Dolly Zahur: A lifetime of acting excellence

As a National Award-winning Bangladeshi actor and television personality, Dolly Zahur is a household name in the media industry. She gained a lot of popularity for the character Nilu in the drama serial "Eishob Din Ratri" by Humayun Ahmed, a performance that was considered a breakthrough for her career in television. 

Recently, the winners of the National Film Award were announced, and Dolly Zahur is said to be receiving the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for her contributions to the film industry. 

In a candid conversation with The Daily Star, Dolly Zahur talked about her journey in the showbiz world and more. 

It has been reported that you will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Film Awards in 2021. 

I have heard that too. People are already congratulating me. I will receive the award jointly with actor Ilias Kanchan. This is one of the biggest achievements in my acting career, and I want to thank the government for choosing me. I don't know if I deserve such a great honor, but I am grateful to those who thought I was worthy. There are many more artistes who deserve it. I hope they will receive such an honor too. I am overwhelmed with everyone's love. 

When you started acting 50 years ago, did you imagine that you would receive such recognition and love from the people? 

No. I always loved acting, that's why I started acting at a very young age. However, when I started acting after the independence of the country, there was nothing more I could ask for.  

You have passed the golden era of television, when you were active on small screen. What's your opinion on the current state of the television industry?

It's not fair to compare the present to the past because so much has changed in the last few years. When we started acting, there were the best directors, screenwriters, and producers who invested in those teledramas. We also had just one TV channel back then. Even so, the dramas that were made at that time were loved by people. Some of them are truly timeless. 

However, the scenario has completely changed now. People have so many channels and options for entertainment that it's hard to keep the audience satisfied. 

You have worked with Sharmili Ahmed on numerous television fictions and films. Tell us about her. 

I won't be able to finish talking if I start. When I was with her, I used to forget the absence of my mother. She never let me feel my mother's absence. I used to call her didi. She was very close to my heart, and I cried a lot when she passed away. It feels like a strong shade over my head was taken away from me after she died. 

When I was sick, she used to call me every day and bring foods for me. Not many people can make these sweet gestures. I miss her so much. 

Is an artiste's thirst ever satisfied? 

It never ends. It always feels like I could do better.