When she appears on the TV screen, you unknowingly forget your remote control and stop flicking through the channels.
It is because of her inborn skills and performance. Better known as Kavya in ‘Divi Thura’, Sulo teacher in ‘International’, Rasanga in ‘Lan Wee’ and Mihiri in ‘Rajini’, Wageesha Salgadu has stolen the hearts of her fans, bringing memorable memories.
She is not an artist who parachuted into the field of acting. Well-rooted in this colourful field by showcasing her performance, she established her own identity at a young age. The school stage served as the fertile ground for her to bloom as a child actress, radiating sweet fragrance.
Let me weave her thrilling, motivational and joyful story with her thoughts.
Multifaceted child actress
Wageesha studied at two schools, Sussex College and Sujatha College where she displayed her talents as an actress, singer, announcer, dancer and writer at a very young age.
One can guess that her school life might have become the biggest inspiration for her to enter the acting field. To be frank and honest, Wageesha emerged as a multifaceted artiste in a wide range of fields with a shining name.
For instance, she was the Eastern band leader. Upon discerning Wageesha’s hidden skills, her school drama teacher Indrani Gunawardhana lit up the path to her future. Indeed, she was a pure-hearted teacher.
“I am indebted to my school drama teacher. Actually, Indrani teacher is the angel in my life. But unfortunately, she passed away when I was 17 years old. At that time, I was acting in the ‘Kotipathiyo’ teleplay.”
Tears welled in her diamond eyes. Interestingly, Wageesha had acted in five teledramas and two films by the time she was 16.
Blessings from veterans
The way she brings characters to life is natural. Well-rooted in the acting field amid blessings from veterans, she has established her unique identity, holding the whole audience in her palm. Veteran actress Chandani Senevirathna introduced Wageesha to another colossus in the field – veteran actor Mahendra Perera.
Perera brought her to the small screen by offering an opportunity to act in a teledrama titled ‘Eliya Kanda’. With a growing passion for performing arts, she has learned both acting and dancing from veterans at Sudarshi.
When she was learning dancing under the guidance of Mudiyanse Dissanayake, she got an opportunity to learn acting from renowned actor Mahendra Perera. Speaking of her maiden cinematic appearance, no one can forget the film ‘Thaala’. She has played a wide range of characters in more than 10 teleplays so far.
Film maker
Wageesha’s canvas is boundless. Would you think that a 16-year-old child can earn international recognition as a short film maker? Surely you will be taken aback.
Wageesha together with her friends made a short film. Unable to find a makeup artist, little Wageesha had to fulfill the responsibility of a makeup artist while playing a role in the short film. Upon the completion of the film, she had submitted the film to a short film competition with no hope for fame or awards. No doubt you will prick up your ears at the news. As if through a miracle, Wageesha won two awards for upcoming actress and upcoming makeup artist.
Later, she won a scholarship to New York to learn cinematography and acting. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic she had to continue the course online.
Her future journey and message
The most anticipated news for Wageesha’s fans is that she is going to embark on a musical journey in the near future. Even today, she has penned songs and scripts. When asked about her message for upcoming artists, she said, “If you want to be an actress or an actor, you have to go through a long journey. First you have to learn the art of acting. It is not easy. Motivate yourself and learn your subject.”
Pix: Thilak Perera
