KUSUM RENU
usum Renu is no stranger to Sri Lankans. In a career spanning decades, she has proven her prowess as an actress with great poise and potential. The popular teledrama ‘Ruwan Maliga’ which is being telecast on Sirasa TV now, has Ranaraja and Trilicia playing husband and wife. But the two play husband and wife in real life too. They are none other than Sriyantha Mendis and Kusum Renu.
We met Kusum Renu at her beautiful home at Templers Road, Mount Lavinia during which she spoke her heart out on various topics.
Q: How do you view the role you play as the wife of a busy-busy actor?
I feel we really enjoy everything that’s dished out in a busy lifestyle. Even I am busy. We share our lives amidst those busy schedules and it really gives me pleasure.
Q: Howdoyouseetheonscreen wife of Sriyantha Mendis?
The on-screen wife of Sriyantha is an innocent one who has to follow the instructions of the director and fall in line with the character drawn-out by the scriptwriter. I use my experience in doing justice to such a role. But in real life we are a different couple.
Q: If you recall the days you entered the field of acting...
I acted in plays at school and the daham pasala, but I made my public acting debut thanks to my uncle Senadheera Kuruppu who was a popular actor at the time. He played the lead role in Daiwa Yogaya. I first acted in T. B. Illangaratne’s stage play ‘Sailasanaya’ playing the role of Kumari together with several popular artistes. I got offers in more tele dramas like Mandaram Wehi in 1982, Deiyange Punchi Akkaraya (1983) and Hima Kunatuwa (1984). I won an award from the National Youth Services Council for acting in 1982. In 1984 I won the best actress award. I met Sriyantha in the same year while acting in Pandukabhaya. Two years later we married following a marriage proposal.
Q: Are you selective about your roles?
To be honest I don’t get a chance of selecting my roles because the relevant directors offer me roles that have been tailor-made for me. I always feel that such roles suit me even quality-wise.
Q: Your role in Kusa Paba is also a significant one...?
The character as Queen Madhuraja in the film is filled with mother’s love and affection. For a mother, her child is the most treasured possession. I really like that historic role.
Q: Do you agree with the criticism that is being levelled against mega tele dramas?
Objective criticism is vital for any creation. If a creation is being criticized, in other words it means that it has reached the people. As an artiste I appreciate the people’s feedback we get when we act in such tele dramas. As a professional actress it’s upto me to decide whether I should act or not in mega tele dramas. In my case, I will not hesitate to give my 100% to any good creation while safeguarding my professional dignity.
Q: Besides Ruwan Maliga and Aluth Gedara what are your other projects now?
In Aluth Gedara I play a warden of an elder’s home. Several senior artistes play key roles in this tele drama. Besides this, I act in stage plays like Danga Malla, Mama Wenama Malak, Suba Saha Yasa, Jasaya Saha Lenchina and Gebbara Minisa.
Q: A role that you are eagerly looking forward to play?
I am longing to play the character of a lawyer. The feedback I get from my fans is tremendous. People still remember my roles in Nonawarune Mahathwarune and Ethuma.
Q:
Your children...?
Both my daughters are
inclined to arts. My elder daughter composes and sings her own songs. She played Kuweni. She was offered the role of Princess Hemamali but she had to forego it since the shooting schedule delayed and clashed with her higher studies. She is a Bangalore-qualified fashion designer, now studying in Britain. My younger daughter can also sing. She acts in Suba Saha Yasa. She is reading for a Human Rights degree now.
Q: Howdoyoufathom Sriyantha as a fan?
Undoubtedly, he is one of Sri Lanka’s most talented actors. I believe the roles he play cannot be substituted by anyone else. It’s just tailor-made for him.
Q: About the new generation...?
Well, they are talented and they have opportunities unlike our days when we had to work hard to gain results. I get on well with the new generation and my gentle advice to them is not to make a hasty rush to the top. A slow and steady journey will ensure victory to them.
Q: Any advice to the people in general?
“As a person who believes in Buddhist philosophy and principles, I hope the people of this country will also conduct themselves in a humane manner. Arts is something that makes you sensitive to the feelings of people. I request parents of children who want to become doctors, lawyers or engineers to expose them to arts too because someday they will become professionals in any field with a sensitive frame of mind,” says Kusum Renu who will be seen in films like Sanjana and Political Jokes soon.