Raveen Kanishka

Raween Kanishka (born 15 August 1991) is a Sri Lankan singer, actor, dancer, and presenter. He first rose to national prominence as the first runner-up in the fourth season of the reality competition Derana Dream Star in 2012. He gained widespread fame with his role as "Anuhas" in the television series Deweni Inima, which also earned him the Most popular teledrama Actor Award in several award ceremonies.

Early life and education Raween was born in Kuliyapitiya. He attended Kuliyapitiya Central College, where he was actively involved in music and school stage productions before entering the national entertainment industry.

Career Music and presenting Raween's career began in 2012 with his success on Derana Dream Star. He has since released numerous hit singles and is a frequent collaborator on major teledrama soundtracks. He also established himself as a high-profile television presenter, hosting programs such as Derana Dream Star (Season 9 onwards) and several major award ceremonies including the Raigam Tele'es.

Following his initial success on reality television, Raween returned to compete in the celebrity reality competition Derana Star City, where he won first place in both Season 1 and Season 2. He also began his early career in media as a radio presenter before transitioning to television hosting.

Beyond his studio releases and teledrama soundtracks, Raween has established himself as one of the most highly sought-after live performers in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry. He is a regular featured vocalist on premier television musical broadcasts and weekend entertainment programs, with notable appearances on shows such as Sparsha (TV Derana) and Mathra (Swarnavahini). Additionally, his widespread popularity has led him to headline major indoor and outdoor concerts across the island, as well as participate in numerous international musical tours performing for Sri Lankan diaspora communities worldwide.

Acting Raween made his television acting debut in 2017 with the role of "Anuhas" in Deweni Inima. In the early seasons, his on-screen chemistry with co-star Shanudrie Priyasad, who played Samalka, gained massive popularity, fans affectionately dubbed the couple "Sanuhas" (a portmanteau of Samalka and Anuhas) and helped establish the show's massive fanbase.

Following her character's departure, his subsequent on-screen pairing with Nethmi Roshel Rogers (playing Aksha) became equally celebrated by Sri Lankan audiences. Fans affectionately dubbed the couple "Anuksha" (a portmanteau of Anuhas and Aksha). This highly celebrated on-screen chemistry contributed significantly to the continued success of the series and its accompanying music videos, with tracks like "Malen Upan Samanalee" garnering over 23 million views on YouTube.

His massive television popularity led to leading roles in digital web series on the CeyFliX platform, including the romance dramas Kiss and We. In 2022, Raween took on a lead role in the TV Derana drama Diyani.

In cinema, Raween made his debut in the 2023 film Ksheera Sagaraya Kalabina" playing the role of Hirimala. The film was directed by Professor Sunil Ariyaratne. . In 2024, he starred in the musical film Solo Town, portraying the character Asanjaya (Jay).

Outside of his acting and music career, Kanishka has also served as a brand ambassador for Oppo in Sri Lanka, promoting their Reno2 F smartphone series.

Filmography

Television and web series Year Title Role Network/Platform Notes 2012 Derana Dream Star (Season 4) Contestant TV Derana First Runner-up 2017–2026 Deweni Inima Anuhas TV Derana Lead Role (Seasons 1 & 2) 2020-2021 Kiss Ishira CeyFliX Web Series (Seasons 1 & 2) 2022 We Varun CeyFliX Web Series (Seasons 1 & 2) 2022 Diyani Santhush TV Derana Lead Role 2021–2022 Derana Dream Star (Seasons 9 & 10) Presenter TV Derana Presenter in both seasons

Film Year Title Role Director Notes 2023 Ksheera Sagaraya Kalabina Hirimala Sunil Ariyaratne Debut film 2024 Solo Town Asanjaya (Jay) Chathurangana de Silva Lead role 2026 Kalpana Piyavi Saranga Mendis Lead roleTBAImaRaweenCharith AbeysinghaLead RoleTBAKala HandaJohn JayapalaSunil AriyaratneLead RoleTBAWarshaMohan NiyazLead Role

Discography This is a selected list of Raween Kanishka's most notable soundtrack contributions and independent releases. He has recorded and performed numerous other tracks throughout his career.

Soundtrack contributions Year Song Project Notes 2017 "Sanda Nidanna" Deweni Inima 2018 "Gala Yana Gange" Deweni Inima 2020 "Ada Nam Ma Hada" Deweni Inima ft. Kalpana Kavindi 2020 "Namak Nathi" Kiss Web Series Theme Song ft. Shanudrie Priyasad 2023 "Malen Upan Samanalee" Deweni Inima ft. Nuwandhika Senarathne (Over 23 Million views) 2024 "Adaraye Mul Dawas" Solo Town Film Song 2026 "Adare Kiya Kiyanne Jeewithetamai" Deweni Inima Season 2 Theme

Independent singles Year Song Notes 2014 "Kada Halena Tharuwak" 2017 "Sandawan Ruwin" Breakout single 2018 "Visiri Thibuna" 2019 "Matath Unna Kenek Issara" 2022 "Danune" 2022 "Meghana" 2025 "Numbage Wela"

Awards and accolades Raween won many awards for his television acting and singing, and some of them are:

Year Award Ceremony Category Nominated Work Result 2017 State Music Awards Best Singer 2018 Sumathi Awards Most Popular Actor Deweni Inima 2019 Raigam Tele'es Most Popular Actor Deweni Inima 2019 3CS Tele Film Festival Australia Most Popular Actor Deweni Inima 2020 SLIM-Nielsen Peoples Awards Most Popular Actor Deweni Inima 2020 Raigam Tele'es Most Popular Actor Deweni Inima 2021 SLIM-Nielsen Peoples Awards Most Popular Actor Deweni Inima 2023 SLIM-Kantar Peoples Awards Most Popular Teledrama Actor Deweni Inima 2024 SLIM-Kantar Peoples Awards Most Popular Teledrama Actor Deweni Inima