“Don't asume our audience are fools”

Suborna Mustafa has been dominating the country's show business for long. She won the hearts of millions with her many hit TV plays. Apart from her TV roles, she has also ventured into cinema. She was once a regular performer of Dhaka Theatre. The multi-talented artiste recently talked about her professional life and more in a recent chitchat with The Daily Star. Excerpts:

Do you ever revisit your vast career in your leisure time?

Suborna Mustafa: I believe in the present. If you revisit your old days too often, it becomes difficult to move forward. It may keep you away from gaining success in the upcoming days. At present, I still have many old friends and the same way there are number of new artistes, who are my friends too. For example, Sayed Ahsan Ali Sydney and his son Jitu Ahsan are both my friends. So there is no time to look back if you are busy with new thoughts and ideas.

How optimistic are you about the future of the newcomers to the TV industry?

Suborna Mustafa: I'm optimistic, because the new generations will bring new ideas. They are gaining success in every medium. The time of old ones is over and now we have to make space for them.

As a member of censor board, do you think our film industry has better days ahead?

Suborna Mustafa: I believe that it is possible to make a good film, but for that new directors will have to come forward with new storylines. You need a number of things to make a good film: a strong plot, sufficient budget, congenial atmosphere, more cinema halls, and integrity. You see, Kolkata filmmakers are now doing very well. Our cinema has a glorious history. We can deliver something good, but for this we need great efforts. Some good films are being made already.

Many blame the audiences' lack of interest in going to theatres as a hindrance to development of the film sector. What do you think of that?

Suborna Mustafa: It's not right to blame the viewers for this. Don't asume our viewers are fools. I think our audiences will definitely go to cinema halls if good films are made. Also, if we can give congenial atmosphere for the cine-goers, they will go to theatres. The number of cinema halls will also have to increase.

Is there anything significant outside of acting that you're doing these days?

Suborna Mustafa: I do cricket commentary now, which I really enjoy a lot.