How The White Lotus Shalini Peiris' International Upbringing is Helping Her Pave the Way for Sri Lankan Creatives

INTERVIEW

From Kandy to Koh Samui, Shalini Peiris' career has seen a remarkable U-turn, transitioning from human rights work to Hollywood. A self-proclaimed "Drama Queen" since her school days, acting was her first passion, one which she returned to full-circle following years in academia and NGO human rights work in Hong Kong. Now, Shalini combines her passions for acting and human rights, using storytelling to both entertain and advocate. As a woman of colour in a transitioning industry she's committed to pave the way for other Sri Lankan creatives, drawing inspiration from her international upbringing to portray complex character identities, like Amrita in the latest season of The White Lotus.

Speaking exclusively with CSP Times, Shalini Peiris reflects on her vibrant upbringing in Hong Kong and the UK, offers behind-the-scenes insight from filming The White Lotus Season 3, and shares her aspirations for taking on diverse and dynamic roles in the future.

Image courtesy of Jacquetta Clark

Can you share some information about your upbringing and how it influenced your

passion for acting?

I’m from Sri Lanka, and then my parents took us on quite the international ride from Kandy to Newcastle (in the north of England) and then Hong Kong where I mostly grew up. Acting is the thing I’ve loved the longest. My parents love to say that I was a born Drama Queen! Since I was a kid, I’ve been involved with drama all the way through school either through weekend drama groups, school plays or taking it as a subject at GCSE and A-Level.

How did you find the process, going from working at the Asian Human Rights Commission in Hong Kong to pursuing a career in acting?

I think it felt like a return to my first calling. I went through a stage of parking it as a childhood dream. I first thought I was going to go into Academics but ended up feeling quite alienated in that field. Then that took me to the NGO sector which is when I started working at the AHRC in Hong Kong, where I was dealing with traumatic human rights abuse cases in both Sri Lanka and Indonesia. It kind of led me full-circle back to where I started. Because in its purest sense, telling a story is what we have done since the beginning of time. And we have seen the power of storytelling in provoking, enlightening and educating people, as well as comforting and entertaining them.

What was your favourite memory from Hong Kong?

So many—growing up in Hong Kong was the best! We genuinely enjoyed our childhood, and now living in London, I have such an appreciation for how truly safe and sheltered we were able to be as children. One definite favourite memory that comes to mind was dancing in the pre-game show at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.

What top 5 restaurant recommendations in Hong Kong?

Growing up, we always loved dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, Peach Garden (which we’d call Sammy’s because of the owner!) on Lamma—also Peking Garden in Pacific Place and Jashan.

What challenges did you face when starting out in the industry, and how did you overcome them?

I’m still overcoming challenges—this industry is like one long-ass challenge! When I first started out, it was definitely a much more restricted landscape for people of colour, especially coming in as an international. It felt like very few doors were open to us, and so we had to keep knocking for decades and that’s just down to pure stubborn faith and perseverance!

Does your upbringing in Hong Kong, and your Sri Lankan heritage help to shape the characters you portray onscreen?

I’m very proud of my international upbringing and I think that is very much an asset both personally and professionally. I grew up with a bigger sense of the world, and so I think I’m able to connect more easily with characters and stories from whichever part.

Image courtesy of Fabio Lovino

How do you hope to represent Sri Lankan actors and inspire others to pursue the same career?

That’s a huge driving force for me. I get a lot of messages from Sri Lankans who say that this is their dream too, and so I’m not walking this road just for myself, but for them too. There’s so much natural creative talent in Sri Lanka and a huge lifegoal of mine is to find ways to nurture and support that in meaningful ways.

Who was the first person you told when you landed the role of Amrita in The White Lotus Season 3?

My partner—I had just landed in London and was still on the plane waiting to disembark when I got the call from my lovely agent, Tom Jeggo. I went home and tried to be as cool as I could and then said it almost in a whisper, and my partner was even more excited than me!

You are in the newest season of The White Lotus, was there anything in particular that you focused on when preparing for the role?

In preparing to play Amrita—a meditation teacher and spiritual counsellor—I did a deep-dive course on both Buddhism and counselling.

Tell us your experience when first reading the script, and knowing that your

character, Amrita, was the next role for you.

I was drawn to the stillness that Amrita brings even in the midst of the chaos surrounding her! I also instantly loved the relationship between herself and Rick—I think she will forever be changed by their encounter, and sadly, will now carry a lot of guilt and sadness too over her not realising when he was at his absolute edge.

What was your favourite memory when filming in Thailand?

My first week of filming was in Koh Samui, and I remember having my entire mind blown when I arrived at the Four Seasons! In Phuket, we did some unforgettable trips to Phang Nga Bay, Koh Panyee floating village, Hong Island and taking in the bioluminescence at night!

What was the experience like behind the scenes?

We lived where we worked for the most part, so it felt like a surreal summer camp!

What advice would you give to those not currently in the acting sphere, but wanting to make the move?

GO FOR IT! Life’s too short to not pursue your passion. Also, make sure you want it for the right reasons—if it’s to get famous, there’s far easier ways to do that. Do what you’re called to do, and if it’s being an actor, then welcome to the family!

What projects would you like to explore next in your acting career?

I’d love to do it all! Comedy, more character-driven drama, a gritty detective series, fantasy and also to return to my theatre roots at some point.

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