A Beautiful Path

Rafi Hossain: Welcome to Uncensored with Rafi Hossain. Today, we have Aparna Ghose with us. Thank you for giving us your time.

Aparna Ghose: I am happy to be here.

Rafi Hossain: You started your career with a beauty pageant. Generally, people starting like that don't go too far in the industry. What is your take on that?

Aparna Ghose: I do not agree with that. I, being an example, am doing well. I wanted to work in the media, but I couldn't find any proper platform to start my journey. Back then, the Lux Channel i beauty contest was looking for a new face for the film, Daruchini Dwip. When I saw the newspaper advertisement, I decided to try out. From there, I gradually understood the ins and outs of the industry. I credit my success to this beauty pageant. In our time, the focus was the acting, but now, perhaps the main focus is beauty or modelling. People who have come this far and are still thriving. Bidya Sinha Mim, for example, is still doing well. This is a platform for those who want to learn.

Rafi Hossain: Even though it is a big event, we only see a few faces working in the long run. Why is that so?

Aparna Ghose: Willpower is very important. I feel that those who come to this industry need the passion and resilience to work hard. I love acting. I think I am lucky enough that people recognised me because of the competition.

Rafi Hossain: Are you still involved with any theatre group?

Aparna Ghose: Yes, I am still involved with Nandikar from Chittagong.

Rafi Hossain: Do you have to mostly stay in Dhaka for your work?

Aparna Ghose: I have to stay in Dhaka for shooting, but when I have a show, I go to Chittagong. I have a show every two months.

Rafi Hossain: Why can't media personalities be friends?

Aparna Ghose: I believe that there is too much competition going on here.

Rafi Hossain: Who do you consider your friends from the entertainment industry?

Aparna Ghose: I consider Shafayet Mansoor Rana and Jon Kabir as my closest friends. I also have a good relationship with Mishu Sabbir.

Rafi Hossain: Are currently in a relationship? If not, what qualities do you seek for in a partner?

Aparna Ghose: No, I am not in a relationship; it's only a rumour. I want a partner who I can share everything with; someone I can consider my closest friend. Gondi is a movie about friendship, that's why I want people to watch it in theatres.

Rafi Hossain: When are you planning on getting married?

Aparna Ghose: My parents are insisting on it, but I'm not ready yet. I prefer working more now.

Rafi Hossain: Do you not want to work after your marriage?

Aparna Ghose: It's not like that. I think that my family will be the most important thing to me then, and I would want to prioritise them. I am not a good multi-tasker, so I cannot balance both aspects of my life.

Rafi Hossain: What are your thoughts on the current situation of the television industry?

Aparna Ghose: A change is coming, I believe. New web platforms are coming out and other platforms like YouTube are gaining traction. I also feel that people who have been in this industry for a long time are gradually adapting to the changes.

Rafi Hossain: Do you think this is a positive step?

Aparna Ghose: Yes, of course. We have to look at the bright side. Once upon a time, we only had one channel. Now we have so many options, giving viewers the liberty to choose from a large variety of contents. Now we have platforms like YouTube, so content is being made based on that kind of viewership. Many new directors are coming in who are bringing good content. So, I believe that we are heading towards something new.

Rafi Hossain: Who are some female actors that are doing well?

Aparna Ghose: I would say Mamo, Arsha, Mehzabien and Sabila Noor. I love their performances.

Rafi Hossain: How do you consider your acting?

Aparna Ghose: I don't like my acting at all. Every time I look at myself onscreen, I feel that there is always room for improvement.

Rafi Hossain: Whom do you prefer as your co-artists?

Aparna Ghose: There are many: Mosharraf Karim, Nisho and Jon are to name just a few. Tariq Anam Sir is my very favourite. I have learnt many things from him. I would also like to mention Humayun Faridi Sir.

Rafi Hossain: Who are your favourite directors?

Aparna Ghose: I love the work of Iftekhar Ahmed Fahmi. I have not yet met a director as creative as him. I am also fond of the works of Shafayet Mansoor Rana and Ashiq Mahmud. Mostafa Sarwar Farooki's work is my favorite. Zahidur Rahman Anjan and Arefin's works are also my favourites.

Rafi Hossain: I had a great time talking to you. I believe that the next time we meet, you will have more stories and experiences to share with us. Thank you.

Aparna Ghose: Thank you so much.