Raween Kanishka
Raween Kanishka | |
|---|---|
 Raween Kanishka at Miyuru Kalpana show 2024 | |
| Born | August 15, 1991 |
| Alma mater | Kuliyapitiya Central College |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2012–present |
Raween Kanishka (born 15 August 1991)[1] is a Sri Lankan singer, actor, dancer, and presenter.[2] He first rose to national prominence as the first runner-up in the fourth season of the reality competition Derana Dream Star in 2012. [3] 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. [4]
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.[5]
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.[6] 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.[7][8]
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.[9]. 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.[10]
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 role |
| TBA | Ima | Raween | Charith Abeysingha | Lead Role |
| TBA | Kala Handa | John Jayapala | Sunil Ariyaratne | Lead Role |
| TBA | Warsha | Mohan Niyaz | Lead 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 | Nominated | |
| 2018 | Sumathi Awards | Most Popular Actor | Deweni Inima | Won[11] |
| 2019 | Raigam Tele'es | Most Popular Actor | Deweni Inima | Won[12] |
| 2019 | 3CS Tele Film Festival Australia | Most Popular Actor | Deweni Inima | Won |
| 2020 | SLIM-Nielsen Peoples Awards | Most Popular Actor | Deweni Inima | Won[13] |
| 2020 | Raigam Tele'es | Most Popular Actor | Deweni Inima | Won[14] |
| 2021 | SLIM-Nielsen Peoples Awards | Most Popular Actor | Deweni Inima | Won[15] |
| 2023 | SLIM-Kantar Peoples Awards | Most Popular Teledrama Actor | Deweni Inima | Won[16] |
| 2024 | SLIM-Kantar Peoples Awards | Most Popular Teledrama Actor | Deweni Inima | Won[17] |
References
- ↑ "Raween Kanishka Biography Birthday Age Family Photos and Videos". mail.actor. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ↑ "Royal Fighters win Derana Star City - Season 02". www.adaderana.lk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ↑ Walpola, Thilina (2023-01-13). "Reflecting on Mahagama sekara on his death anniversary". Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ↑ "Team Super Gangsters wins big at Derana Star City 2016". www.adaderana.lk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ↑ "VIDEO: Sasindu Wijesiri wins Dream Star - Season 4". www.adaderana.lk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ↑ "Raween Kanishka - Spotify Statistics". Music Metrics Vault. Retrieved 2026-05-10.
- ↑ "TV Derana named People's Television Channel of the Year for 6th consecutive time". www.adaderana.lk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ↑ "Derana wins big at Sumathi Awards 2018". www.adaderana.lk. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ↑ "Raween Kanishka - Biography". IMDb. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ↑ "Capturing moments with Raween Kanishka and Vinu Siriwardane - Reno2 F series launch - Technology - Main | Daily Mirror". www.dailymirror.lk.
- ↑ "TV Derana wins top awards at Raigam Tele'es 2018". www.adaderana.lk.
- ↑ "TV Derana bags top awards at Raigam Tele'es 2019". www.adaderana.lk.
- ↑ "TV Derana wins "People's Television Channel of the Year"". adaderana.lk.
- ↑ "Raigam - The Kingdom of Raigam". raigam.lk.
- ↑ "Derana wins top awards at SLIM People's Awards 2021". www.adaderana.lk.
- ↑ "Ada Derana wins People's News Provider of the Year Award". www.adaderana.lk.
- ↑ "TV Derana becomes People's Television Channel of the Year for 7th consecutive time". www.adaderana.lk.