'My characters are down to earth'--Nargis

Nargis Akhter (sitting L) explains a sequence to (R-L) Shabnoor, Bobita, Diti and Mayuri

Nargis is known for her female-oriented works. For instance, she has done a documentary on women involved in fishery resource management. This film is now being aired on television.

Nargis is currently interested in making TV dramas. She has made a few already, such as a recent drama for ntv, which will shortly be telecast. She has also made a telefilm for Eid.

Her next film is Char Shotiner Ghar, which is now ready for the censor. She will start shooting for the film Short Kate Borolok, which is produced by KMR Manzur. She is producing two other films for her production house, Fem Com: Meghla Akash Part-II and a story from Rabindranath.

Nargis' films and dramas always carry a message. As she says,' I want my work to be innovative and meaningful. I have a sense of social responsibility and am committed to my audience.' As for the element of glamour in her work, she says that while she values popular artistes, her characters are more down to earth.

Nargis was recently invited to Kolkata to attend a workshop with the slogan 'Make art, stop AIDS'. There were about 150 participants --films stars, filmmakers and other media personalities-- at the meet. Nargis took part in the workshop as a lecturer on the above subject.

Quite often technical personnel work smoothly with the director. There are rewards to such teamwork. As Nargis points out, 'When cameraperson, Mahfuzur Rahman Khan and I worked together, he added 10 percent to my film. Therefore, I would obviously want to work with him afterwards. While choosing artistes, makers have to be careful in promoting new talents as well.

As for cooperation from the artistes, Nargis says that 'Our artistes often have a habit of putting the directors into inconvenience at the last moment. This is no doubt very disturbing and puts a lot of strain on the director and the work is delayed in the process.

Nargis describes the exodus of people from the video media to filmmaking as a 'positive sign'. As she amplifies,' The artistes have to come to terms with the environment in the media. They have to prove themselves through their work.'

Talking about her dual role as a filmmaker and woman, she says, 'I consider myself as a film- maker more than a woman.'

What is the downside or advantage of being a female filmmaker? To quote Nargis, ' There were times when I was not invited at the forums for artistes to exchange views. There are definitely barriers, but I believe I have earned respect through my work and positive attitude.'