Born in Sri Lanka, he is a versatile actor and writer who gained international acclaim for his role in the film "Dheepan," which won the Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Before his acting career, he was involved in the Sri Lankan civil conflict as a child soldier for the Tamil Tigers. Later, he sought asylum in France, where he pursued writing under several pseudonyms. His works often reflect his experiences of war and displacement, contributing to his compelling on-screen performances.