Kusum Renu
Nipuni Preksha
Dabare Kusum Renuka Liyanage (born January 30, 1961, as කුසුම් රේණු) [Sinhala]), popularly as Kusum Renu, is an actress in Sri Lankan cinema[1] theater and television.[2] She is best known for the role Madhuri in television sitcom Nonavaruni Mahathvaruni and role Vishaka Samaranayake in the film Dharmayuddhaya.[3]
Personal life
Kusum Renu was born on 30 January 1961 in Colombo and completed her education from Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda.[4] At the school times, she was a good sportswoman, a Girl Guide, a school prefect and a member of the school debating team. She also played Esraj for the Eastern Band.
Kusum Renu is married to Sriyantha Mendis, who is also a renowned actor and director.[5] She met Sriyantha during the stage drama Pandukabhaya in 1984 and couple married on 25 October 1986 after the proposal in April 1985.[6] The couple has two daughters.[7] Elder daughter Nipuni Preksha is married to Shan Amanda Perera.[8] Younger daughter Tharuki Amaya also acted in stage play Subha saha Yasa. Her cousin daughter Vidhushi Uththara is also a popular actress in television.[9]
Elder daughter Nipuni specializes in fashion design, costume design, and stage costume design. Her husband Shan is an engineer. Their daughter is Gabriela Kathleen. Second daughter Tharuki completed a NIBM course and studied Human Resources Degree.[10]
Acting career
Renu started acting since school times. Her uncle Senadheera Kuruppu was a popular actor at that time, where she made her public acting debut.[11] Her first role came through T.B. Illangaratne's stage play Sailasanaya.[12] Then she acted many television serials. In 1982 for Mandaram Wahi, Renu won four Certificates of Merit from National Youth Services Council. In the following year, she won a merit award for the role in Deiyange Punchi Akkaraya. In 1984, she won the Best actress award for the role in Hima Kunatuwa.[7]
Renu got the opportunity to play the role of a maid and then the role of a prostitute in Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra's play Mahasara. She was given the role of Jane Oyster, the wife of a police officer Oyster Perera, in Sriyantha Mendis' play Sudu Saha Kalu. The uniqueness was that her verbal gesture was limited to three dialogues throughout the play. She also has had the opportunity to play many historical characters in various art forms in recent times: as the queen of King Gajaba in the play Shashree Gajaba created by Vijaya Nandasiri. She also played the role 'Puransina' in the play Rassa Saha Parassa directed by Sriyantha Mendis. Prior to that, Renu acted as 'Lenchina' in Prof. Ariyaratne Kaluarachchi's play Jasaya and Lenchina. She then starred in the later production of Bandula Vithanage's play Romaya Gini Gani.[13]
After the marriage in 1986, she took a break for the acting. She marked the comeback by winning Best Actress award at the State Drama Festival for the role in Deweni Mahinda in 1998.[14] In 2000, she played the role 'vasuki' in the play Paadada Asapuwa directed by Sriyanatha. The premiere was held here on her birthday, January 30, 2000.
Selected television serials
- Agni Piyapath
- Aluth Gedara
- Anne[15]
- Bandhanaa (2022)
- Damini
- Damsaari (2012)[16]
- Dangamalla (2006) [17]
- Deiyange Punchi Akkaraya (1983)
- Deydunu Yanaya (2001)[18]
- Doowaru (2012)[19]
- Ethuma
- Gajaman Nona
- Himagira Naga [20]
- Hima Kunatuwa (1984)
- Hiruta Pipena Sooriyakantha [21]
- Iththo (2019) [22]
- Itu Devi Vimana [23]
- Mandaram Wahi (1982)
- Mathi Nethi Daa (2003) [24]
- Mini Muthu (2012) [25]
- Nannaththara (2022) [26]
- Neela Pabalu (2023)
- Nil Mal Viyana (2004) [27]
- Nonavaruni Mahathvaruni as Madhuri (1997)
- Paradeesaya [28]
- Package (2018)
- Pinkanda Simona [29]
- Pipi Piyum (2007)[30]
- Prarthana Mal (2010)[31]
- Puja (2002) [32]
- Raja Bhavana (2003)[33]
- Rankira Soya (2004) [34]
- Ran Miriwedi
- Ran Sevaneli (2009)[35]
- Ruwan Maliga as Trilicia[7]
- Sanda Numba Nam[36]
- Satharadenek Senpathiyo [37]
- Sathara Ima Gini [38]
- Senehase Geethaya (2006)[39][40]
- Sihina Genena Kumariye (2020)
- Sihina Kumari (2009)[41]
- Sulang Kapolla [42]
- Visirunu Renu (2008)[43]
- Wassane Sihinaya (2009)[44]
- Wes Muhunu
Selected stage dramas
- Danga Malla (2013)[45]
- Mama Wenama Malak
- Suba Saha Yasa[46]
- Mandaram Wehi (1982)
- Jasaya Saha Lenchina
- Deiyange Punchi Akkaraya (1983)
- Hima Kunatuwa (1984)
- Mahasara
- Raththaran
- Bheema Bhumi
- Ekata Mata Hinahina
- Magul Prastawa
- Ratnawalee
- Padada Asapuwa
- Wellawehum
- Deveni Mahinda (1998)
- Mama Wenama Malak (2011)[47]
- Gebbara Minisa (2011)[48]
- Raassa Paraassa[49]
- Sudu Saha Alu[50]
- Mamai Anduwa (2018)[51]
- Hankithi Dahathuna[52]
- Yathuru Hilen Balanna'[53]
Filmography
Her maiden cinematic experience came through 1979 film Jeewana Kandulu, but was an uncredited role. In 1981, her major cinematic breakthrough was from Sathkulu Pawwa, which gained fame.[14] Some of her popular films are Suhada Koka, Maharaja Gemunu and Dharmayuddhaya.[54][55]
Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
1979 | Jeewana Kandulu | ||
1981 | Eka Dawasak Ra | ||
1981 | Sathkulu Pawwa | ||
1998 | Julietge Bhumikawa | Patient | |
2002 | Punchi Suranganavi | Mrs. Pereira | [56] |
2003 | Sonduru Dadabima | Madhumathi | [57] |
2006 | Bherunda Pakshiya | [58] | |
2011 | Sinhawalokanaya | Dingiri Menike | [59] |
2012 | Kusa Pabha | Queen Madhuraja | [60] |
2015 | Suhada Koka | Malini | [61] |
2015 | Sanjana | [62] | |
2015 | Maharaja Gemunu | Queen Viharamaha Devi | [63] |
2017 | Dharmayuddhaya | Vishaka Samaranayake | [64] |
2018 | Gharasarapa | Vidya's mother | [65] |
2019 | Jaya Sri Amathithuma | Godamune madam | [66] |
2023 | Kathuru Mithuru | cameo role | |
2023 | Midunu Vishwaya | [67] | |
TBD | Surangana Lowin Awilla | Jayashan's Mother | |
TBD | Goal | [68] |
Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2016 | Maharaja Gemunu | Best Supporting Actress[69] | Won |
2018 | Dharmayuddhaya | Merit Award[70] | Won |
References
- ^ "Actresses in Sri Lankan cinema - Kusum Renu". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Kusum Renu filmography". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Kusum Renu". IMDb. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Kusum Renu life". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Sriyantha has few girlfriends - Kusum Renu". lankahitgossip. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "My husband is a very free man – Kusum Renu". Navaliya. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ a b c "Kusum Renu blossoms in reel and real". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Sriyanth-Kusum daughter married". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ ""My aunt is Kusum Renu. My uncle Sriyantha Mendis "Malki wakes up". Ikman News. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "In our home both god and Buddha resides at same altar". Tharunaya. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "From Sally Aunty to Maha Prajapati Gothamiya". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
- ^ "She is like a pollen caught in the wind ..." Sarasaviya. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
- ^ "Jane, Puransina and Vasuki". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ a b "The award winning actress". The Island. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Anne (2007– )". IMDb. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
- ^ "Damsaari unspools". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Dangamalla': Tale of a naughty girl on TV". Sunday Times. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "'Deydunu Yanaya': Mix of love and business". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Doowaru portrays challenges faced by women". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Himagira Naga". The Nation. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Hiruta Pipena Sooriyakantha ready for telecast". Daily News. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
- ^ "Udari Perera buried alive". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
- ^ "'Itu Devi Vimana': marriage of opposites". Sunday Times. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
- ^ "Mathi Nethi Daa". Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ "රෝෂන් මිණි මුතු සමඟ". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
- ^ "My screenwriting role is a challenge to my directorial role: Veteran director Jayantha Chandrasiri is returning to the telemedia with 'Nannattara'". සරසවිය. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
- ^ "'Nil Mal Viyana': Manel's final bow". Sunday Times. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
- ^ "Depicts social differences". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
- ^ "'Pinkanda Simona':Humour at its best". Sunday Times. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Sumithra's 'Pipi Pium' on mini screen". Sunday Times. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ "Prarthana Mal 2010". nalanmendis. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Puja': Story of murder, mystery". Sunday Times. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
- ^ "Raja Bhavana now on Rupavahini". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
- ^ "'Rankiri Soya' gives kids a hand". Sunday times. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
- ^ "'Ran Sevaneli' tackles parent-children problem". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Sanda Numba Nam touches the pulse". The Nation. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- ^ "Return of the Reviver". Sunday Times. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ "'Sathara Ima Gini': A lesson to parents". Sunday Times. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
- ^ "Senehase Geethaya". Sunday Leader. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Senehase Geethaya': Courage of a woman". Sunday Times. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
- ^ "'Sihina Kumari' awakes". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Sulang Kapolla' searches for real love". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Visirinu Renu' shows the worlds of six women". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Vassana Sihinaya coming soon". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Danga Malla' comes to Borella". Daily News. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Suba saha Yasa' Popular play in town". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Nalaka: One of a kind". Daily News. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Gabbara Minisa at Borella Punchi Theatre". Daily News. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Rassa Parassa' with new look". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Sudu Saha Kalu (Black and White)". timeout. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Mamai Aanduwa' in two cities". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Thirteen Tickles' in Piliyandala". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "යතුරු හිලෙන් බලන්න". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ^ "Comedy about reality of politics". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Children called me Naughty Aunty - Kusum on Dharmayuddhaya". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Punchi Suranganavi (Little Angel) – 2002". somadissa.com. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
- ^ "Sonduru Dadabima". The Island. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Sri Lankan Screened Films". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
- ^ "Cricket craze". Daily News. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "All in the name of love". Daily News. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Gira's 'Suhada Koka' coming on Friday". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Sellapperuma returns with 'Sanjana'". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Chandrasiri brings the tale of 'Dutugemunu' to cinema". Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ ""Dharmayuddhaya" Coming on July 14". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "JAYANTHA CHANDRASIRI'S NEWEST FILM GHARASARAPA". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
- ^ "Jaya Sri Amathithuma coming soon". Daily News. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "'Frozen Cosmos' to enter the reel". Daily News. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
- ^ "GOAL – A film by Dilu Weerasngha". elanka. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ^ "Stars shower at Hiru Awards". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 18 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
- ^ "Award winners at 2018 Hiru Golden Film Awards". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
External links
- Tharuki Mendis, Daughter of Shriyantha Mendis and Kusum Renu, Wedding Day Photos
- ඔහු ජීවත් වුණේ අල්ලපු ගෙදර
- East-West Marketing launches Dimbula Kahata tea
- Fiery tickles and heated engagemen