A busy run up to Eid

Photo Courtesy: Tuhin Hossain

Sarika is one of the most popular models and actors of our time. As a model she has made waves in a short span of time, while she has also carved a niche as an actor. Now, immersed in her acting career, she has her calendar full with upcoming Eid projects. Recently, during a shoot for an Eid play by SA Alik, she took the time to chat with the correspondent.
How many plays are you working on for Eid?
Sarika: A handful. Nearly 30, I think. And I hope that out of these, 20-25 plays will be aired. I started shooting for my Eid plays from May this year.
That's quite a lot. What's your opinion about the stories and quality of the TV plays that you take on?
Sarika: Well, there is no compromise so far as the story and the quality are concerned. I look at all aspects story, the drama itself, director, my character. This Eid, audience will see me playing a variety of characters in new plays.
Which directors you are working with?
Sarika: I have finished shooting of about 15 plays. Among them is Zahid Hasan's “Shubho Bibaho”, a seven episode play. I have worked in three plays directed by SA Alik which were shot in Tangail, Pubail, and Dhaka. A recent play is by Naresh Bhuiyan in which Subarna Mustafa is my co-actress. I have also worked in Nurul Alam Atik's play. In fact it is kind of difficult to name all the plays that I am doing for the upcoming Eid.
Which role was the most challenging?
Sarika: In one play I enact the role of a sweeper's wife. The life of a sweeper is totally alien to me. Azad Abul Kalam was my co-actor here. This was indeed a challenge.
How do you spend your free time when you are shooting?
Sarika: Actually during shooting, I don't get much free time. When I do, I love to chat with my co-workers. Last time I went to Sirajganj with Zahid Hasan for a shoot. That was my first visit to Sirajganj. One day, when we were chatting, an old lady came up to me and asked me when I would get married. Everybody including me had a laugh!
Why aren't you doing more TV serials?
Sarika: Since the beginning of my acting career I have reiterated that I wouldn't work in serials. I feel, when I start a new project after working in a mega serial, then surely I will lose my passion for my character in the previous one. This, I think, could affect my concentration. On the other hand, an actor gets a chance to play diverse characters if he/she works in one- hour plays or tele-films. The audience also enjoys it more. This is why I prefer not to work in serials.\
What are your career plans?
Sarika: I don't like to think too far ahead. I believe an actor's priorities could change as time wears on. Initially I was more into modelling, and was successful too. But now all my plans and efforts centre on acting. I want to do good quality acting so that one day, my name figures among the top 10 actresses in the country. And with that that goal I am trying to move forward.
Where are you planning to spend the Eid vacation?
Sarika: This time I won't be able to stay in the country.I will be in Qatar at Eid to perform in a show. However, I will miss my country and near and dear ones terribly.
Do you find any difference between the Eid celebrations of your childhood and now?
Sarika: Yes, of course! When I was a kid, I used to receive a lot of gifts from everyone whereas now I have to give presents. But what bothers me is that, sometimes I don't even have time to shop. But the good thing is that my mother always buys special dresses for me even if I can't afford time to do it.