Shalani Tharaka is one of Sri Lanka’s most recognized and beloved actresses. She is celebrated not only for her exceptional acting skills but also for her beauty, charm, and versatility in various entertainment fields. From acting in popular teledramas to modeling and dancing, Tharaka has captivated audiences over the years. This article dives into her biography, early life, career, achievements, and personal life.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Gonakumbura Pangukarage Shalani Tharaka Wijayabandara |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1990 |
| Age | 34 years |
| Place of Birth | Balangoda, Sri Lanka |
| Height | 1.61 m |
| Weight | 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Dancer, Lyricist, Author |
| Spouse | Nihatha Salgado |
| Parents | Suraji Fernando (Mother), Susantha Wijayabandara (Father) |
| Education | Newstead Girls College |
Early Life and Family
Shalani Tharaka was born in the serene town of Balangoda, Sri Lanka, on November 15, 1990. Raised by her mother, Suraji Fernando, a professional beautician, and her father, Susantha Wijayabandara, a successful businessman, Shalani was exposed to a nurturing environment that would shape her future in the entertainment industry.
Her early education took place at St. Agnes Convent in Balangoda, where she demonstrated a natural talent for dancing. After relocating to her mother’s hometown of Negombo, she continued her secondary education at Newstead Girls College. It was here that she honed her dancing skills, particularly in both Western and Kandyan dance styles, setting the stage for her future in the arts.
Career Beginnings
Tharaka’s journey to fame began in 2007 when, at the age of 17, she won the prestigious “Sirasa Kumariya” beauty pageant, which opened doors to the world of entertainment. This victory established her as one of Sri Lanka’s most recognized beauty queens and led her to opportunities in modeling and acting.
Her acting debut came shortly after in the television serial Poojasanaya, directed by Sherly P. Delankawala. She played the character of Subha, which marked the start of her prolific career in Sri Lankan teledramas. Over the years, Shalani has starred in numerous successful shows, including Isuru Bawana, Hansi, Giridevi, Sanda Sanda Wage, and Ganga Addara, among others.
Television Career
Shalani Tharaka quickly became a household name in Sri Lanka, thanks to her remarkable performances in a wide range of genres. Some of her most notable television roles include:
- Poojasanaya (2008): As Subha, Tharaka made a strong debut in the industry.
- Isuru Bawana (2008-09): She portrayed Amali, a role that earned her recognition for her acting range.
- Hansi (2009): Shalani’s portrayal of Hansi captivated audiences.
- Sanda Sanda Wage (2011): In this show, she portrayed the character of Sandu, further solidifying her position in the television industry.
Her other notable roles include Samanali, Sath Rala Pela, Arundati, Haduna Gatthoth Oba Ma, and Namal Arana. These performances showcased her ability to transition across different characters and genres, from romance to drama, horror, and comedy.
Filmography
While Shalani Tharaka is primarily known for her television roles, she has also made a mark in Sri Lankan cinema. Her film career began with her role as Medhavi in the 2012 film Selvam. However, it was her performance in Spandana (2015), a romantic horror film, that gained her widespread recognition in the film industry. She portrayed the character Mayumi, which helped her expand her fanbase.
Tharaka’s other film appearances include:
- Nela (2018): Shalani played the titular role in this love story set during the tea plantation era of early 20th-century Ceylon.
- Viyasiduru (2023): She starred as Taniya in this much-anticipated film.
Awards and Achievements
Shalani Tharaka’s talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed, earning her several prestigious awards. Some of her notable accolades include:
- Sumathi Awards: Shalani won the Most Popular Actress and Best Upcoming Actress awards in 2015.
- Raigam Tele’es: She has been recognized multiple times at this prestigious ceremony, winning the Most Popular Actress award in 2015, 2016, 2020, and 2022.
- Derana Film Awards: She won the Lux Glamorous Star award in 2019, further solidifying her position as a leading actress in Sri Lanka.
- SIGNIS OCIC Awards: Tharaka was awarded Best Actress for her role in Giridevi in 2021.
Personal Life
Shalani Tharaka is married to Nihatha Salgado, a well-known figure in Sri Lanka. Despite her fame, she has kept her personal life relatively private. Shalani’s relationship with her family, especially her mother and father, remains a key part of her grounding and success in the entertainment industry.
Outside of her professional career, Shalani has ventured into writing, lyricism, and dance, showcasing her creative versatility. She is known to participate in various charitable activities and events, contributing to the betterment of society.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Shalani Tharaka’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her acting career, modeling assignments, brand endorsements, and her roles in commercials. Given her long-standing presence in the entertainment industry, Shalani’s net worth is expected to continue growing in the years to come.
Height and Weight
Shalani Tharaka stands at a height of 1.61 meters (5 feet 3 inches), which is considered average. She maintains a healthy weight of around 55 kg (121 lbs), which is ideal for her frame. Her fitness and beauty are frequently discussed by her fans, and she often shares tips on maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Social Media Presence
Shalani Tharaka is active on social media platforms, where she engages with her fans and keeps them updated on her professional and personal life. Her Instagram account, @shalani.live, is particularly popular, showcasing her daily life, travel experiences, and moments from her career. She has garnered a significant following due to her charm and ability to connect with her audience on a personal level.
Interesting Facts
- Shalani is not just a talented actress; she is also a trained dancer in both Western and Kandyan styles.
- She was a contestant in the second season of the popular Sri Lankan dance competition Sirasa Dancing Stars.
- Shalani is also an accomplished lyricist and has contributed to several music videos.
Conclusion
Shalani Tharaka’s journey from a beauty queen to one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent actresses is a testament to her hard work, versatility, and dedication. With her talent in acting, dancing, modeling, and lyricism, Shalani has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry. Her impressive body of work, combined with her charming personality, has made her a beloved figure in Sri Lankan television and film.
As she continues to excel in her career and personal life, Shalani Tharaka remains an inspiring figure for young aspiring actors and performers in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shalani Tharaka
1. Who is Shalani Tharaka?
Shalani Tharaka is a well-known Sri Lankan actress, model, and dancer. She gained fame after winning the Sirasa Kumariya beauty pageant in 2007 and has appeared in numerous popular Sri Lankan television serials and films.
2. What is Shalani Tharaka’s age?
Shalani Tharaka was born on November 15, 1990, which makes her 34 years old as of 2024.
3. What is Shalani Tharaka’s height and weight?
Shalani stands at 1.61 meters (161 cm) tall. Her weight is not publicly disclosed but is generally maintained within a healthy range for her height.
4. Where is Shalani Tharaka from?
Shalani Tharaka was born in Balangoda, Sri Lanka. She grew up there before moving to Negombo for her secondary education.
5. What is Shalani Tharaka’s net worth?
Shalani Tharaka’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million to $5 million. Her earnings come from her acting career, brand endorsements, and modeling assignments.
6. Who is Shalani Tharaka married to?
Shalani Tharaka is married to Nihatha Salgado, a Sri Lankan businessman.
7. What are Shalani Tharaka’s most famous TV serials?
Shalani has starred in several popular TV serials, including:
- Poojasanaya
- Isuru Bawana
- Hansi
- Sanda Sanda Wage
- Ganga Addara
These shows earned her recognition as one of Sri Lanka’s leading actresses.
8. What movies has Shalani Tharaka starred in?
Shalani Tharaka has acted in several Sri Lankan films, including:
- Selvam (2012)
- Spandana (2015)
- Nela (2018)
- Viyasiduru (2023)
9. What other roles does Shalani Tharaka perform apart from acting?
In addition to acting, Shalani Tharaka is a talented dancer, lyricist, and author. She has also appeared in various commercials and music videos.
10. What awards has Shalani Tharaka won?
Shalani has won several prestigious awards throughout her career, including:
- Most Popular Actress at Raigam Tele’es (2015, 2020)
- Best Actress at Derana Film Awards (2019)
- Best Actress at SIGNIS OCIC Awards (2021)
11. Where did Shalani Tharaka study?
Shalani completed her primary education at St. Agnes Convent in Balangoda. She later moved to Newstead Girls College in Negombo for her secondary education, where she developed her skills in dance.
12. Has Shalani Tharaka participated in any reality TV shows?
Yes, Shalani Tharaka participated in the second season of Sirasa Dancing Stars and the Hiru Super Dancer competition, showcasing her dancing skills.
13. What are Shalani Tharaka’s future projects?
Shalani Tharaka continues to be active in both television and cinema, with upcoming roles in projects like We (2022), Thathparayak Denna (2022), and more. She is also working on new music video collaborations.
14. How can I follow Shalani T
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