Photography by Esther Lee
Winner of Miss Sri Lanka USA 2015, Natasha is a fashion model that has done campaigns for brands such as Pop Sugar, Nº21, Nordstrom and Aeropostale. On the acting side, Natasha is best known for her starring role in the indie film “Act Drunk”.
Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Natasha’s parents moved from Sri Lanka to Alaska to raise Natasha and her brother. Growing up in Alaska, made Natasha love and appreciate the beauty of nature and frequently hikes, walks, or watches the sunset during her free time. Her dream is to send a message to the world about how faith, positivity, and inner beauty are important characteristics to have and not lose.
In addition, Natasha is passionate about living a healthy organic lifestyle. She believes you should take the time out of your day to just love oneself. That could mean going on a morning run, or yoga, or simply just making sure you have a good rest. To help practice her healthy organic lifestyle, she loves to cook and put together her own recipes.
Natasha loves encouraging others to live a positive lifestyle. Each day, she tries to take every chance to become a better version of herself and to share happiness with everyone while she pursues her career in acting and modeling.
We had an opportunity to chat with Natasha. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Natasha! Thank you for speaking with us. You started your career as a fashion model and now the desire to act is an exciting venture. Tell us about your starring role in the indie film “Act Drunk.”
Yes, that is what I went to college for, theatre emphasizing in acting. “Act Drunk” was my first starring role in a short film. It was directed and filmed in Seattle. I played the lead, Maya, a painter with a very reserved lifestyle; though her friends were outgoing. The role was similar to me as a person as she was artistic and a lover of life.
Did you audition? If yes, tell us about the process.
The director, Stefan Wanigatunga, reached out to me for the role. After he finished the script, he thought I’d be best for it. I read it over with him and the cast a few times beforehand.
What do you love about acting?
What I love most about acting is that it is at the moment. I believe living in the moment is the key to living life. Acting leads to so much discovery within oneself and embraces the unknown. How thrilling and exciting is that?
Is acting something you always wanted to do?
Yes, ever since I was 5-years old; my passion never left.
Is there a role you would like to play in a film?
I would love to play Princess Jasmine, I get told that I am her all the time. I’ve also learned that the best things in life are the most unexpected, so I keep my mind open for roles.
What’s next for you?
Continuing to act, model, and not take life too seriously! There are a few projects underneath my sleeves I am working on. Taking life day by day while taking care of myself makes me happy.
Connect with Natasha:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanigatunga/
Featured Image Credit: Esther Lee
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