“We need to raise awareness of women’s rights at grassroots levels” – Dilara Zaman
Dilara Zaman began her journey in acting over forty years ago. She has earned the esteemed Ekushey Padak and the National Film Award during her illustrious career. Aside from acting in countless plays, telefilms and films, she is also an educator. However, such accomplishments have not slowed her down, as the artiste continues to be a regular favourite on screen. On International Women's Day, she gets candid with The Daily Star about the challenges that women face, the changes in the industry, her upcoming ventures and more.
The theme for this year's International Women's Day is 'I am Generation Equality: Realising Women's Rights'. What, according to you, is the significance of this day and theme?
It is important to have a day to raise awareness about the struggles of women the world over and honour their achievements. However, we need to go beyond the city life of Bangladesh, when it comes to forging equality for women. We need to raise awareness of women's rights at grassroot levels. Those who work to engage the hearts and minds of the community to help drive women's equality, should reach out to the remote and rural areas, for affecting real change.
Women from all walks of life face different levels of discrimination and harassment on a regular basis, even today. How do you think we can overcome such hurdles?
We owe an enormous amount to the women in our lives – be it our mothers, sisters or wives. We need to support them to overcome their struggles. We can combat the harassment, discrimination and negativity if we educate people on first and foremost, respecting and valuing women as human beings, on all accounts.
As a female artiste, what were some of the biggest challenges that you faced when you started out in the industry?
You see, I come from a very conservative family. When I was a university student, the great novelist Munir Chowdhury sent a letter to my father for his permission to let me act. Many of my relatives said that if I become an actor and work in the media, I will not be able to find a good husband. So, there were different pressures from a familial, and from a societal level at large. Women often take a few steps back or leave the workforce entirely once they get married. Fortunately, in my case, I had a life partner who supported me through thick and thin.
What are your thoughts on the opportunities for women in the media today?
I think women and girls are making a mark not just in the media, but in other challenging fields as well. Today, we have capable women working as law enforcers, engineers, social change makers and what not. But these opportunities were not built in a day – we had to walk a path layered with different struggles to get here.
Moving on to lighter matters, you will be playing Sayera Khatun in Shyam Benegal's film on Bangabandhu. Can you tell us a little about the role?
I feel honoured and privileged to be playing the role of Bangabandhu's mother, Sayera Khatun, in a Shyam Benegal film. I never thought that I would get such a great opportunity as an artiste. I will start shooting for the film from March 24, and I am really looking forward to it.
You have been working for over four decades now. How do you look back on your journey so far?
I would say it has been an incredible journey, filled with joyous moments. I have always been passionate about everything that I do – be it acting or teaching. I think I would not have been able to come this far, without the passion and dedication.
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