SHIMU stays true to the profession

A glamorous face on the small screen, Sumaiya Shimu has been acting for over a decade. Besides, she has ventured into modeling as well. She has impressed many by her works and still continues shooting for TV plays. The actress talked about her profession and more in a recent chit-chat with The Daily Star.

Tell us about your series “Somlata” that is currently being aired.

Shimu: Under the direction of Amlan Biswas, the drama serial is telecast on Maasranga twice a week. It is a story based on a struggler who takes shelter in a relative's house with her father and leads the two-member family by teaching children at a school. I'm getting a good response for my performance.  

You have been irregular in serials lately. Why is that?

Shimu: I recently lost my father and due to his demise, I had to go through a difficult time, but now I'm back to work. Besides, I have started networking with others. I hope I will go back to my previous track with lights, camera and action. In the meantime, I did a one-hour play.

What are your expectations from life?

Shimu: I have been in the profession a long time. I never do any work based just on glamour. I am comfortable to do all kinds of role and due to this directors can trust me, which is a great achievement for me. At present, it's not possible to play the role of a teenager but I want to do good work.

Are you inclined to roles with social messages?

Shimu: In many cases, yes. TV plays are not just entertainment but also uphold many social issues and we can take a lesson from them. I also have some commitments to myself and always focus on the script and character.

Many complain the good dramas are rare to come by these days. Do you think so?

Shimu: It's a totally wrong view, because if you see our technology is very advanced. Besides, our directors and scriptwriters are more skilled than before. Definitely, we can see good plays at present. Many people pass such comments without even watching the dramas. 

Are you willing to play characters based on famous novels and stories?

Shimu: I have always wanted to do literature-based roles and still dream of playing such characters. Like, I played the role of Mayaboti based on noted writer Humayun Ahmed's story “Mayaboti”; that was a great experience.

How difficult it is to be an actress?

Shimu: It is really difficult; acting does not depend on your will. It is even more difficult to become an artiste. To become one, you must be committed to acting. I love this profession a lot and want to be in the arena till my last days.