Nilmini Thennakoon

Thennakoon Pathiranalage Nilmini, known as Nilmini Thennakoon, was born on January 23, 1965 (Sinhala: නිල්මිණි තෙන්නකෝන්) and is a celebrated actress in Sri Lankan cinema and television. With exceptional versatility, she has made a significant impact on the small screen and earned numerous Best Actress awards at various local award festivals. Fondly referred to as the "tear drop" of Sinhala television and sometimes called the Sri Lankan Madhuri Dixit,[4] Nilmini's talent has been widely recognized and appreciated.

Her personal life has seen ups and downs, including a marriage to the popular singer Madhumadhawa Aravinda, with whom she shares a daughter named Swetha Mandakini. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in the early 2000s.[9] She faced a harrowing car accident in 2007 that left her with severe injuries, but she bravely recovered.

Nilmini's journey in the world of performing arts began in her school days when she participated in stage acting and studied dancing under Mrs. Vajira Chitrasena. Subsequently, she trained in "Low Country" and Kandyan dancing under Mrs. Chitra Kumari Kalubowila in Moratuwa. These experiences led her to perform in ballets like "Sasara" staged on Rupavahini.[2]

Her introduction to cinema came through the renowned director Roy de Silva and actress Sumana Amarasinghe, which eventually led her to play significant roles in both television and films. Some of her notable works include the film "Keli Madala," "Nagaran," and "Le Kiri Kandulu."[11] She received critical acclaim and awards for her roles, such as the Sarasaviya Award for Best Upcoming Actress for "Suranimala" in 1992, and the Best Actress award for "Le Kiri Kandulu."[4] Her character "Deepthi" in the television series "Doo Daruwo" became a major success in her career.[4]

Throughout her journey, Nilmini has been recognized for her outstanding performances, winning the Most Popular Teledrama Actress Award for six consecutive years, among other accolades.[2] She also participated as the leader of the group "Shakyans" in the reality program "Hiru Mega Stars," and hosted the psychology television program "Sith Giman Hala" on TV Derana.

Aside from her successful career in the entertainment industry, Nilmini currently owns a beauty salon in Nugegoda, showcasing her versatility and entrepreneurship.