On the learning curve

Mithu's passion for reading seems to be inherent. Her uncle, noted journalist-writer Fayez Ahmed used to take her to the book depositories in Banglabazar and let her go to town, as she fondly remembers. "I used to make a list of books I wanted and I'd eagerly wait for the day. It was the proverbial 'kid in a candy store' situation for me." She was also fortunate enough to witness Moddhoraat-er Ashwarohi (by Fayez Ahmed) in the making.

Mithu became a radio host with the programme Uttaran. Her TV career started with a commercial (in 1998) that she did upon insistence of Geeti Ara Chowdhury. Following that she appeared in a major role in a single-episode TV play Shangshar Shakhi written by the late actress Najma Anwar. The play followed the bitter-sweet relationship of a young woman (played by Mithu) who has just moved to the big city from a village and her mother-in-law. Neither woman leaves a single chance to take a shot at the other but when they have company, they put up a show of tender-love and care. The play was aired on Ekushey TV in 2000.

Though Shangshar... was her first TV play, Jetey Jetey Obosheshey (A TV serial by Ahsan Habib) was Mithu's first work to air. Soon, Mithu found several offers in single episode TV plays and TV serials for her at-ease subtle expressions and impeccable diction.

Mithu's role in Kachher Manush, Chhanda, is of a housewife who often finds herself in discord with her husband. However, Chhanda is one of those women, who for the sake of their family, their familiar identity in the society and above all, their children, never confront the situation. They are used to cope with unfavourable circumstances without any indication of discomfort, even when they are dying inside little by little.

Rawshan, the character Mithu plays on another TV serial, Labonya Probha that has grabbed the audience's interest, is poles apart. Rawshan is not the coy, subdued kind. When she finds her husband's actions and words offensive, she flat out tells him off. When the circumstances become intolerable, she gets a job and leaves her husband.

Mithu is a regular in the theatre scene as well. In 2004, she became a member of Nagorik Natya Shamprodaya. In Karno Kunti Sangbad, one of the three stories narrated in Ataur Rahman's play Natyotroyee, she plays the role of Kunti. She plays one of the major roles in Chhayanat as well.

Mithu is also the researcher and presenter of a show titled Japito Jibon, aired on Rtv. The show highlights life sketches of veteran personalities who have made immense contribution in different fields -- politics, journalism, acting, music and more. Mithu finds the research and studying requisite for the programme rewarding.

According to her, "I believe a human being reaches his/her full potential after the age of 40. Education and wisdom through invaluable experiences do not reach their peak at the age of 20 or even 30. While doing episodes on these personalities, when I get to hear them narrate their vivid lives and experiences, I feel insignificant. I still have so much to learn."

"The overly used saying--'no end to learning'--is not implemented enough. Actors must go through a learning process. When a Subarana Mustafa play is on TV, I drop everything and watch it minutely. Every expression, every delivery of dialogue can provide volumes one can learn from. Sadly enough, our TV channels don't re-run the classic TV plays from '70s, '80s and early '90s, featuring ace performances by noted actors. To an emerging actor, these performances can be as effective as textbooks."

Besides reading, the actress also enjoys painting. Works by renowned artistes--Hashem Khan and Qayyum Chowdhury--in her living room indicate she collects paintings. Mithu has another penchant--masks. Why masks? The articulate artiste smilingly says, "Masks represent an enigmatic human behaviour. We all put on different 'masks' when dealing with different people or situations."