A new chapter in Mithila’s book

Rafiath Rashid, popularly known as Mithila, is an actor, writer, a development professional, a mother and also an occasional singer – not necessarily in the mentioned order. Last night, she tied the knot with critically acclaimed director from India, Srijit Mukherji, in Kolkata, amidst close family members and friends. Today, she takes out some time to talk to us about herself, and her new chapter in life.

Congratulations on your wedding! We are truly so happy for you!

Thank you so much!

Tell us a little about Srijit. How did you two meet?

Srijit and I first connected through Facebook. We had common friends, and became close down the line. Later on, we worked together on Arnob’s music video, which was made by his production company, Match-Cut Productions. We kept in touch and eventually, love happened!

What are you looking forward to from your new beginning?

I just want to enjoy life as it comes! I am not moving to Kolkata as of yet. However, even if I do move, nothing much will change in terms of my career in the development and entertainment sectors.

What immediate plans do you have

shortly after?

I am starting my PhD in the University of Geneva in Switzerland, for which both of us are leaving for Geneva next week. This will be followed by a short honeymoon in Greece.

What kind of work have you been doing on TV lately?

I have been doing some ad-films, as well as photoshoots for products. This year, I was the brand ambassador for some renowned companies and products, such as Maggi, Domex and Meril, among several others. I am also regularly hosting a celebrity talk show called Amar Ami on BanglaVision. I usually work on fictions and telefilms only on Eid. But I am also thinking about working on some web based fictions and series. I usually have to give it a thought before I say yes to a project, mainly because I have a day job and I also travel a lot for work.

Can you tell us a little about your

day job?

I work for BRAC International, which implements the international operations of BRAC and currently work in 11 countries outside Bangladesh. I am the Head of Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme and currently overseeing projects in a few countries, namely Uganda, Tanzania and Liberia, where we promote learning through play, for early-years-education. I do a lot of country visits, attend international conferences, trainings, conduct workshops etc. I am truly passionate about my work and this keeps me going! Seeing my dedication and how much of a workaholic I am, my friends and family at times jokingly tell me that I am married to BRAC!

You work for projects that focus on education for young girls. Can you tell us more about them?

I have a project running in East Africa, at the moment, where young dropout girls are brought back to the mainstream education system. These girls are identified and streamlined under a formal system, so that they can, at the very least, finish their basic education. They drop out for many reasons --- financial constraints to be the most common one. So, once they are brought back to school after a hiatus for a year or more, we give them the remedial support so that the gaps can be filled. Of course, many would rather work more on their skills development. That is where we come in as well and help them out. Their skills usually include several vocations like hair dressing, using the computer to run a venture and so on. This programme is running quite well in Uganda and Tanzania. The girls, who are usually shy in the beginning, turn out to be confident within a few months.

You recently authored books for children. What was the response like?

I have always wanted to work on children’s literature. Two of my children’s books have already been published from BRAC, this year, for children aged between 1 to 5 years. I am working on my upcoming book project, targeting the Boi Mela 2020. I am collaborating with popular cartoonist Morshed Mishu to work on the illustration, and writer Anik Khan to help me with the edits. I am very much looking forward to this project since this would be a dream come true for me!

As the mother of a daughter, as well as someone who works with young women -- What, according to you, would be an ideal Bangladesh for our young girls?

When girls and women would not have to be scared to walk on the streets; would not be bullied, harassed and abused in public spaces and at home; when women will be respected, equally treated and not judged by the society; when women will be able to dream big, and parents and society would support them to achieve that dream -- that would be my ideal Bangladesh.