Acting her debut movie opposite veterans like Swarna Mallawarachchi and Bengali Actor, Dritiman Chatterji, has not been easy but model turned actress Rithika Kodithuvakku took on this challenge when she acted in Asoka Handagama’s latest movie ‘Ege Esa Aga’ (Let Her Cry). Playing the role of a university student in a movie which explores the carnal fantasy world, Rithika notes that she has been well aware and prepared to take on the scenes demanded from her character.
An old girl of St Paul’s Girls School, Milagiriya, she has been engaged in modeling as a pastime when she was chosen for the movie. She notes that though she enjoyed acting and reading the responses towards the film, she will only act again if she is given a satisfactory role.
Q: Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
A: It depends. I always do what I believe in. If I am convinced that what I am doing does not contradict with my beliefs, I will do it. Otherwise I will take a different path.
Q: Would you have done what your character had done in ‘Ege Esa Aga’ if you were faced with such a situation?
A: (Laughing) Not at all. That character in the film haunted me too. It’s such a scary one, but as I understand, it is not totally real! That university girl is an imaginary one - imagined by that family.
Q: Handagama’s films are known to provoke controversy. Were you prepared to face the challenges demanded from your character when you agreed to take on his movie?
A: Yes. I had seen some of his movies before I was contacted by the production team. I had no prior acting experience - a Handagama movie or any other director’s movie. I am not an actress. I had just appeared as a model for some of the photo shoots done by friends. That was also not as a professional model either but just for fun.
I could not believe my ears when they told me that I had been selected for the role. How did they know that I could do justice to this character? That was my worry. When I read the script I knew that this film was going to spark a debate. But I concentrated only on my duty which is playing the character to the best of my ability and doing justice to it. I believe I did it well.
The whole team was behind me. They were a bunch of civilized people. They were so professional and knew what they were doing. I managed to do my scenes well without facing any uneasy situations.
Q: What is your best characteristic?
A: I think it is resilience. I can bounce back into my normal mindset after facing any kind of situation. It is not easy for someone or some evil force to keep me down. I can recover quickly from difficulties. I have developed this ability from my life experiences.
I have no high hopes about my future or career. I live only for the present moment.
Q: One modeling tip you would give to another.
A: I am not a professional model. I don’t think I would continue modeling either. Due to these reasons I don’t think I have enough experience to advise someone about the profession. (Shrugs)
Q: What is your favourite time of day?
A: Anytime of the day that I am alone! (Laughs) I like to be in my own world.
Q: If you could give your voice to any animation character in a movie, who would you choose?
A: Hmmm... A cat. I have a cat. I love observing its body language and trying to grasp what it is trying to tell me. I talk with it. So... I think I can do that kind of character well! (Laughs)
Q: What irritates you most?
A: (Furiously) When I found out that I am being cheated on. I don’t cheat anyone and I don’t want to be cheated on either. I hate cheating!
Q: ‘Ege Esa Aga’ marked Swarna Mallawarachchi’s return to cinema. Do you think she stole the show away from you?
A: Oh, no! It was a privilege to act in my debut movie role with such a brilliant actress. I learnt a lot during the shoot just by observing her. What did I have for her to steal away from me? I strongly believe that she did not take away anything from me. Instead, she gave me a lot of things to better myself and enhance by acting talents.
Q: Three things that make you smile.
A:
1) When I find out that someone is genuinely smiling at me, I will respond in the same manner.
2) When someone truly appreciates what I have done.
3) When everybody around you seems so happy!
Q: What is your favourite spice ingredient?
A: Cinnamon. It’s hot and cool. It has a nice aroma.
Q: Facebook or twitter?
A: Facebook. I don’t know why. I guess it is because I am more familiar with FB.
Q: If you had to choose the most valuable thing you have ever learned, what would it be?
A: (Giggling) Do not gossip.
Q: Relationship status?