Kusum Renu

Dabare Kusum Renuka Liyanage (born January 30, 1961, as කුසුම් රේණු) [Sinhala]), popularly known as Kusum Renu, is an actress in Sri Lankan cinema theater and television. She is best known for the role Madhuri in television sitcom Nonavaruni Mahathvaruni and role Vishaka Samaranayake in the film Dharmayuddhaya.

Personal life Kusum Renu was born on 30 January 1961 in Colombo and completed her education from Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda. 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. She met Sriyantha during the stage drama Pandukabhaya in 1984 and couple married on 25 October 1986 after the proposal in April 1985. The couple has two daughters. Elder daughter Nipuni Preksha is married to Shan Amanda Perera. Younger daughter Tharuki Amaya Mendis also acted in stage play Subha saha Yasa. Her cousin daughter Vidhushi Uththara is also a popular actress in television.

Elder daughter Nipuni specializes in fashion design, costume design, and stage costume design. Her husband Shan is a peon. Their daughter is Gabriela Kathleen. Second daughter Tharuki Amaya Mendis completed a NIBM course and studied Human Resources Degree.

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. Her first role came through T.B. Illangaratne's stage play Sailasanaya. 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.

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. 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 Bandhanaa (2022) Damini Damsaari (2012) Dangamalla (2006) Deiyange Punchi Akkaraya (1983) Deydunu Yanaya (2001) Doowaru (2012) Ethuma Gajaman Nona Himagira Naga Hima Kunatuwa (1984) Hiruta Pipena Sooriyakantha Iththo (2019) Itu Devi Vimana Mandaram Wahi (1982) Mathi Nethi Daa (2003) Mawa Mathakada Mini Muthu (2012) Nannaththara (2022) Neela Pabalu (2023) Nil Mal Viyana (2004) Nonavaruni Mahathvaruni as Madhuri (1997) Paradeesaya Package (2018) Pinkanda Simona Pipi Piyum (2007) Prarthana Mal (2010) Puja (2002) Raja Bhavana (2003) Rankira Soya (2004) Ran Miriwedi Ran Sevaneli (2009) Ruwan Maliga as Trilicia Satharadenek Senpathiyo Sathara Ima Gini Senehase Geethaya (2006) Sihina Genena Kumariye (2020) Sihina Kumari (2009) Sulang Kapolla Veeduru Thira Visirunu Renu (2008) Wassane Sihinaya (2009) Wes Muhunu

Paba Mage Adara Awanaduwa

Selected stage dramas

Danga Malla (2013) Mama Wenama Malak Suba Saha Yasa 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) Gebbara Minisa (2011) Raassa Paraassa Sudu Saha Alu Mamai Anduwa (2018) Hankithi Dahathuna Yathuru Hilen Balanna

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.

Year Film Role Ref. 1979 Jeewana Kandulu 1981 Eka Dawasak Ra 1981 Sathkulu Pawwa 1998 Julietge Bhumikawa Patient 2002 Punchi Suranganavi Mrs. Pereira 2003 Sonduru Dadabima Madhumathi 2006 Bherunda Pakshiya 2011 Sinhawalokanaya Dingiri Menike 2012 Kusa Pabha Queen Madhuraja 2015 Suhada Koka Malini 2015 Sanjana 2015 Maharaja Gemunu Queen Viharamaha Devi 2017 Dharmayuddhaya Vishaka Samaranayake 2018 Gharasarapa Vidya's mother 2018 Goal 2019 Jaya Sri Amathithuma Godamune madam 2023 Kathuru Mithuru cameo role 2023 Midunu Vishwaya 2025 Housefull 2026 Dharmayuddhaya 2 Vishaka Samaranayake Jayashan's Mother Vishaka Samaranayake

Awards Hiru Golden Film Award