Full Name Denushka Weeraperuma
Nickname Fenu
Life’s motto “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Height 5'3
Eye colour Dark brown
Hair colour Black
Education Grade 1-13 Visakha Vidyalaya and then I completed my higher education at Middlesex University London.
Years active as a TV presenter 3 years
Years active as an actress 3 ½ years
Life’s biggest achievement Up-to date my biggest achievement is being a highly honoured graduate from the University of Middlesex.
Fenu, with your immense beauty and talent, haven’t you ever thought of trying your luck at a beauty pageant?
Yes I have. But the one thing that has been stopping me all these years is that I see no proper grooming or selection criteria in Sri Lankan beauty pageants. However, if I do see a progress in Sri Lankan beauty pageants I would love to participate in the future and gain experience and represent my country and its values to the rest of the world.
What’s the main advantage of being a freelance TV presenter in Sri Lanka?
Being a freelance TV presenter gives me the advantage of knowing my capacity and to explore my skills. Also it gives me the opportunity to see and perform out of the box. This has taught me how to tackle and work with different personalities and has benefited me by exposing me in a broader manner as a media personality in Sri Lanka. I personally think that presenting is a versatile occupation and being a freelancer is definitely a wise choice.
Do you recall your first day in the business?
Yes I do. It was a live morning show on Prime TV. The cameras were rolling and the producers were communicating with me through an ear piece and I was, for sure, nervous to start the programme. But when it did air, and as time passed, I eased up a little. Luckily I had a very supportive co-host; therefore I didn't feel the tension as much as I should have. But until the show was over, I had chills going through my spine every time I spoke to the camera! This will be an unforgettable experience to me.
What does the future hold for you?
I most certainly want to become an elite media personality, hopefully not only in my motherland but also in other parts of the world. And now that I have given acting a shot as well, it might be a good break for me to display my talents as a media personality. Also, since I am still a student I’m hoping to conclude my MBA in the near future, I am looking forward to engaging in the business world to gain some experience, which, I think will come in handy somewhere along the way.
What kind of training did you receive as a TV host, was it enough? What do we lack?
For me it was mostly self-education that helped me as a TV host, although I had the support of many seniors and programme producers that I have worked with.
And I do believe that working as a freelancer accelerated my education in TV presenting. However, I still have more to learn and I think that Sri Lanka should have more choices of institutes or maybe workshops that teaches newcomers like us about what TV presenting is and how one should groom his/her self as a media personality. That is what we Sri Lankans lack and that might be one major reason for the downfall of TV presenting.
Describe love in your own words?
Love is a choice. It can just happen or you can make it happen! So, for me love is an essential ingredient in life. Without love I will be no one and I will not succeed in anything. Because if I don't love something I do I will never see a future in it. And I believe that everyone has the right to love and to be loved!
