No Matter How Well We Live, We're Always Targeted with Slander – Shanudrie Priyasad

 Actress Shanudrie Priyasad is currently making waves with her two films, 'Moda Tharindu' and 'Neera'.  Although Dinu's character in 'Moda Tharindu' is that of a cunning girlfriend with a touch of humor, Shanudrie says it conveys a deep message about karma and the cycle of rebirth. She states that Pranithi's character in the film 'Neera', which is completely different, was one of the most challenging roles she has received. 

 In the past, she was shocked by the criticism and slander attacks launched through social media, but she says that she now has the ability to endure them.
Her discussion with Divaina Online channel, mentioning these points, is as follows:

Interviewer: Ayubowan! Today I'm speaking with someone who is very happy these days. That's because two of her films are currently screening very successfully. To introduce her briefly, she is the youngest daughter of the Priyasad family. Shanudrie Priyasad, Ayubowan!

Shanudrie: Ayubowan! Ayubowan!

Interviewer: So, how are you? I imagine you're very happy these days, and also that it's a very busy time.

Shanudrie: Yes, actually, I'm a bit tired these days after a long time. That's because two films are screening simultaneously. So yes, I'm spending my time very happily. Both films are screening with excellent responses. So, I'm very happy.

Interviewer: These two films are creations from two different genres, aren't they? That is, 'Moda Tharindu' highlights a bit of a younger, wilder side, a different kind of madness. 'Neera' is a film that appeals to a different audience. How do you feel about these two, Shanudrie?

Shanudrie: Yes, I got the opportunity to be involved in two films from two different Genres at once. I think 'Moda Tharindu' is a film in the Dark Comedy category. 'Neera' falls into the Love Story category. However, it's a slightly deeper story that goes beyond just a love story.

So, I think there's an audience that loves both of these. Both, meaning there are people who watch this today and that tomorrow. So, I think I'm playing characters in both these films in two different ways at once. It's a great fortune to be able to reach the audience in two different ways simultaneously. And I'm receiving good responses.

Interviewer: Let's start with 'Moda Tharindu', which is receiving a huge audience response these days. At first glance, it's a comedy, a film for us to laugh at. But there's another story within it. How did you understand this film, Shanudrie?

Shanudrie: Yes, I knew about it from the beginning anyway. I knew the story as soon as I received the film. But when watching it, at first glance, I laughed from the beginning to the end of the film. However, there's also something to take from it for life, a story that conveys the meaning "what you do comes back to you."

So, I think if I look at it as an audience member, 'Moda Tharindu' is the most entertaining film of 2024. And it's a big deal to be able to appear in such a film with the character 'Dinu'. Because that character, and all the other characters in this story, have really resonated with people. So, I think if you look at it as an audience member, no matter how much you laugh in 'Moda Tharindu', it's a film that makes you realize that 'the cycle of samsara' exists and it comes around.

Interviewer: Did you feel a little scared?

Shanudrie: Scared, well, many people tell me, "You deserve it, what you did came back to you. Yes, it comes full circle." Being scared means we should be scared if we're doing something wrong, right? So, I'm not doing anything wrong yet. Then there's no fear. The way things are going now, the way it's coming full circle, is good.

Interviewer: Shanudrie, in the film 'Neera', you play a very different character. That is, a character who faces life's problems and seeks answers for them. For some, those answers are very difficult, answers that are hard to come by. It's a character like that. How was that experience for you?

Shanudrie: I think 'Neera' is the most special film for me. I received an invitation from Vasawa Baduge Aiya to join the 'Neera' film. I hadn't read the script at that time. But out of the Respect I had for Vasawa Aiya, I said "yes" to the project. Only then did I learn that the script was written by Mrs. Sumithra Rahubaddhe.

So, when I actually received the script, took it in my hand, and started reading it, I told Vasawa Aiya, "It's difficult for me, I'm scared to do this character, I can't." But he trusted me a lot. He kept saying that I could do justice to this character. Another reason I was scared was that Mrs. Sumithra Rahubaddhe is someone with a large audience. So, what she writes, she writes with both her Heart and Soul, giving life to those characters. So, I was afraid if I could do justice to a character she had written so carefully. I don't know if Sumithra Aunty also thought that way, whether I could do it or not.

However, Pranithi's character is the most Challenging role I have done so far. Within it, there was almost everything I hadn't experienced in real life. That is, apart from 'resilience' (තෙම්පරාදුව), I haven't experienced anything else in my life. In that story, there were things I hadn't experienced, meaning a wife, a mother, and beyond that, a divorced person... I had to portray all of that within that character.

So, with the responses I'm receiving from people and the audience right now, I believe I have done justice to that character. Because even after we watched the film for the first time, Mrs. Sumithra called me over, brought me close, and spoke with me. She told me how happy she was after watching the film and seeing my performance. So, I think it was the most difficult character for me. But Pranithi is a character I truly love.

Interviewer: Shanudrie is usually someone who speaks a bit fast, laughs, and is happy, isn't she? Whether we see you on social media or generally out and about, we see you as a very cheerful person. But in the film 'Neera', it's something completely different, isn't it?

Shanudrie: Yes.

Interviewer: Even what you say there comes out with a different restraint, a different expression, something else entirely. So, how is it, if you take 'Moda Tharindu', for example, it has people of your own age.

Shanudrie: Yes. When I received the invitation for 'Moda Tharindu', it wasn't a very specific script either. There too, I joined the 'Moda Tharindu' film based on Thisara (Imbulana) Aiya's invitation. So, as I said before, I got the girlfriend character. But no matter how much we thought, meaning, even if we thought it was a small character, something that could just be done, I think once I got there, I had to bring out that 'Dinu' from within me. That is, I couldn't just be Shanudrie there.

So, that was also easy. Because Thisara Aiya is a very easy person to work with. He gives artists good Freedom to act. He gives that freedom to work. So, even though Dinu's character was that of a normal girl, a girlfriend, I think it was a bit of a dominating lover, a slightly cunning girlfriend's character that I had to play. So, I think the support of the Cast there, especially Kaushalya, Sooriya Aiya, Danuka Aiya, and Shehani... it was with the collective effort of these people that I brought Dinu's character to life. So, it's similar to normal everyday life, but I still had to change that character beyond a certain point. However, if you take the film 'Neera', it's completely different. As I said before, it's not me who is there. It's not a normal person. It's a slightly Mature character, a character who can endure life's challenges. So, that's how the two characters are.

Interviewer: When we did an interview with your second sister (Sheshadrie), she said... it's like the saying, "people throw stones at a fruit-bearing tree," you all really stand out. You're on your own path. There's a lot to talk about regarding Dinakshie. And Sheshadrie told me, when talking about her audience, "I don't like it if anyone scolds my little sister or my older sister."

Shanudrie: Ah ha ha... Yes, I used to think about that a lot. But now I've gotten used to it. That is, in some places, no matter how well we act, no matter how much we go our own way without bothering anyone, I think there are people who dislike that too. That is, I'm not saying that the whole world should like me, ever. It's relative, isn't it? Some people like me, some people don't. I think I accept both.

In the past, there were times when I felt sad, times when I got angry, times when I cried, thinking "Why do people scold me like this?" But I think with time, I understood it myself. With the support I received from my background, what I understood is that no matter what we do, if someone dislikes us, they will dislike us. I've now understood that there's no need to change them, and no need to let them hinder our journey.

Because I believe that if there are people who truly love me, they will always be with me. They support the work I do. I know and understand that such a group of people truly exists. Because there are people who watch what I do and say, support it, and tell me both the good and the bad. So, there are some who even say bad things out of love. That is, I also have audience members who say, "This isn't right, you should have done that, doing it this way was a mistake."

So, I always think it's okay if there are people who don't like me. I respect them too. Because that's their Decision. But most of the time, I focus on the positive side. That's something I've gotten used to over time. I really like to look at things in a Positive way. So, that's how I live. And anyway, if you're in this field, if you become a famous person, you need to prepare your mind to be able to endure both. Otherwise, it's difficult to go on a journey like this. You need to have a mental state that can accept both.

Interviewer: Shanudrie, does that mean there were many instances in the early days when you felt down because of such talk?

Shanudrie: Oh yes, if I'm being honest, I've been among people since I was little. I started acting at three and a half years old. So, I've been in acting and among people since I was a small child. So, there have been instances, even though I thought "there are people who scold me." That is, even if I smiled, there were people who would say, "Oh, she's smiling, this and that."

So, at that time, it was difficult for me to bear. Firstly, I was a small child, and secondly, I was a young girl, these things were new to me. With that, there have been times when I truly fell. Oh my, there were plenty. There have been times when I asked my sisters and almost decided to Give up. That is, there have been many instances where I thought, "Should I stop acting? Should I stay away from people?"

So, I think I'm continuing my journey beautifully. The people who are with me without bothering anyone, those who love me, will remain. Those who don't love me... that truly doesn't concern me anymore. I don't say anything about it now. That is, even today, sometimes a comment appears on my Facebook posts, saying "I can't stand her" or something. So, I let it be. I barely even delete it.

Interviewer: How do you understand this concept of popularity?

Shanudrie: Popularity can be there today and gone tomorrow. If you take me, I think... being popular is one thing, and being famous is another. There are plenty of famous people among us. But what we need to see is whether people truly 'like' us or not. So, I think for me, I truly have people who 'like' me. And I need to know how to keep them. That is, there might be people who love me. But I also need to know how to retain that love.

Interviewer: There are all sorts of stories, and there are people who scold. Not people who love, but a group in society who are there just to scold her. They are there just to scold. But Dinakshie gave an amazing answer to all of that. She didn't answer with words. If you look at the dramas that came out this year, Dinakshie gave amazing answers silently. What do you think about your eldest sister and her acting ability? And about the creations currently being broadcast?

Shanudrie: Yes, I'm truly most proud of my eldest sister. I see her... actually, in our family, it's the two sisters and me. Sheshadrie and I have seen our sister since she was little. Seeing how she raised herself from a young age, and seeing where she is now, fills me with immense pride. I'm very happy. Even now, when you talk about my sister like this, I'm very happy. It's something I hear everywhere I go.

My eldest sister is a very hardworking person. Someone who can endure things very well. If she had taken to heart the things people said and heard, I think she might not even be where she is now. There have been so many instances where people tried to bring her down. But she prioritized patience in everything. She is someone who quietly and slowly went on her journey. Our sister is not someone I've ever seen competing with anyone.

Putting acting aside, she is very good with people. If you get to know her, she will do anything she can for you. Even if I go to a shooting set where she worked, people praise my sister a lot, saying, "Oh my, your sister gives us food, she brings all sorts of things, she's so good."

So, I think putting that aside, if we talk about her acting side, the level she is at now is unimaginable. She has come a long way in this short period. I think our Saranga Aiya might also be a big reason for that. Their combination is really superb. I always say they are a 'Power Couple'. When those two come together, there's almost nothing they can't do. And with the support they receive from each other, I think my eldest sister has come a long way. I'm very proud.

She knows very well what she needs to do. That is, the other thing is that she beautifully balances her personal life, her child's matters, her husband's matters, and then carries on her career. So, those two things, as a family member, I'm the one who sees it. Someone looking from the outside might think, "Oh, she's just acting, doesn't she look after her family?" But I clearly see that she does everything for her child before dedicating time to acting. I know the things she does for our mother and father. She has come a long way. I know she can go much further in the future. She is very talented, very humble. As an actress, I think her best time has come now.

Interviewer: You just said that your sister has done a lot for us. And you also said that she built this life with great effort. Could you please explain that a bit?

Shanudrie: Yes, actually, since we were little... our father is a film director, isn't he? So, we are a very ordinary family. All of Sri Lanka knows that. But often, people might think, "Oh my, they're very important people, they have a lot of money." But we lived very ordinarily, we lived in rented houses since we were little. That's not a problem. But our mother and father are two people who did everything for us.

Even though our Mr. Priyasad (father) has done a large number of films, he is a very kind-hearted person. He doesn't have a generation gap. If he meets a young guy, he likes to just keep talking. So, I think there have been instances where my eldest sister understood the seriousness of things within this family more than our father. So, what I said about my sister at that time... I think our second sister also mentioned this story in one program. Beyond a certain point, my eldest sister, Dinakshie, took on all the burdens of our family. In some places, she even covered all our expenses.

So, I am very Grateful for that. Even when I speak about her, I have a lot of respect for her. She has done a lot for us.

Interviewer: So, how old was Dinakshie then?

Shanudrie: Well, they also did presenting, TV programs and such from a young age. So, for as long as we can remember, we earned a little bit from a young age. And we saved. The full credit for that saving should go to our mother. Because every amount we earned from a young age, we gave to our mother. So, she was the one who beautifully put it into our bank account or a piggy bank for us. So, she did the saving part until we reached an age where we understood.

So, my eldest sister took all the family's burdens into her hands and fought the battle alone. Even when we moved into our first house, my eldest sister was the one who got that house. Yes, the house we live in now. Our sister got it for our mother and father. So, even that house was something our sister acquired with what she earned through her hard work. So, that's why I think she has come so far in life without failing, precisely because of the things she did for our mother and father.

Interviewer: I think many people don't know that story about Dinakshie. As I said, one day when we did an interview with your second sister, she said, "No, she (Shanudrie) is very talented, more than us. She sees the world more than us. She has more experience than us on how to live life." Your sister said the same thing about you, but in reverse.

Shanudrie: Oh... she also said this. The age gap between the two sisters is small, but I have a gap of six or seven years. So, those two were close. But now I'm very happy, all three of us are very close. Once we reached a certain age, all three of us share our things. So, the reason Sheshadrie Akki says I'm talented and about the way I see things... I think there are things I've learned from their lives too. Their life experience. That is, I learn things for life from our mother, father, and both sisters. For me, the only 'Role Model' outside is everyone at home. So now, if I foresee something and make a good decision, I think the things I've learned from my sisters' lives influence that.

Interviewer: So, when the entire Priyasad family gets together, what kind of Vibe is there at home?

Shanudrie: Oh my, our home then is truly a 'Priya Sadayak' (a joyful party/gathering). We have a joyful gathering at home at that time. That means we are very united. Our family of five, well, it used to be five. Now there are eight people at home, aren't there? In addition to the eight, there are two more babies. Now it's getting bigger and bigger, a large family.

Yes, it's truly... I think the best and biggest thing I have in my life is that family. My two sisters, mother, father, my brothers-in-law, babies... it's when all of us come together that we become very Strong. So, even when we make life Decisions, we all come together. That's a very valuable thing. I think it's something many people don't have. That is, the whole family coming together. In many places, we see siblings getting angry, or children getting angry with parents. There are instances where they argue over very small things. But I think when we all come together, we can do a lot.

The two brothers-in-law... that is, even I, things I can't tell my two sisters, I first go and tell the two brothers-in-law. I share a lot of my personal things with Krishan Aiya. I take advice from him. I take it from Saranga Aiya. So, I think we are very united. It's a very big Blessing.

Interviewer: What's that experience like when there are so many Artists?

Shanudrie: The experience is amazing. No, actually, it's a very random occurrence. And it's a very special thing. Our mother too... now, our mother is more capable than us. That is, whether it's singing, acting, or dancing... we can get ideas from everyone. There can be a unity from all of us within that work. So, art is a very beautiful thing. Having that within our own family is a very big thing, something very valuable to us.

Interviewer: Among the three of you, who is most similar to your mother? In appearance or in ideas?

Shanudrie: I can't really say. In terms of appearance, many people tell me that my mother looked like me when she was young. But my second sister looks a lot like my father to me. My eldest sister looks like my mother to me. I don't see myself as looking like my mother in appearance. But the way I think, the way I feel, her actions are what I have.

That is, our mother wakes up in the morning and waters the flower plants. I also really like to do that. I have a small garden in front for the flower plants, and I've made the most of it. So, when she wakes up in the morning, she has cooked food for everyone at home and everything is ready. That is, I think the way she works is similar to the way I work. However, many people say I look like my mother when they see her old photos, wedding photos and such. But anyway, all three of us have inherited the good qualities of our mother and father.

Interviewer: We haven't talked about Sheshadrie. What's your relationship like with Sheshadrie? Has she returned to acting now?

Shanudrie: Yes, Sheshadrie was quiet for a while. My second sister and I, no matter how much we fight, when my eldest sister and I fight, she's in the middle. She's the one who resolves it. She advises both of us... So, even today, as soon as something happens, she tells me "Ball". As soon as something happens and she sends a message saying "Ball", I know she's about to say something.

So, always, even though we don't live in the same house now, we always send each other messages. We are always talking on WhatsApp or something. Because my second sister, in my opinion, is another strong person. Many people probably know that at one point in her life, she stopped everything and started her life from scratch. So, I saw how she went through that period, how she faced that time, from inside the house. So, at that time, I was also of school age. But as my sister said, there are things I've learned from her life to see things. She is very quiet, very religious, very talented. So, I think she is a very beautiful woman.

Interviewer: Your father is someone who earned a big name in our cinema, an old name. What do you think about your father's films?

Shanudrie: Yes, I think when our father first made films, I was a small child. Maybe I wasn't even born when he made some films. I think our father made films even before he got married. His first film was 'Peralikarayoo'. He wasn't even married to our mother when he made that.

So, he was someone who did monumental work back then. For example, in his film 'Peralikarayoo', Kajol's mother is in it. That is, Tanuja Mukherjee. She was a colossal figure in India at that time. So, bringing someone like that to Sri Lanka. Arranging for her to act in a Sri Lankan film with Mr. Vijaya Kumaratunga was a huge thing in itself. Even today, we have occasions to bring such people. But for that era, it was special. These are things I've heard, things discussed within our home, and from them, I've seen how much it resonated with people.

The other thing is, he has another film called 'Demodara Palama'. He used Special Effects in that film back then and did something big with it. Even today, I don't think I see many Sri Lankan films with helicopters, trains, train scenes, fights... I haven't seen films with those things on a large scale in Sri Lanka yet. But he did those things back then, so many things. That is, explosions, helicopter explosions... he did all those Special Effects wonderfully. He has good knowledge about that. Even today, he advises young people about Special Effects.

So, I think among his favorite films, my favorites are 'Peralikarayoo', 'Demodara Palama', 'Kolompura'. 'Kolompura' was done by Tennyson Cooray, and Dilhani Ekanayake Aunty. It was a very successful film. I was one year old at that time. I even have a picture with Dilhani Aunty. So, I think our father has done great things. Perhaps young people today might not remember them. But I think it's important to know that our father was someone who did such monumental work. So, I'm very proud.

Interviewer: What does your father say about you all? Especially about Dinakshie's performances? Because he has a good understanding.

Shanudrie: Yes, he tells us both the good and the bad. He doesn't just falsely praise. He tells it a bit to our face. That is, when watching something we've done, he'll say, "Oh, if this frame comes here, the colors aren't right," or "Wearing this dress was a mistake, it makes you look fat." So, we get Genuine support from him.

Even today, if we need to know anything, whether about acting, films, or a camera, we first ask our father. Because he has good knowledge about that, especially about the technical background. So, father tells us both the good and the bad. He doesn't show it much outwardly. He's not someone who goes out saying, "Oh, I'm so proud of my children." Father is a very Reserved person. But I know from his behavior, when I see him, how proud he is of my two sisters, of me, and of anything we do.

Interviewer: The three of you are very active on Social Media, aren't you? Do you usually create any content that comes to mind?

Shanudrie: I don't just create anything that comes to mind. You have to be very careful when handling social media. That is, there are actually a lot of followers on my social media platforms now. Instagram has surpassed a million from all of them. That means I am very Grateful to the people who are with me.

Social media is a very valuable place for an artist to connect Directly with people. Now, in some places, our artists say, "Oh, we don't need this social media, we don't want it." But this whole world is made for us to use it. With the way the world is going, social media is there to connect. So, I take it as a very Positive thing.

Because of social media, I have a very large audience. And I have good audience members. So, if social media is used correctly, by posting the right content and understanding one's Audience and Catering to it, I think one can exist on social media without problems.

I mostly prefer to give people something good through my social media. I share something from my life, or something personal, with people within Limits. I mostly do that through my Vlogs. I really like to do YouTube vlogs. When I meet people personally, many girls tell me how much they get Motivated. Because I recently came back from Korea. Even there, there were people who hugged me and talked to me. They say that when they watch one of my vlogs at night, while doing their jobs there with all that Stress and Pressure, or some people during exams, they feel so free in their minds. That is, it makes me very happy to hear that. Because in my vlogs, I don't show anything false anywhere. I am the person I am.

Interviewer: Tell me, what's the role of this aunt? Now you're a double aunt, aren't you?

Shanudrie: Yes, I'm now an aunt twice over. I think the two best gifts I received from my two sisters are Saranya and Krisharya (Krizya). Saranya is the one people see most of the time. It's not that I like Saranya more and Krisharya less. Because when Krishar was little, he was always with his mother. He's very shy about coming to us. But Saranya jumps right to us. So, even if I post a photo, the number of photos with Saranya is higher.

But now those two are just... I can be without seeing them for a day or two at most, otherwise, I feel a bit anxious. Those two call me "Shanu." That is, when I see the two babies, I remember my two sisters. So, whether it's picking them up from school, or cooking food for them... our whole family often revolves around those things. They are very happy when I come, and I always bring something. Even if it's just a small toffee, they wait eagerly for me to arrive. So, I love those two very much.

Interviewer: Your sisters are in their own homes now, aren't they?

Shanudrie: Yes. It's like this, even though my sisters live separately from our home, we usually all come together at least once a week. That is, sometimes, for example, if my eldest sister has urgent work, she'll leave the baby at our house, and if my second sister has to go somewhere, she'll leave her baby at our house. So, even without that, both sisters come to see our mother and father anyway. So, with that, when they come to the family, there are times when they stay for a night or two before leaving. It's really great that their presence has further strengthened the Bond within our family.

Interviewer: As we conclude this discussion, do you have anything you'd like to say to your Fans?

Shanudrie: Yes, thank you very much for listening to and watching this program for so long. And I know there are people who love me. So, I always think about what more I can do better for you all. So, thank you very much for accepting both the good and the bad and being with me this far.

Especially, thank you very much for the unexpected responses to 'Moda Tharindu' and 'Neera' these days. Some people tell me they watched 'Moda Tharindu' in the morning and 'Neera' in the evening. So, there are some who have watched the film two or three times. So, a big thank you to all of them. Without your support, we truly wouldn't be able to successfully do anything we're doing. Because no matter how passionately we work on something, whether the work is successful or not is determined by how you receive it. So, the support we receive from you is very valuable to us. So, thank you very much for being with us with so much love for so long. We will definitely meet again with more good creations in the future. Thank you very much.

Interviewer: Shanudrie, thank you very much for coming to meet us during such a Busy Time.

Shanudrie: Yes, thank you very much to Aiya too. You're doing the program very beautifully. And thank you very much for having a good conversation.