versatile photographer. "I used to play with the camera since I was a school boy, so the little 'black box' became a must in my hands," he smiles. Even it was a pleasant surprise for him to hear his pictures have gained somewhat of a high quality standard. "It was really moving. I was really touched by the acclaim. So I just continued it. Simultaneously, I was fortunate to get a few orders for wedding coverages as well. This encouraged me more," he says. However, the pictures he took for fun was paving the way far many opportunities.

"Since I am a model I know other peoples desire to become a model. So simultaneously I began to introduce new faces to the field. At first I had pictures of about ten of my close friends. Gradually I managed to increase the number. Now I have more than a thousand models of every age - babies to kids, youth, middle aged to old grand parents," he says. And today, many advertising agencies seek help from his 'I.N.B. Model Bank'. "On the other hand I was very happy that I could help many youth who love to be models," he smiles.

Let us reveal the secret as to why one used the term 'Indian' far his 'eyes'. "It was Deepa Mehtha's introduction," he discloses with a mischievous grin which reminds famous Indian actor, Sanjay Dut who covers his upper denture when he smiles. Irosh's Indian looks have enticed many Indian film directors who stepped here to shoot controversial films like Deepa Mehtha's 'Water'...It was a great experience to get an opportunity to work under a Director like Deepa Mehtha was a rare chance. And before 'Water' I played a role in another Hindi movie 'Take Two'. It was also shot here," he says.

Irosh had many invitations to act in teledramas but the lack of time has made him to reject them. In fact, the short appearances he made in many of the teledramas directed by his friends were refined characters like doctors or of their likes. "In case if I get a chance to work in a film with a good screenplay under an experienced director I would accept it," says Irosh.

This enterprising young man has now mastered Latin-American dancing. "I have a talented boy in my dancing group. He trains others who have the passion for dancing, and all of us have got together and formed a dancing troupe. We have even held a few shows titled 'Isi Dasun' which we choreographed some novel dancing modes for old Sinhala and Hindi hits. We have been getting an immense demand for that. That's superb! We are heading for the 5th show in December," says Irosh. His dancing troupe takes part in the 'ASP Paduru Partiya' on TNL TV on Sundays at 10.00 pm.

Though born and grown up in a hamlet in Minuwangoda, Irosh today lives in Dehiwala as it saves time for him to roam about. He is the youngest and has four sisters and a brother. Both his parents are no more. "My mother died of a wrong medicine give by the doctor after her eye operation. It was a big blast to my father as they were very close to each other. He too passed away two years later. I feel their absence a lot. But my uncle Chandana and aunty Jayathry were the two souls who cared for us. They are like my own parents, " he becomes pensive, and then speaks in a low tone.

"However, I would thank all my members in my model bank and especially Ananda Dassanayaka and all the others who have been helping me through out," he smiles. Irosh sees faces whom he has introduced to the field, doing very well in acting and modelling. "My future hope is to learn acting and directing in a country like India or England. I think it would render me with a better professional out look," he believes.

Pix: Mahinda Vithanachchi