“Acting always draws me”

Actress Bonna Mirza has been busy lately with several TV serials. The Daily Star recently caught up with the actress. Excerpts from the interview:
TDS: What are the positive and negative aspects of frequently going on air?
Bonna: I won't disagree that many of serials I'm acting in are on air at this moment. Desh TV is airing “Shimanto,” directed by Badrul Anam Soud. Several other channels are airing plays including “Onno Rokom Brishti,” “Lucky Thirteen,” “Manobjomin,” “Bhabi,” “'Batasher Ghor” and “Shopnobajar.”
Being featured in so many serials has its ups and downs. But I would say the gains carry more weight, as frequent airtime gives me the chance to stay closer to the viewers.
TDS: What can the audience expect from you this Eid?
Bonna: I have already completed work for some TV plays. For instance, work on a telefilm, titled “Raag,” written by Masum Reza and directed by Salahuddin Lavlu, was wrapped up two weeks ago. I also have plans to act in other Eid productions, which will be directed by Suborna Mostafa, Badrul Anam Soud and others.
TDS: Tell us more about your current projects…
Bonna: In “Bhabi,” I play the role of a simple, modest woman, who endures unfairness silently. In “Manobjomin,” however, I play an urban, married woman. In the play, my character's husband is ill and she is having an extramarital affair. In “Shimanto,” I play the role of Rinuk who changes dramatically after her marriage. Single-episode plays offer me the chance to play diverse characters.
TDS: A Salahuddin Lavlu production is always a class apart. Can you give us an idea of his Eid-special telefilm “Raag”?
Bonna: “Raag” has a very unique storyline. In this production, Chanchal Chowdhury plays my neighbour who is a musician. However, his practice sessions irritate my father, and he forces Chanchal's character to leave the house. I have a feeling viewers will like the telefilm.
TDS: You are also involved with theatre...
Bonna: I have been a member of the troupe Desh Natok for the last 16 years. I have worked in the productions “Nittopuran,” “Birsa Kabbo,” “Ghor Lopat' and several others. Theatre has taught me so much and I don't think I'll ever leave the stage for good.
TDS: Many of your contemporaries are moving towards direction nowadays. Do you have such plans?
Bonna: I don't have any plan to be a director; neither do I have plans to be a model. I want to stick to acting only.
TDS: Did you undertake formal studies on theatre?
Bonna: I studied in the Department of Theatre at the University of Dhaka. Sometimes I feel that it's only acting that I have ever learned, and sometimes I feel the exact opposite. Nevertheless, acting always draws me. Studying theatre has definitely helped.
TDS: What is your take on the emerging crop of directors?
Bonna: To be honest, despite the scarcity of deft actors and actresses, the television media has no shortage of directors. Many newcomers in the field have made their mark by proving their skills. Some of them are doing noteworthy work.