'I am a workaholic'--Sara Zaker

In a freewheeling interview with The Daily Star, she took time off to talk about her professional and personal life. Excerpts from the interview:

Any humorous stories to share?
Once when I was in Phuket five years ago, I went smack into a pool of water in the hotel. Was I embarrassed ! Fortunately the Thai staff was very courteous and saw me out of the water. It's just as well I was wearing western clothes rather than a sari.

Another story: my son Iresh regularly calls me from abroad, often with a fake voice--a game we both enjoy. Once, I had a call, which I thought was from him and told him to quit joking. Much to my discomfiture, he turned out to be someone else.

What professional memories remain etched in your mind?
While shooting for the film Antarjatra, the filmmakers Tareq and Catherine Masud gave me a makeover. They fitted me with brown lenses (I have green eyes) and a new haircut. In this persona, I resembled my sister Sajeda. Even Catherine was surprised when she saw Sajeda in New York.

What makes you tick?
I am a workaholic. My work keeps me going. I enjoy working for causes such as education, immunisation, family planning and child rights, among others. In theatre I combine the roles of actor and director effectively.

Have you slowed down?
Well people think that I have opted out of stage acting.

What are your favourite colours?
I go for black and red. In addition, I opt for khaki and beige. I feel comfortable in these colours, particularly since--because of my personality type-- I cannot carry off pastel colours. I also like earthy colours.

Who are your role models?
I am a great admirer of social activists such as Hamida Hussain, Shireen Haque, Ayesha Khanam and the late Salma Sobhan. The social work aspect of my work dates back to 1973.

What inspires you?
My husband Aly Zaker and I complement each other. We have common interests in advertising, stage and social causes. The inspiration comes largely from our social venture.

How do you spend your free time?
After a day's work, I like to watch movies, eat out and enjoy addas.

What have you done lately?
This Eid I have done three TV plays by Humayun Ahmed, Zafar Iqbal and Ahsan Habib respectively.

Do you believe in the zodiac signs and palmistry?
I am gullible but I don't go to palmists because I feel I might fall into a trap.

Where do you go from here?
We are thinking of launching a production house so that we can do feature films and dramas on our own. My dream is to be No 1 in the social communications arena. I would like to remain in theatre. This medium has become a part of me and I see my future in theatre.