1. We would like to start the interview with a glimpse of your childhood days and your academic journey.

I was born in the city of Abbottabad, Pakistan, where my father served as an Army Officer and taught at the staff college. Due to the nature of his job, we had to relocate frequently, traversing across East and West Pakistan before settling down in Dhaka, Bangladesh when I was in Class 1. Growing up, I had the opportunity to attend a diverse range of schools, each with their unique culture and values. I completed my secondary education at Viqarunnisa Noon School, a renowned institution in Dhaka known for its academic excellence. Later, I went on to study at Holy Cross College, where I obtained my Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).

Initially, I pursued a degree in Biochemistry, but I eventually switched my field of study in English Language and Literature. I was fascinated by the art of storytelling and the power of language to move people emotionally and intellectually. I honed my writing and critical thinking skills, which have proven to be invaluable in my personal and professional life. Overall, my academic journey has been filled with twists and turns, but it has ultimately led me to a fulfilling career.

2. Shed some light into your dynamic career journey in multiple sectors and the inspiration behind pursuing your career in theater and drama.

After completing my SSC, I discovered my love for acting when I joined a theater group. From the very beginning, our group was passionate about establishing theater as a regular medium of art, despite it being an unconventional practice at the time. Unfortunately, the audience for the theater was limited, and people were reluctant to buy tickets to watch plays.

Determined to make a change, we decided to take the first step towards professionalism by staging our first play, with the aim of making theater a more regular and widely appreciated art form. We scheduled our performances for seven consecutive Sundays, which, at the time, were considered weekends. This proved to be a turning point for us, and soon we were staging around three plays a month, repeating shows to accommodate our growing audience.

Our efforts did not go unnoticed, and we soon found that more and more theater groups were forming, all with the shared goal of promoting theater as a respected and well-regarded art form. This was the beginning of my journey in theater, and it was all taking place while I was still studying.

After completing my Honors degree, I had the opportunity to do a course on Direction in London. However, after completing my studies, I realized that it was difficult to earn a livelihood from theater due to the lack of financial returns. My husband, Aly Zaker, suggested that I join our organization Asiatic, where I started working in Market Research before switching to Social Communication.

For the past decade, I have been fully engaged in overseeing these companies that has a central office called Asiatic3sixty. 

3. Being one of the prominent figures in the media industry of Bangladesh, how do you think the industry evolved over the years along with the audience’s perceptions?

Throughout our career, we have acted in various stage plays as well as popular television dramas written by renowned writers such as Humayun Ahmed and other directors. In the early 1990s, the only channel available in Bangladesh was BTV, and it wasn’t until the mid-90s when Channel I and ATN was introduced. By the beginning of the 21st century, Ekushey TV and other channels emerged. During the 90s, BTV was the sole source of entertainment, and while the plays were well-executed, the industry was still in its nascent stage.

Over the past 30 years, the television industry has evolved significantly, and independent producers have emerged, leading to the rise of a television content industry. The positive outcome of this shift is that it has resulted in a vast number of professionals, including actors, directors, editors, and sound professionals, working in the industry. The industry has grown tremendously from the early days when only a handful of people worked for BTV. The advent of technology made it possible for anyone with a camera to create content for television channels.

More recently, professionals have evolved because of the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The pay is comparatively higher than what is offered by television channels, which has led to more people acting on these OTT platforms. In the last two to three years, the quality of the content has improved significantly, and it is paying well for actors. Compared to traditional television channels, the production cost for these platforms is much higher, so the actors, technical people, and directors are paid very well. Also, the quality of the production is far superior. This is how the content industry, specifically Natok, has evolved in Bangladesh.

In the advertisement industry, agencies have undergone significant changes over the years. Previously, agencies such as East Asiatic were solely responsible for providing advertising services. However, as the industry evolved, specialization became necessary, leading to the formation of separate companies.

Initially, we had a research company and an ad agency as part of our organization. However, we recognized the need for an event company and decided to establish a separate company to provide these services. This was followed by the creation of a media company, which we developed by forming affiliations.

What began as a unit of “Nayantara Communication” responsible for producing Sisimpur eventually has been taken up by Dhoni Chitra Ltd. Rather than holding on to the ad agency, we continued to play the role of a creative agency while expanding into events, media, production, and PR companies.

Unlike many companies that remained as one organization with various divisions, we opted to become separate entities. By doing so, we have been able to better adapt to changes in the industry and provide more specialized services to our clients.

4. What are the promising aspects you find in Bangladeshi content and how do you feel seeing Bangladeshi movies and artists receiving global recognition?

Nowadays, there is an increasing trend of Bangladeshi contents receiving international recognition, such as Rehana Maryam Noor and Hawa. These contents are of high quality and it’s very inspiring to see them gaining exposure on a global scale. However, it is important to note that the growth and success of our industry could be further enhanced if the government provides support for the arts, similar to the way they support sports and other sectors. Such patronage could enable our industry to thrive and achieve even greater heights.

5. As a senior artist and social activist, how do you merge your both work to raise awareness and bring more attention to important social issues?

Effective communication is crucial for promoting any product or idea. When promoting a product, having a well-known personality endorsing it, such as Shakib Khan, Joya Ahsan, or Suborna Mustafa, can make a big impact on consumers. Similarly, promoting social issues requires a similar approach. As an activist, it is important to believe in the cause and feel passionate about it. Only then can you effectively communicate and raise awareness about it.

For example, I am passionate about promoting women’s issues, such as breaking the stereotype that fair skin is better than dark skin. I take every opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and the need for cancer awareness and early detection. As one of the partners in the Women of The World Festival, I am able to actively promote these issues and empower women to feel confident and empowered.

Being an activist starts with believing in the cause and taking an active interest in it. This may involve participating in events like Wow festivals, speaking out against injustices, or collaborating with others to bring about positive change. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. 

6. Tell us about your current projects or engagements and how do you spend your leisure time? 

Currently, I am primarily focused on studying scripts and stories. In addition to my regular office work, I am deeply involved in our newly formed foundation, which includes organizing the Women of the World festival and managing Batighar, a memorial space dedicated to Aly Zaker where we organize various programs. I also play a key role in coordinating the various companies within our organization. These activities are currently my primary engagements and areas of involvement.

7.  What insights or advice would you like to share for aspiring youths looking to make a career in the creative and entertainment industry?

My suggestion for aspiring actors is to recognize that success doesn’t come easily. It takes hard work and unwavering focus to make it in this industry. You must be willing to commit to the long haul and do everything in your power to improve your craft. This can involve participating in acting workshops, practicing with a script or book, and constantly honing your skills. Once you have a role, you must continue to work hard and stay focused on the task at hand. However, it’s important to remember that focus often requires sacrifice. You cannot do everything at once if you want to achieve your goals. So, in summary, the two most important things for success in acting are focus and hard work, and they often require sacrifice.