Shalani Tharaka stands as a luminary in Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry, renowned for her exceptional contributions as an actress, model, dancer, presenter, and lyricist. Celebrated for her leading roles in teledramas like Poojasanaya and Sangeethe, as well as her victory in the 2007 Sirasa Kumariya beauty pageant, Shalani is a cultural icon. This detailed biography explores Shalani Tharaka’s height, age, husband, children, family, and professional milestones, offering an authoritative resource for fans and industry professionals.
Shalani Tharaka: Essential Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gonakumbura Pangukarage Shalani Tharaka Wijayabandara |
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1990 |
| Age (as of May 2025) | 34 years |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (161 cm) |
| Hometown | Balangoda, Sri Lanka |
| Professions | Actress, Model, Dancer, Presenter, Lyricist |
| Notable Works | Poojasanaya, Sangeethe, Selvam, Spandana |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (based on current public information) |
| Children | None |
| Social Media | Instagram: @shalani.live (900,000+ followers) |
Biography: A Journey of Multifaceted Talent
Early Life and Breakthrough
Born on November 15, 1990, in Balangoda, Sri Lanka, Shalani Tharaka, now 34 years old as of May 2025, displayed artistic inclinations from childhood. Her primary education at St. Agnes Convent, Balangoda, nurtured her early talents, while her move to Negombo for secondary education at Newstead Girls College allowed her to refine her skills in Western and Kandyan dance. At age 17, Shalani’s career skyrocketed when she won the Sirasa Kumariya beauty pageant in 2007, a prestigious title organized by Sirasa TV that propelled her into the spotlight.
Her acting debut followed in 2008 with the teledrama Poojasanaya, directed by Sherly P. Delankawala, where she starred alongside Suraj Mapa. This role marked the beginning of a prolific career in television, with subsequent appearances in popular serials such as Isuru Bawana, Hansi, Giridevi, Api Api Wage (I & II), Ganga Addara, and Sanda Sanda Wage.
Rise to Stardom
Shalani’s versatility extended beyond television. In 2012, she made her cinematic debut as Medhavi in Selvam, followed by a lead role in the 2015 horror film Spandana. Her dance prowess shone in reality competitions like Sirasa Dancing Stars (Season 2) and Hiru Super Dancer. A historic achievement came in 2020 at the 16th Raigam Tele’es, where she became the first actress in 24 years to win both Best Teledrama Actress and Most Popular Teledrama Actress awards simultaneously.
Career Milestone: Shalani’s dual award win at the 2020 Raigam Tele’es underscored her dominance in Sri Lankan television.
Physical Profile: Height and Public Persona
Height and Appearance
Shalani Tharaka’s height of 5 feet 3 inches (161 cm) complements her graceful presence, both on-screen and in modeling projects. With an approximate weight of 54 kg and body measurements of 34-25-35 inches, Shalani’s elegant physique enhances her roles in teledramas and commercials. Her dark brown hair and eyes, along with a distinctive beauty spot near her lower lip, add to her captivating appeal.
Style and Influence
Shalani’s fashion choices blend contemporary elegance with Sri Lankan cultural motifs, making her a style icon. Her Instagram account (@shalani.live), with over 900,000 followers, showcases her lifestyle, fashion, and behind-the-scenes moments, amplifying her influence as a trendsetter and brand ambassador for companies like Hero Honda, Raino, and Janet.
Cultural Impact: Shalani’s dance performances in Kandyan and Western styles have elevated her status as a cultural ambassador.
Personal Life: Marriage, Children, and Family
Marital Status
Public curiosity about Shalani Tharaka’s husband is significant, yet as of May 2025, Shalani is unmarried and has not publicly confirmed any current romantic relationships. While past reports linked her to Dasun Nishan, she maintains privacy regarding her personal life, focusing on her professional endeavors.
Children
According to available information, Shalani Tharaka has no children. Her career commitments, including acting, modeling, and digital content creation, remain her primary focus.
Family Background
Shalani was born to Susantha Wijayabandara, a businessman, and Suraji Fernando, a professional beautician, in Balangoda. Her upbringing in a supportive family fostered her artistic talents. While details about siblings are limited, Shalani’s move to her mother’s hometown of Negombo for secondary education reflects her strong familial ties.
Professional Achievements: A Diverse Portfolio
Career Highlights
Shalani Tharaka’s career is marked by significant accomplishments across multiple domains:
- Acting: Starred in teledramas like Poojasanaya (2008), Sangeethe, and Ganga Addara, and films like Selvam (2012) and Spandana (2015).
- Modeling: Featured in commercials for brands such as Hero Honda, Raino, and Janet.
- Dance: Competed in Sirasa Dancing Stars and Hiru Super Dancer, showcasing her expertise in Western and Kandyan styles.
- Digital Influence: Manages a YouTube channel (@ShalaniTharaka) with over 239,000 subscribers and 900,000+ Instagram followers.
- Awards: Won dual awards at the 2020 Raigam Tele’es and featured in the 2021 Raffealla Fernando Celebrity Calendar.
Financial Success
As of 2024, Shalani’s estimated net worth ranges from $1.5 million to $5 million, derived from acting, modeling, brand endorsements, and digital content. Her monthly income is estimated at $13,000 to $15,000, reflecting her prominence in the industry.
Market Influence: Shalani’s social media engagement, with over 1.4 million Facebook likes, underscores her widespread appeal.
Why Shalani Tharaka Excels
Shalani’s success stems from her multidimensional talent, cultural authenticity, and strategic digital engagement. Her ability to navigate acting, modeling, dance, and content creation distinguishes her as a leader in Sri Lanka’s entertainment sector. By blending traditional Sri Lankan values with modern innovation, Shalani resonates with diverse audiences and secures high-profile brand partnerships.
Future Prospects: Shalani Tharaka’s Next Chapter
Shalani Tharaka’s career trajectory signals continued prominence. Her ongoing roles in teledramas, potential new film projects, and expanding digital presence position her for further success. Fans can stay updated by following her Instagram (@shalani.live), YouTube channel, or engaging with platforms like gachanews.com for real-time insights. Shalani’s influence is set to grow, both in Sri Lanka and internationally.
Conclusion
Shalani Tharaka epitomizes the modern Sri Lankan entertainer, combining exceptional talent with cultural pride. From her award-winning teledrama roles to her dynamic presence in film and digital media, she continues to inspire. This biography serves as a definitive guide to Shalani Tharaka’s height, age, husband, children, family, and professional journey, offering valuable insights for fans and industry stakeholders.
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