The Golden Girl
“You know, I never wanted to be an actress,” says Yureni Noshika who is seated across, dressed in comfortable chic attire. A pair of denims and a khaki shirt tied at the waist, she sips a black coffee – and she’s open and friendly.
With kind eyes, a warm smile and heaps of animated expressions, Yureni is ready to share her incredible 10 year journey in Sri Lanka’s cinema industry. Readers may be interested to know that she’s amongst the top 10 Sri Lankan celebrities on Facebook and has a following of more than 506,000 on Instagram“I’ve always wanted to help people. I think it’s from my own experiences as a child. Growing up without parents, I came from a hostel where I studied hard enough to gain a scholarship to Methodist College.” Yureni is silent as she contemplates her next words: “Growing up with little to none, I had friends whom to this day hold a special place in my heart; they’d take my book list for the year and split it up, deciding who would buy what while others helped with my uniform. It was true, unabashed kindness and set an example of the kind of person I wanted to be.” “I worked in telecommunications, which was my first job. But after a few years, I wanted a change of career; I wanted to learn more. It was then that I was accepted to work for an airline after which I remember visiting a friend at The Capital Maharaja Organisation. In the elevator,
there were two Indian gentlemen who looked at me and smiled.”
Yureni, throws her head back and laughs: “I mean, you can’t not smile back, can you? So I did and we went our separate ways. On the way back however, the receptionist stopped me and explained that the gentlemen were having auditions for a movie and wanted me to audition as well – they were directors.”
She goes on to explain how landing this role eventually took her through a new career but it wasn’t in the airline industry. “When people ask me what made me choose acting, my answer is that acting chose me!” she exclaims.
Ashwini Vethakan sat down with the award-winning actress for an exclusive tête-à-tête to find out who the real Yureni Noshika is.
“WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I LIKE TO SPEND MY TIME IN AN ORPHANAGE – I PLAY WITH THE CHILDREN, SING WITH THEM AND SIMPLY GIVE THEM MY TIME”
Life Journey Q: Besides acting, music and dance, what other passions do you have?
A: When I’m not working, I like to spend my time in an orphanage – I play with the children, sing with them and simply give them my time; but my ultimate goal is to set up a foundation, take these children under my care and provide for them – give them the education they want and deserve.
Q: What’s been your most memorable moment in life?
A: Having worked in the industry for over 10 years and winning my first award. For the past 10 years, I’ve been nominated for the Most Popular Actress award and it was only last year that I finally won it!
Q: And what is your definition of ‘happiness’?
A: Happiness is not a word; it’s a genuine lifestyle. It’s not the number of photos with friends and crazy lavish lifestyle choices one portrays on social media. I believe that if a person can be happy on her own, be entertained and content by herself without needing anyone else, that’s true happiness.
Q: Would you call yourself a romantic – and what’s the most romantic thing someone has done for you?
A: I haven’t been in a relationship these last 10 years! It was 2009 I think when I broke my heart and ever since then, I’ve kept myself guarded. Once I’m hurt or upset, I channel all that pain into my work – and that is honestly all I’ve been doing these last 10 years.
“NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO LIKE YOU; THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE WHO CRITICISES YOU – IT’S SIMPLY HOW YOU LOOK AT IT AND HOW YOU TAKE IT”
Career
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received about acting?
A: I won’t say advice but many directors have given me the freedom to contribute to the character. Like in Koombiyo, when a director gives me the liberty to take on the character and interpret it my way, the character also speaks volumes and attracts the audience’s attention. That’s something I appreciate.
Q: How do you respond to negative criticism?
A: Honestly, it doesn’t bother me too much. I think it’s something that comes with working in this industry. Not everyone is going to like you; there will always be someone who criticises you – it’s simply how you look at it and how you take it.
Sometimes, when I see these comments online, I either give them a funny response or use them to have a good laugh – they can be amusing! This industry is cutthroat so if you can’t handle a few negative remarks, then maybe you aren’t made for it.
Q: Many actors believe in ‘method acting’ – do you?
A: No, there are many actors who prefer not to speak to others while getting into character those last few minutes before the camera starts filming but I’m not like that. I like to sip a coffee and talk to people; but when the camera starts running, I’m back to being focussed and in the zone.
Future Q: What advice would you give to the upcoming talent in Sri Lanka?
A: Be passionate. This job is an art; so if you don’t have a true passion for the arts, you will not succeed. It is not about money and it’s not about fame. Acting is an art, which is mastered over a long period of time. If you genuinely want to work in this industry, you must have a real love for it.
Q: And finally, what’s next for Yureni Noshika?
A: Hollywood. I want to be the first Sri Lankan actress to walk the red carpet at the Oscars or in Cannes. I want Sri Lanka to be on the international radar; I want Sri Lanka to be known for more than just our cricket!
Favourite Things
Q: Your favourite restaurant is... A: Il Ponte at Hilton Colombo
Q: And your favourite attire is…? A: Ripped jeans and a T-shirt
Q: What’s your favourite TV show? A: Queen of the South
Stuff of Dreams
Q: If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
A: Telepathy – I’d love to know how people’s minds work and what makes them tick
Q: What’s your dream job?
A: I’m currently working in my dream job
Q: Which fictional character would you be most excited to meet in real life?
A: Wonder Woman
Q: Who’s your celebrity crush? A: Ryan Reynolds
Q: Your dream holiday destination would be…?
A: Capri – or anywhere in Italy
Q: Life is…
A: Exciting, challenging and full of surprises
This and That
Q: Men or shoes? A: Men
Q: What’s your one annoying habit? A: I’m garrulous
Q: Name five things in your fridge at home right now... A: Eggs, chia seeds, milk, dates and a chocolate bar
Q: One outrageous rumour about you was…
A: That I’m a gold digger
Q: Three things you would be lost without…?
A: Air, my phone and the house keys
Q: What was the last gift you gave someone?
A: A book – The Magic by Rhonda Byrne
“I’D LOVE TO KNOW HOW PEOPLE’S MINDS WORK AND WHAT MAKES THEM TICK”
“I LIKE TO THINK I CAN INSPIRE AND SHAPE MANY YOUNG
MINDS”
Deep and Meaningful
Q: The best advice you’ve been given... A: Practise gratitude every day
Q: What are you most passionate about – and why?
A: My line of work. I get to reach out to so many individuals through my work – and I like to think I can inspire and shape many young minds
Q: So how would you achieve this? A: I’d like to use the entertainment industry to do that
Q: What’s the best thing about being in the entertainment industry?
A: You get to play ‘dress up’ every day; it’s not a monotonous job and each day brings something new
Q: Are you a hunter or gatherer? A: I’d say a hunter
Q: A little-known fact about you… A: I’m a spiritual person
Q: What do you look for in your life partner?
A: He has to be someone who’s genuine, loyal and respectful
Q: If you could run a charity, what cause would it promote?
A: To help the many less fortunate orphans in Sri Lanka
Q: How would you like life to turn out in 20 years?
A: Happily married with kids or running a children’s home