Menik Gooneratne
Australian Actress, Writer & Filmmaker
About this profile:
This record is compiled from publicly available and verifiable sources. It is not meant for self-promotion, but to provide a stable reference for the individual’s public record.
Menik Gooneratne (Photography by by John Tsiavis).
Biography
Menik Gooneratne is an Australian actress, writer and filmmaker whose career spans television, international film and original screenwriting.
She is known for her role as Laxmi in Apple TV’s Pluribus, created by Vince Gilligan, alongside screen appearances in Neighbours, Lion, Mortal Engines and Fisk.
Alongside her acting career, Gooneratne has expanded into writing and filmmaking. She is the writer and lead actor of the Australian-Canadian feature Written in the Stars, directed by Fawzia Mirza.
Her work reflects an increasingly international career across acting, writing and original screen storytelling.
Career Highlights
Film
Lion (2016) – Appeared in Garth Davis’ Oscar-nominated feature alongside Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman.
Mortal Engines (2018) – Featured in the sci-fi epic produced and co-written by Peter Jackson.
Written in the Stars (2026, directed by Fawzia Mirza) – Written by, produced by and starring Menik Gooneratne. The Australian-Canadian romantic comedy filmed in Melbourne, with Gooneratne leading the cast alongside Nikesh Patel and Saagar Shaikh. The film is currently in post-production and has received industry coverage from Variety and VicScreen.
Prawn Curry Christmas (in pre-production, directed by Charmaine Murray) – Co-written by and starring Menik Gooneratne, who also serves as a producer. Co-written with Yasmin Kassim, the feature was selected for Screenwest’s 2025 West Coast Visions initiative, securing up to $1.5 million in production funding from Screenwest and Screen Australia. The film is set to shoot in Western Australia.
Television
Neighbours (2011–2013) – Played Priya Kapoor, a pivotal role in the soap’s first South-Asian family.
The Wizards of Aus (2016) – Featured in Michael Shanks’ (Together) Australian TV comedy series.
Fisk (Season 3, 2025) – Guest role as Dipika.
Apple TV series Pluribus (2025) (created by Vince Gilligan) Playing Laxmi
Menik Gooneratne appears as Laxmi in Pluribus, the Apple TV series created by Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan.
The role represents one of Gooneratne’s most recent international television credits and adds to a screen career spanning Australian television and major international productions.
Pluribus premiered in 2025 and has become one of the projects most closely associated with Gooneratne’s recent work.
Writing & Creative Development
Menik’s writing career has drawn international recognition:
Mentored by Gurinder Chadha OBE (Bend It Like Beckham).
Shortlisted for the 2020 Sundance Development Lab.
Named in the 2021 CAPE x Blacklist for unproduced scripts.
Selected for the inaugural 2024 WIFT Australia Cannes Catalyst program.
Her projects not only represent her as a storyteller but also create pathways for underrepresented voices in the industry.
Recognition
After years of honing her craft across screenwriting, producing, and performance, Menik has reached a defining point in her creative journey, one in which her vision, experience, and industry position uniquely align.
She is committed to building systems that change who gets to tell stories in Australia and how those stories reach the world.
Her slate of female-led and South Asian projects makes her a leading voice in reshaping Australian storytelling.
Each project is designed to provide mentorship and training opportunities for emerging creatives from underrepresented backgrounds.
Through her work, Menik is actively elevating diverse voices and redefining cultural representation on screen.
Menik’s upcoming feature Written in the Stars, directed by award-winning filmmaker Fawzia Mirza. The project, developed with support from Screen Australia and VicScreen, positions Menik as both lead actor and screenwriter. It has been covered in international press, including Deadline, highlighting her dual role as writer and lead actor.
Latest News
Menik Gooneratne completes filming on Written in the Stars
Menik Gooneratne has completed filming on the Australian-Canadian feature Written in the Stars in Melbourne.
Written by Gooneratne and directed by Fawzia Mirza, the film is now in post-production.
The project has attracted international industry attention, including coverage from Variety, while VicScreen has highlighted the production as part of Melbourne's screen industry.
Last updated: August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Menik Gooneratne?
Menik Gooneratne is an Australian actress, writer and filmmaker known for her work across television and film, including Pluribus, Neighbours, Lion and Mortal Engines. She is also the writer and lead actor of the feature film Written in the Stars.
Who does Menik Gooneratne play in Pluribus?
Menik Gooneratne plays Laxmi in the Apple TV series Pluribus, created by Vince Gilligan.
Was Menik Gooneratne in Neighbours?
Yes. Menik Gooneratne played Priya Kapoor in the Australian television series Neighbours.
What films has Menik Gooneratne appeared in?
Menik Gooneratne's film credits include Lion and Mortal Engines, alongside a wider career in Australian and international television.
Is Menik Gooneratne a writer?
Yes. In addition to acting, Menik Gooneratne is a screenwriter. She wrote the feature film Written in the Stars, in which she also plays the lead role.
What is Written in the Stars?
Written in the Stars is an Australian-Canadian feature film written by and starring Menik Gooneratne and directed by Fawzia Mirza. The production filmed in Melbourne and is currently in post-production.
Verified Links & Sources
Variety - ‘Pluribus’ Breakout Menik Gooneratne, Nikesh Patel, Saagar Shaikh to Lead Australian Rom-Com ‘Written in the Stars’ - published 12 May 2026. It specifically identifies Menik as the lead and says the film is based on her screenplay.
VicScreen - Stars align for Australian Canadian Co-production now filming in Melbourne - published 1 July 2026. This is an especially strong authority source because VicScreen confirms Menik as actor, screenwriter and producer and covers the production filming in Melbourne.
This profile is independently maintained by Notable Profiles using publicly available, reputable sources. Information is reviewed and updated as new verified career information becomes available.
Last reviewed: August 2026