Michelle Dilhara

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Michelle Dilhara (Sinhala:මිෂෙල් දිල්හාරා; born 1 May 1996) is a Sri Lankan actress, philanthropist, international karate gold medalist and the winner of Asian Inspiration Award 2018.[1][2][3][4][5] She became popular as Podi Patharakari (Sinhala:පොඩි පත්තරකාරී) in the teledrama, Salsapuna, aired on Sirasa TV.[6][7][8][9][10][11]

Michelle Dilhara
File:Michelle dilhara.jpg
Michelle dilhara at a Film Premiere
Born (1996-05-01) 1 May 1996 (age 28)
NationalitySri Lankan
Other namesPodi Patharakari
Occupation(s)Actress, philanthropist
Years active2016
Known forSalsapuna, Sidu (Malee 3)
Height5 ft 5 in (1.65m)
AwardsAsia Inspiration Award 2018
Websitemichelledilhara.com

Early life

Dilhara was born on 01 May 1996 in Ragama, Sri Lanka, to H.Premawardena, who is a businessman and E.Jean Stella Fernando. She has two sisters, Mishen Prasadika and Rochelle Fiona. Dilhara studied in Negombo South International School until her GCE Ordinary Level, which she sat as a private candidate. At the age of 11 she started practicing Martial Arts, Katare-do-Shitokai, under Sensei Rohan P. Udayakumara (Black belt dan 5). During her training, she participated for several local and international Karate championships and won medals. She won the gold medal for the 2nd International Gojuryu Karate Open Championship, conducted by the International Gojuryu Karate Association (IGKA). Meanwhile she started volunteering as an English teacher for several children homes after an incident that took place when she was 15 years old. This made her in wanting to become a humanitarian and an actress. Dilhara completed her GCE Advanced Level in Arts Stream ( English Literature, Japanese Language and IT ) at Newstead Girls College Negombo. There she was able to participate in several dramas conducted by the school drama team, that gave her the first experience in taking part in a play. In 2013 she also completed her Japanese Language Proficiency Test ( JLPT N5 and N4 ) which was conducted by the Japanese Language Education Association of Sasakawa Centre Sri Lanka.[12][13]

After obtaining enough results for a placement in a local university, she refused it due to her craving passion in becoming an actress. She said that her mother and father actively encourged and supported her decision in choosing the field of acting. With the intention of getting to know the field before working on it, Dilhara joined Abhina Academy conducted by the veteran actress Anoja Weerasinghe. Anoja became her first acting guru. In an interview published in Sunday Observer and Daily News, Dilhara said that Anoja Weerasinghe taught the basic principals of acting with meditation and yoga that helped her build voice control and facial expressions. Later she joined Damayanthi Fonseka's acting Academy in order to study emotional balancing and character adaptation. Dilhara also studied Drama and Theatre at Abhiranga Art Centre Negombo, conducted by Randika Wimalasooriya. During this period, she got the opportunity to study Art from the Indian Theatre Director, Ujjwal Singha. Dilhara stated that Ujjwal got her through the Indian Theatre and Children's theatre that helped her to open up perspectives in overseas too. Apart from acting, Dilhara is currently studying for an External Degree in IT and a Diploma course in Psychology.[6] She is also following a course on Nurturing Care Framework for Early Chilhood Development with the Senior Lecturer Mr.Duminda Guruge, at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.[14][15][16][17]

Philanthropy

 
Michelle Dilhara addressing the gathering at the South Asian Youth Summit 2018

Awards

Dilhara received " Asia Inspiration Award 2018 " at the South Asian Youth Summit 2018 for her Philanthropy work.[18][19][20] She was a voluntary English teacher for many child orphanages in Sri Lanka.[21][22][23][24] After she became an actress, there were many pictures of Dilhara in magazines participating in many occasions in luxurious hotels in Sri Lanka. One day a small child in the orphanage had asked her about the luxurious hotels after seeing these magazines. The child said that she will never be able to go to a hotel like this ever. Dilhara invited this child with all her friends in the orphanage to the Cinnamon Grand Hotel Sri Lanka for her 21st birthday.[9]

In 2017 she wanted to change the focus of the youngsters to support poor to stand on their feet rather than wasting time for video games. She had a vision that if one person supports with a kilo of rice to a poor person, there will be at least 20 million kilos of rice for the poor. She organized a campaign for her 22nd birthday and she was able to get the support of more than thousand youngsters for this project. They collected more than thousand kilos of rice and gave them to the needy in Pinnakalewattha village.[25][26][27]

She was appointed as IYC Deputy Ambassador to Sri lanka by the International Youth Committee (IYC Hq) for her philanthropic work.

Career

2016–2017 Career

In 2016, Dilhara made her first teledrama appearance in Salsapuna telecasted on Sirasa TV. She was auditioned for the character Podi Patharakari (Sinhala:පොඩි පත්තරකාරී) in Salsapuna by Sandya Mendis, Chairman of Susila Productions. After several auditions, Dilhara was selected for the character Preethiwa, widely known to the audience as Podi Patharakari.The character was introduced in the 252nd of 577 episodes. Preethiwa Podi Patharakari is a wealthy girl who leaves her luxury life and lives an ordinary life. The character Podi Patharakari was introduced as the girlfriend of the character Nilhan. She is a journalist who fights against injustice. The teledrama was directed by the veteran director Nalan Mendis, who also directed Doo Daruwo which became one of the most popular and long running teledramas in Sri Lanka. During the same period, she then appeared with the leading role in the first Mobile drama Dhara, produced by Susila Productions.[28][29][30][31][32]

File:Salsapuna character Podi Patharakari.jpg
Dilhara as Salsapuna Podi Patharakari

2017–2018 Career

In 2017, Dilhara was featured in the Maliban tea advertisement with the leading role that became very popular as Maliban tea advertisement girl among the Sri Lankan audience. In 2018 she also starred in the Maliban Tea second commercial with once again the leading role. During the same period she was featured in the teledrama Poori which was telecasted on ITN. She played the role of a village girl named Maali. The character portrays a strong and positive minded girl who doesn't care much of her personal life, but cares about others. In 2017–2018 she has become one of the leading fashion models for cover page modeling for Sri Lankan paper media.

Her first major acting roles were in the tele-dramas Emy and Thuththiri. She plays the title role in Emy, and played "Urmila" in Thuththiri, a science fiction series.[33][34] In 2017–2018 she has become one of the leading fashion models for cover page modeling for Sri Lankan paper media.[35][36][37][38]

Hosting Sirasa TV 16+ Michelle Dilhara hosted the 16+ program in Sirasa TV, which was telecasted every sundays at 5.00 pm. 16+ is a music program targeted for the young generation conducted by sarith surith jayawardena’s band, who won the poddanta puluwan contest.. singers include young singers from sirasa junior superstar and sirasa poddanta puluwan.. The director of the program is Mr. Dilan and the producers are Mr. Lahiru and Ms. Sachithra.[39][40][41][42]


Hosting 2nd South Asian Youth Summit (2018) Michelle Dilhara was the official host for the 2nd South Asian Youth Summit held in Sri Lanka. Over 450 delegates from 80 countries participated this event. She also won the Asia Inspiration Award 2018 for her contribution to the South Asian philanthrophy[43][44][45]

 
Dilhara at the South Asian Youth Summit 2018 receiving the Asia Inspiration Award at the Hotel Galadari

2018–2019 Career

Dilhara was casted for Sudu andagena kalu awidin aired in Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation , directed by Sunil Costa.[46][47][48] She portrays the character Ayoma, who is a teenage girl facing the hardships of life. Sudu andagena kalu awidin is Dilhara's first major role.The story talks about the journey of a mother ,portrayed by Umayangana Wickramasinghe and daughter going in searching of the missing father by facing many life challenges.The plot depicts the emotional and cognitive characteristics of village folks due to their financial struggle.In an interview for the national newspaper Mawbima, Dilhara said that her starring role in Sudu andagena kalu awidin marked a significant turning point in her acting career.[49]

Filmography

Awards and nominations

[50][51][52]

Year Award Award Festival Category Result
2018 Asia Inspiration Award 2018 South Asian Youth Summit Philanthrophy Won

References

  1. ^ "Michelle Receives an International award Podipatharakari has come a long way". Divaina. 9 December 2018. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  2. ^ "Michelle Dilhara wins Asia Inspiration Award 2018". Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka). 9 December 2018. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  3. ^ "Beautiful Michelle The philanthropist receives an International Award". Hiru TV. 7 December 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  4. ^ "Actress Michelle Dilhara receives an International Award at the South Asian Youth Summit". Citizen. 5 December 2018. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  5. ^ "Actor Michelle appointed as IYC Deputy Ambassador to Sri Lanka". IYC headquarters New Delhi. 15 October 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  6. ^ a b "Be the difference". Daily News. 10 October 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  7. ^ "We will not stop the journey - Michelle Dilhara" (in Sinhala). Rivira. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  8. ^ "Sankid brings seasonal CHEERS". Daily News. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  9. ^ a b "Michelle Dilhara A blend of altruism and talent". Ceylon Today. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  10. ^ "I like to become a Film Actress". Silumina. 6 January 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  11. ^ "Michelle Dilhara". Michelle Dilhara. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  12. ^ Fernando, Susitha R. (27 August 2017). "An actress in search of recognition instead of popularity". Sunday Times. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  13. ^ "Michelle Dilhara: Acting on, moving on". Fragmentes. 10 January 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  14. ^ "An inspiring 'act'!". Daily News. 10 January 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  15. ^ Lu, Milan (26 November 2017). "Living the Dream". Ceylon Today. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  16. ^ "It is important to act more actively than to become more popular". Sarasaviya (in Sinhala). 16 March 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  17. ^ "I Don't Want to be Famous". Saaravita. 16 April 2017. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Shining star Michel receives an international award for philanthropy" (in Sinhala). Mawbima. 12 December 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2018.
  19. ^ "Mesmerising Michelle". Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka). 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  20. ^ "For which category did Michelle Dilhara get the Asia Inspiration Award?". Quora. 9 December 2018. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  21. ^ "Podipatharakari is a teacher" (in Sinhala). Lankadeepa. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  22. ^ "Love is a very profound subject" (in Sinhala). Lankadeepa. 27 November 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  23. ^ "I always try to do something good". Navaliya. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  24. ^ "Podipatharakari is now a teacher". Saaravita. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  25. ^ "Salsapuna Podipatharakari celebrates the birthday differently". Divaina. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  26. ^ "Michelle Dilhara B'day Celebration" (in Sinhala). Lankadeepa. 15 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  27. ^ "If you do the right thing you will get the right result - Michelle Dilhara" (in Sinhala). Rivira. 23 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  28. ^ "I meditate 20 minutes everyday". Navaliya. 22 May 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  29. ^ "Podipatharakari character was loved by everyone". Saaravita. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  30. ^ "Michelle does yoga to maintain her body". starfriends. 13 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  31. ^ "A family that is aligned to be one family". Sarasaviya (in Sinhala). 5 October 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  32. ^ "Michelle Dilhara "Salsapuna" actress speaks" (in Sinhala). Dinamina. 24 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  33. ^ "Young Lankan actress Michelle Dilhara seeks immortality but for others' sake". Middle East North Africa Financial Network, Inc. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  34. ^ ""Thuththiri" new Sinhala Mega Teledrama to make way to small screen soon". Asian Mirror (Pvt) Ltd. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  35. ^ http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2018/03/04/yv/michelle-dilhara
  36. ^ https://www.lkmodelzone.com/model/2651/michelle-dilhara/
  37. ^ "Little journalist does not have a boyfriend yet". Deshaya Newspaper. 22 September 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  38. ^ "I can't reach my goals if I have a boyfriend - Michelle Dilhara". Rivira (in Sinhala). 2 March 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  39. ^ "I never had a boyfriend ,nobody ever asked me out". Lakbima. 9 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  40. ^ http://sirasatv.lk/2018/07/09/16-2018-07-08/
  41. ^ "Michelle becomes a presenter". Silumina. 14 October 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  42. ^ "Podi Patharakari has becomes a presenter" (in Sinhala). saaravita. 18 July 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  43. ^ "2nd South Asian Youth Summit in Sri Lanka". Daily News. 18 September 2017. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  44. ^ "2nd South Asian Youth Summit in Sri Lanka". Daily Star. 10 January 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  45. ^ "Young actress Michelle Dilhara received an award for her social work". Lakbima. 3 January 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  46. ^ "Sudu Andagena Kalu Avidin in sri lanka Rupavahini Corporation" (in Sinhala). Mawbima. 23 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  47. ^ "Sudu Andagena Kalu Avidin in Rupavahini". Sarasaviya (in Sinhala). 21 March 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  48. ^ "Michelle talks about the character Ayoma in Sudu andagena kalu awidin". Divaina. 7 April 2019. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  49. ^ "Michelle has been changed" (in Sinhala). Mawbima. 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
  50. ^ "I don't expect anything from social service". Silumina. 29 December 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  51. ^ "Young generation can change the world". Navaliya. 24 December 2018. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
  52. ^ "Appreciation for what have done". Sarasaviya (in Sinhala). 20 December 2016. Retrieved 20 December 2016.