[Off Duty with senel]

�Our bodies are our temples�

Excerpts of interview with model, designer and actor Amila Karunanayake.

It�s not everyday that you meet someone who is a model, designer and actor all at the same time. But Mr. Sri Lanka for Mr. World 2007 Amila Karunanayake combines all three roles and has proved surprisingly successful in all of them. In this interview Amila dishes out about married life, being discovered, and the movie he�s working on these days.

Hi Amila. It�s great talking to you. Thanks for talking to us.

First things first, what have you been up to lately, anything interesting?

I enjoy doing things that make me happy, so much of everything that I have been doing lately are interesting. I have just completed my debut in the movie Roopantharana. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to work with talented director, Nalaka Vithanage. The film will be released in September 2013.

Tell us a little about Roopantharana? What�s it about?

Roopantharana is my second movie. I guess it�s a bit too early to reveal much about it, but it is a comedy and I will be working with some of the most senior artistes in the industry. Being chosen to be a part of this movie was great, for someone who�s just starting out. It�s been a learning experience for me. This is a different role from what I played in my first movie.

Speaking of movies, what kind of movies do you watch?

From Hollywood to Bollywood, action to romance! I enjoy watching movies with good storylines. If I had to pick a favourite it would be Bollywood movies.

Lately,, I have been watching comedies since I am working on a comedy at the moment. It�s all about comic timing, so I�m learning a lot through the movies as well.

How is married life treating you? Has it changed your schedule?

Yes! The schedules have changed a lot but the best thing is my wife understands and copes with it and has been supporting me throughout.

Did you always want to be a model?

Interestingly enough, no! I was an all island Athletics champion during my school days at Nalanda College. I really enjoyed being an athlete and thought it would be my career for a while.

Then, how did you get into modelling?

Actually being an athlete helped me to have a good athletic physique. After completing my schooling, I got into fashion designing. The combination of Athletics and Fashion Designing helped me to get into modelling.

I took part in pageants - Working Man of the year 2007 and Mr. Sri Lanka 2007 and won the main titles. I was a fashion designer by then and it opened opportunities to walk the ramp after representing Sri Lanka at the Mr. International Pageant in Malaysia.

How did you feel when you did your first ever fashion show?

I would be lying if I say I wasn�t nervous. In my first ever fashion show, I actually modelled and showcased my own designs. I was more concerned about my designs than walking the ramp at that time because I was being judged on my designing skills, not my modelling.

Designing, modelling or acting? What do you enjoy more?

Can�t select, really! I just love being a designer and that gives me a boost.

And modelling is something I am used to, now. When I see a ramp I feel at hope. Acting is very interesting and it�s a new challenge. I love challenges in life.

Tell us about some of the awards you�ve bagged over the years.

Come on, It�s only the start of my career! I strive for excellence in everything I do, primarily for personal fulfilment and happiness and not just for accolades.

When accolades do come my way, I am truly grateful and humbled. They give me reason to keep working harder. A couple of the awards I have received in the recent past are Man of the year SriLanka 2007, Mr Sri Lanka 2007 and Mr. Sri Lanka for Manhunt International 2011.

You have also appeared in pageants abroad many times. What was your favourite destination thus far and why?

There�s nowhere like home! Sri Lanka is always my favourite. I enjoy being close to my friends and family.With your schedule, is it hard for you to stay in good shape?

I believe there are no excuses, whatsoever for not staying in shape! Whether you are an actor, model, doctor or engineer you must learn to love your body. Our bodies are our temples. I ensure that I incorporate my fitness routine into my schedule.

What�s your worst habit/guilty pleasure?

I used to bite my nails and I had the worst nails in the past! But it is under control now.

Any hobbies outside of modelling and designing?

Watching movies, listening to good music, spending the time with my family and of course a good sleep.

What were some of the most exciting projects you were involved with?

Being a designer and working for the brand Carlo is such an exciting job.I have an exciting project almost everyday in office!

If a young girl/boy wanted to be a model what would your advice be?

First believe in yourself, and then establish yourself and your personality. If you do it right everybody will come looking for you. Be confident of who you are and never get lost in yourself.

Before we end the interview, what plans do you have for the future? Anything to look forward to?

I dream big for the future. I will reveal my plans in due course. I have a lot to look forward to but for the moment I would simply say a happy satisfied life!

It was great chatting with you Amila.