Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Renowned actor of the 90’s, Afsana Mimi, is a household name in the industry. Recently, she has diverted her concentration to directing, where she is seeing incredible success with whichever projects she works on. The Daily Star has a conversation with the star, who talks about her work, recent projects and future goals.

Tell us about your recent projects.

I am directing four tele-fictions: Samantaral, Biprotip, Nairit and Bonhi. We have finished the work of three, and they will be broadcast soon. All four of these tele-fictions are for a project titled Sampreeti by Manusher Jonno Foundation, and carry a message for the audience.

Which artistes will be featured in the projects?

Mamunur Rashid, Hasan Imam, Laila Hasan, Sajal and Samia Athoi have worked in Samantaral. In Biprotip, Yash Rohan, Samu Chowdhury, Shilpi Sarker Apu, and Tanim Tanha have carried out the acting duties. Bonhi features Tisha, Intekhab Dinar, Tanveer, Likhon, Pritha and Mili Basher while Irfan Sazzad and Ishrat Nishat will be seen in Nairit. All these artistes are really talented, and I have worked with some of them for the very first time in this instance.

A lot of people say that the budget for television projects have declined. What is your say on that?

It certainly has, and it is unfortunate. All budgets increase, except for the ones for the production of a quality tele-fiction or telefilm. However, I am glad that in Sampreeti, I was given a sizeable budget.

Which is tougher, acting or directing?

In my opinion, directing is more difficult than acting. When I act, I only have to think about my presence on screen. However, when I direct, I have to take into account everything from the actors’ coming on time to the set, to finishing shoots on time and to make sure that they are paid. Of course, the presentation of the project is also a major worry, that the directors have to undertake.

Your presence on screen as an actor has declined. Do you miss acting?

Of course I miss it, my first identity is that of an actor. After a lot of years of serving the industry, I have shifted to directing. Even though I choose to do less projects as an actor now, I do miss it very much.