Sublime Sarika

Since childhood, Sarika Sabah has immersed herself in the world of art, taking classical dance lessons and specialising in Kathak. Over time, her dedication to dance grew, yet a deeper desire began to burn within her—a dream to one day find her place among the stars. She began her journey in the entertainment industry with TVCs in 2019, while she was a second-year CSE student at North South University, and quickly rose to prominence, winning hearts with her portrayal of Jhumur in Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz's popular mega serial "Family Crisis".

Now, Sarika has delivered yet another standout performance in Syed Ahmed Shawki's Chorki original web-series, "Gulmohor", released on May 15.

"I dreamed of seeing myself on screen while growing up. As those dreams slowly began to take shape, I didn't want to let any opportunity slip by. So, when the chance came to do my first TVC, I said yes—just to give it a try. I was lucky enough that after my debut, I got to work with Adnan Al Rajeev in one of his commercials, and within the following month, more offers started coming my way," shared the actress.

Despite having no formal acting training, Sarika feels incredibly fortunate to be part of "Gulmohor". "This experience has taught me so much—lessons I can carry into future projects. Without a background in theatre or formal acting studies, I've always thrived by learning from my co-actors and directors. I joined the team after an audition, and getting selected was just the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Although we shot in different locations, the shoot at Rajbari, where the house 'Gulmohor' is set, was something I'll always remember." 

Reflecting on her time working with Shawki, Sarika said, "His expertise made the filming procedure a unique one. For instance, during shoot breaks, there was complete silence, allowing us to stay focused on our characters without being distracted. The team made sure we had everything we needed to give our best."

"After the shoot, it felt like we'd been on a trip because we enjoyed ourselves so much. However, I also learned a lot about discipline, which is essential for any artiste. I also gained valuable experience by working closely with Mostafizur Noor Imran." She laughingly added, "Even the child actors in the series had more experience than I did!"

Sarika's portrayal of Jhumur was the turning point of her career — the role became so iconic that her name almost faded into the background. People on the streets would often call her Jhumur instead of Sarika.

"For any artiste, it's a surreal feeling to be recognised by their onscreen character.  I'd always admired how director Mostafa Kamal Raz's characters felt so real, brought to life in a way that made them deeply relatable to the audience. So, when he approached me to play Jhumur, I was genuinely thrilled."

Having played the role for over three years, Sarika admits it became a part of her identity. "Sometimes I would forget my real name," she chuckled. "The entire 'Family Crisis' team truly became like a real family. As for Jhumur, she's a character who's incredibly innocent. Despite enduring so much and facing constant taunts, she never complains. She also walks with a limp, which adds another layer to her vulnerability. Over time, I developed a deep emotional attachment to her, and this is one role that will always remain with me."

Besides the serial, Sarika also appeared in numerous television dramas, with her last small-screen role airing in 2023 during Eid. "I chose to lessen my appearance on the small screen since then due to a lack of variation in the characters I am offered to play," she divulged. In the meantime, she took a step back to focus on herself, losing 24 kilos over just seven months, as part of a personal commitment to fitness and well-being.

When asked if she transformed herself for a role, she replied, "Absolutely not! It was entirely a personal decision. Whenever I saw myself on screen, I felt I was overweight. I would also feel my energy levels dropping easily. That's when I knew I had to start this journey for myself."

Speaking about her transformative journey, Sarika emphasised that she reached her goal healthily. She intentionally took a seven-month break from work by choosing not to take on any new projects. "I stayed at home, ate homemade food, fresh fruits, and did zumba and yoga. It was easier to stick to a routine and maintain proper meal timings that way," she explained. 

"When we're working, we often order unhealthy food, skip breakfast, or snack late at night. Staying at home allowed me to break those bad habits and focus on my well-being. Since I was also nearing the end of my degree, it was easier for me to step back from work for the time being."

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