An Interview with Sahana Rahman Sumi
She has been considered as one of the most promising theatre actors of her generation, having played in numerous plays with the renowned theatre group Prachyanat, as well as many television serials and movies. A recent advertisement that she starred in on International Mother Language Day took social media by storm, earning her praise from critics and casual fans countrywide. Star Showbiz presents to you a candid interview with the promising actor.
Could you tell us about your recent projects?
I'm usually very picky about my work, and I only do a project when the script is to my liking. A recent production that we did was Tragedy Polashbari, which is really being appreciated by the audience. An advertisement that I did in tribute to International Mother Language day really could touch the heart of people countrywide and I am grateful for that. Last year, I was in a short film named Story of Golapi, and that was very well-received too. Besides these, I am working as a drama teacher in Scholastica.
You have worked in both theatre and on television screens. Which one do you enjoy more?
Well, both have their perks. When I'm performing on stage, I can get instant reactions from the crowd and that is always an amazing feeling. I feel like I can come alive on stage. On the other hand, being in a film or serial ensures that my performance is, in a way, archived. Even when I'm not there one day, I feel like the work I have done on the silver screen will always stay. That being said, I have always prioritized theatre over television, as I don't go for a serial/film unless I am completely invested in it.
How did you step foot into the world of acting? Did you always plan to pursue it as a career?
I actually studied in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies in Dhaka University. After joining Prachyanat, Nurul Alam Atique saw me perform and offered me a role in Cycle er Dana. I would say that it was a turning point in my career. However, I did not grow up wanting to pursue acting as a career. All I had in mind was I had to be self-sufficient and support my family. However, my father was a music teacher, so the cultural root was always there and I started gaining fascination for theatre when I was doing my intermediate studies.
Could you talk about some of your favorite plays/roles?
A production that we did, Koinna, would be one of my favorites. I already talked about Tragedy Polashbari, where I played a character named Taraban. This play was written by Abul Azad Kalam and has gained a lot of recognition. My first television serial, Cycle er Dana will always have a place in my heart, as well as Labonno Probha. The latter gave me a lot of fame.
Do you have any plans for the future?
I am an actor, and I want to die being an actor. It is my passion and I would like to follow it for as long as I am able.
Interviewed by Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz