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“Some People Demand Sexual Favors in Dance and Acting Industries”
– Dancer Aravinda Perera
In this edition of LankaYouth Chat, we bring you an interview with a multi-talented young individual who excels in various creative fields. He is a theater actor, dancer, makeup artist, and model. Joining us today for an insightful conversation is the versatile Aravinda Perera.
• Question: Aravinda, we would love to know a bit about who you are.
I am a deeply sensitive person and someone who craves affection. If I were to sum up Aravinda Perera in a sentence, I am someone for whom dance is my entire life.
• Question: Could you tell us what you currently do and where you are based?
I work across multiple creative disciplines as a dancer, makeup artist, theater actor, and model. I am currently residing in Aluthmawatha, Colombo 15.
• Question: Tell us a bit about your family background and your school days.
In my family, it’s my mother, my father, my two brothers, and myself. None of them are involved in the arts. I attended Ananda Central College in Mutwal, Colombo. During my school days, I was mostly popular for my dancing. In fact, I was so well-known for it that the younger kids used to call me “Naetum Aiya” (Dancing Brother). My school days were truly beautiful.
• Question: You represent several different creative fields. We are curious to know how you first got involved in them.
My journey with dance started back in school. Interestingly, I won a certificate for Best Supporting Actor in a school drama competition once. That turned out to be the first and last play I did during my school years because we didn’t have a drama teacher back then. I also won a certificate for Best Makeup in a Dhamma school stage play, which also happened to be a one-time thing.
However, because of my deep love for the arts and innate abilities, I unexpectedly found my way back to these fields recently. I am entirely self-taught, learning through experience and by observing veterans in the industry. Today, I also work as a dance instructor. As a makeup artist, I have handled makeup for numerous Poya day teledramas and stage plays.
• Question: What kind of experiences have you gathered while working on these creative projects?
Since I work in multiple fields, I have a vast pool of experiences. But let me share one specific incident. I was once hired as the makeup artist for a DVD film. It turned out that the lead actress had an old grudge against the female assistant I brought along to help me with my work. Because of this personal issue, she complained to the director that our makeup wasn’t up to standard, and we were taken off the project. That was a major learning experience for me.
• Question: We heard that you have faced unfair treatment or exploitation while trying to secure acting roles. Could you tell us more about that?
Yes, in both the dancing and acting industries, some individuals demand sexual favors in exchange for making you popular. Alternatively, you can get roles if you are willing to pay for them, so there are people who have demanded money from me as well. I have personally faced these kinds of dark realities in the industry.
• Question: Across the fields of acting, beauty culture, and dance that you represent, what is the one thing you dislike seeing the most?
Professional jealousy—people envying one another—and betraying someone else just for personal gain.
• Question: What are the unique challenges you face on the outdoor concert stage?
As a dance troupe, we have faced many hardships and obstacles on the outdoor commercial stage to get to where we are today. Costume issues have always been a challenge for us. Because our costumes are not semi-nude or overly revealing, we were often denied work. My goal is to bring something valuable, different, and highly skilled to the concert stage. I don’t believe that maintaining decent attire should be a barrier to achieving that.
• Question: What are your upcoming goals and future plans?
I have a strong desire to portray a completely unique and unconventional character in a critically acclaimed stage play or a cinema film. I am currently waiting for the right opportunity. Additionally, I am planning to release a few new videos for the audience featuring my dance troupe, Trojan, which I lead.
• Question: Who are the people you would like to acknowledge for supporting you on this journey so far?
Absolutely. I must thank my dance teacher, Kumuduni Priyangika, and my makeup instructor at the National Youth Services Council. I am also grateful to the students in my dance troupe and their parents, as well as Mr. Ananda Kumara Pinnawala. A special thank you goes to my best friend and brother, Rajitha Lakmal, who is my strength in reaching this position. Finally, my gratitude goes out to everyone who trusted me and offered me work.
• Question: Lastly, how can people contact you or book your dance troupe for events?
Anyone who wishes to book myself or my dance troupe for any dance performances, acting projects, or related events can reach out to me directly on my phone numbers: 0750310569 or 0768600748.
Interviewed by: Anura Premakumara
Page Layout: Lankayouth
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