Tamalika Karmakar: Daring to stand apart

Tamalika Karmakar is known in the cultural arena as an actress of substance. As a child artiste, her talents won her a major recognition through Notun Kuri Award. She won a National Film Award as well. Though at present she is not doing films, the actress is actively involved in theatre. Tamalika is also seen on TV but she is very selective about the serials/plays she takes up.
Among her ongoing TV serials are “Lilaboti” and “Kagojer Ghar” on ATN Bangla. “Lilaboti” is being directed by Arun Chowdhury, and “Kagojer Ghar” by Chayanika Chowdhury. About the serials, Tamalika says, “My roles in both serials are up to my standards. They're very interesting characters.”
Among other serials featuring Tamalika is “Shomporko” directed by Ananto Heera. She has completed shooting for “Ochena Manush” directed by Murad Parvez. About her workload involving TV serials, the actress says, “I can be overwhelmingly busy with TV plays if I want to, but that's not my intention.”
She considers “Moyur Bahon” a memorable work. Directed by Rulin Rahman, the serial was lauded by viewers. “Paap-punyo” is another noteworthy serial, according to Tamalika. “When considering plays on the Liberation War, 'Paap-punyo' would surely come up,” she says.
Tamalika's TV career started on a high note; her performance in the hugely popular series “Kothao Keu Nei” put her on the map. “’Kothao Keu nei' is the most watched serial in the history of BTV. I played a call girl in the serial. Back then I wasn't really sure what a call girl is. That role became the turning point of the career.”
What other roles does she consider special? Tamalika's response: “Abola in Mamunur Rashid's 'Shundori.' Many weren't sure that I can play a rural girl; my performance in that serial change their perception.”
Any preference between glamorous and non-glamorous roles? “I honestly don't care whether my role is glamorous or deglamourised. All I want is opportunities to act; that's my only concern.”
About not doing a lot of TV serial/plays, Tamalika says, “I don't believe in rat race. What would I accomplish by doing as many TV plays as possible? Besides, the commercial aspect of my profession has never drawn me. Maybe it's something inherent. As long as I can have a dignified lifestyle, I'm good.”
Another trait that sets this thespian apart is her committed involvement with theatre, despite attaining mass recognition through TV plays. She is a member of Aranyak Natyadal. “The stage is my first preference as a medium. No other medium provides an actor with the instant gratification and direct response from the audience that theatre does. Theatre has taught me commitment,” she says.
Recently the actress did a show in the US. The journey home has been an unusual experience: “From US I flew to Dubai and missed my flight. Took another flight to India. From India, I went to Sylhet and from there, straight to Jaipurhat. It was a journey without any break. Aranyak had a show in Jaipurhat. Right after the show, I had to leave for Cox's Bazar to shoot for a TV play. This was a memorable journey.”
Among her upcoming projects are some serials and Eid-special plays. Tamalika has completed shooting for Humayun Ahmed's “Noshto Bashor.” The play will be aired during the coming Eid.