An actress comes of age

UNLIKE many, I didn't contemplate taking up acting as a profession while growing up. My passion for the art is a gradual progression," says Sumaiya Shimu.

Shimu is a familiar face to the contemporary TV audience; one of the leading ladies of this generation on TV. Her roles in several TV serials, single episode plays and tele-films have fetched her popularity.

Shimu started her TV career with modeling. She took up an offer for a role in the tele-film Ekhaney Ator Paowa Jaye (2001) by Ahmed Shahabuddin. Incidentally, this was the first tele-film aired on Channel i.

Soon the budding actress received more offers. She played major roles in the drama serial Duur-er Batighar, aired on Ekushey TV, single-episode plays Jog Biyog and Pancho Brikkher Bon on BTV and Ekushey TV respectively.

Currently she is featured in drama serials Society on Channel 1 and Projapoti Din on Banglavision. She has also done special TV plays on Nazrul anniversary -- Rikter Bedon on ntv and Byathar Daan on Banglavision. About her roles in the serial Society, Shimu says, "My character in Society comes from a middle class background, who is a good student. Like quite a few middle-class youth, she has this self-righteous and competitive attitude. For the most part, she competes with this student who comes from a wealthy family. Gradually, competitive urges transform into affection and they fall for each other.

"Against their parents' will, they get married and my character goes through changes. Her husband is killed and she has to face several adversities."

The petite actress with a smile that can light up a room says she is taking acting seriously of late. Though she did her Masters in Government and Politics from Jahangirnagar University (JU); her growing interest in acting has propelled her to do an M. Phil in Drama and Dramatics at JU.

Among the roles she is working on currently, is a character in a TV serial called Protnonari. Written by noted playwright Selim Al Deen and directed by Rafi Hossain, the serial stands out for its off-track story.

Regarding the role, Shimu says, "Getting an opportunity to work in a play written by Selim Al Deen is an actor's dream come true. I'm certainly thrilled. This will give me a chance to demonstrate my skills as an actor."

"The character I'm playing, is of an average girl. The male lead character, played by Ahmed Rubel, has only had a few encounters with her before she dies. She then reappears in his dreams and illusions. In his fantasy, her character often takes different identities -- Paromita, Promiti, Boukali, Dombi -- all related to different ages in history. Through her, the male lead delves into his fascination for history."

With a subtle gleam on her face, the actress seems optimistic about her career.