Tahmina Authoi on her debut in Saidul Anam Tutul’s ‘Kal Bela’

Tahmina Authoi in ‘Kal Bela’. Photo: Courtesy

Talented actress Tahmina Authoi made her silver screen debut with "Kal Bela", released across the country on December 10. Renowned filmmaker and freedom fighter Saidul Anam Tutul, who passed away in December 2018, directed the film.

In a candid conversation with The Daily Star, the actress has shared her experience of working in the film, along with her upcoming projects and more.

Authoi portrays Sanjida, who was living a regular life until the Pakistani Army surged their heinous operation against the innocent people located in the then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.

"It was really challenging to understand and get into a periodic character," says the actress who completed her education from the Department of Dramatics, University of Chattogram. "I went through all the available resources to understand the lifestyle and psychology of people who I never saw. Since I am a student of dramatics, it helped me a lot to melt in with the character."

The government-granted film began shooting in 2018 and wrapped in March 2019. "Saidul Anam Sir completed shooting the entire film. However, a patchwork was left which was done by his wife Mobashera Khanam," says Authoi.

Based on the Liberation War of Bangladesh, the film depicts the struggle of the protagonist Sanjida, reflecting on the war, without showcasing any violence or bloodshed. "It is a story of a girl who never gives up," asserts the winner of the beauty pageant World Miss University Bangladesh 2017. "So far, I have been receiving positive responses from the audience, my greatest achievement was when renowned human rights activists Sultana Kamal complemented with her words—'Struggle of Sanjida reflects the birth of Bangladesh'."

The promising actress is proud to have the opportunity of working in a film based on the Liberation War as her debut project. "I will always be grateful to Saidul Anam sir, I wish we could watch the film together!"

While shooting the film, Authoi faced many challenges. "I was barefoot in the entire film, and it was very cold too," she says.

The artiste shared that during the shoot, a snake passed by her. "I was frightened but until the shot was completed, I did not utter a word, as I was afraid that we will have to reshoot the part and it will be harder to carry out," shares the actress. "When the director said cut, I just shouted my heart out and ran away. The director and the entire team were astonished why I didn't say anything during the shoot," says the dedicated artiste.

Authoi is also an anchor, who has hosted quite a few programmes on satellite channels. Her upcoming projects are the Manik manobik directorial "Chheleti Odbhut" featuring Tauquir Ahmed and "Chattola Express", directed by Shimul Khaled, featuring Ferdous among other noted artistes.