"Instead of crying, I laughed at the top of my lungs as Jayanto was minus his fake moustache!" --- Tania

Talented model turned actress Tania Ahmed's career spans over a decade. Her outstanding performances in TV plays and feature films make her a prominent name in the entertainment world. Recently she shared her ideas, experiences, thoughts and plans about her career and the entertainment media with the cultural correspondent of The Daily Star.

Any interesting experience?
In the TV play Sekku Sekandar, I played the role of Jayanto Chattyapadhyay's wife. Jayanto is a very interesting and humorous person. In one sequence, he was supposed to call me names after sipping his 'daal'. Although he usually sports a moustache and beard, at the time of the shooting he was clean-shaven. Consequently he had to wear a false moustache for his role.

When the director said, "Rolling! Camera! Action!" Jayanto took a sip from the bowl and began to yell at me. However, instead of crying, I laughed at the top of my lungs because when I looked at him he was minus his fake moustache--which he had dropped into his bowl! Everybody else in the set burst into laughter! When he tried to put on the wet mustache again, the glue had dried up and he could not put it back. The make-up artiste had to arrange a new moustache for him.

Do you have any reservations about the roles you play?
I have played many roles--from a glamorous young girl to a dying old woman, an aristocrat lady to a courtesan. As an actress I am ready to act in any role that would further my career.

What is the best dialogue you have delivered?
In the TV serial Ronger Manush, I played Manjela and had a habit of saying, "I am very angry, I can hit you anytime," in the Manikganj dialect. My little fans used to enjoy this dialogue and always requested me to recount these lines.

What is your real self?
I am simple at heart. I never bother about what people will think about me. I always say what I believe is true. I do get into trouble every now and then because of my outspokenness.

Do you have any hidden talent?
Since my teens I have been an expert in the art of bridal make up. My neighbours and friends used to take me to distant places to do the bridal make up. I guess one can say I'm a make-up artist.

Who are your role models?
My all time favourites are Jaya Bhaduri, Sophia Loren, Julia Roberts and Kabori Sarwar.

In which film have you given your breakthrough performance?
Humayun Ahmed's film Shyamolchhaya, Sohanur Rahman Sohan's Swajon and Biswaroner Nadi.

Your dream role
My long-standing dream is to play Labonya of Shesher Kobita. On the whole, as I said, I have given up dreaming because I have been disappointed before.

What is your most treasured possession?
It's my heart, which is full of love and desire...

What do you think are the basic qualities of an actress?
She must be a good human being with a pure heart. Observation power and a strong personality should go along with these qualities.