Wahida Mallik Jolly, an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre, Dhaka University, is an accomplished actress and a costume designer. After completing her MSS in Social Welfare from Dhaka University, she went to Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, to study Acting and Costume Designing.
Born in a culturally oriented family, Wahida got deeply involved in cultural activities, especially in theatre and recitation, from her early days in Rajshahi. At present she is a familiar and well-loved face, thanks to numerous TV plays, serials and films, featuring her in major roles.
Recently The Daily Star caught up with the actress and she shared her experiences and views. Excerpts from the interview:
The Daily Star (TDS): What was your first TV play and what role did you play in it?
Wahida: I was enlisted in BTV in 1978. The first TV play that I acted in was “Sukher Nongor” directed by Saidul Anam Tutul. My role was that of a fisherman's wife.
TDS: What are some of the significant plays you've done?
Wahida: “E Ki Jalaton” by Momtazuddin Ahmed. My co-artistes in that play were Asaduzzaman Noor and Subarna Mustafa. I can recall a few more like “Beejmantra,” “Pitah Mata Putra O Moumita,” “Ilish,” “Banner,” “Aboho,” “Sondhya Lok-er Jatra,” “Trinar Galpo” (directed by Selim Al-Deen), “Pragoitihashik” (adaptation of Manik Bandyopadhaya's short story) and “Strir Patra” (adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's work).
TDS: Your breakthrough role?
Wahida: In “Beejmantra” directed by Masum Reza, I played the role of a barren woman. In the play, I convince my husband to marry another woman and welcomed my shotin to our home and I treat her well, until she conceives. Then I became envious of her and ultimately try to poison the unborn baby.
TDS: What are some of your popular TV serials?
Wahida: I have acted in a number of TV serials, of which “Rong-er Manush” directed by Salahuddin Lavlu, “Labonya Probha” written by Matia Banu Shuku, “Shankhabash” written by Bipasha Hayat and directed by Tauquiir Ahmed, “Cornet” directed by Shahiduzzaman Selim, “Mayur Shinghason” written by Pantha Shahriar and directed by Rulin Rahman, and “Doll's House” by Azad Abul Kalam have attained popularity.
TDS: You are quite active on stage as well...
Wahida: In 1993, I acted in the theatre group 'Drishya Kabya' produced play “Shara Rattir” (directed by Badal Sarker). Besides that I performed in “Hashya-Lashya-Bhashya,” written and directed by Professor Momtazuddin Ahmed, “Jonok” produced by Natya-chakra, “Manob Kantho” and “Ja Kokto”.
TDS: You've also done some films...
Wahida: I've acted in a short film called “Sharat Ekattor,” directed by Morshedul Islam. Among feature films, I've done “Lalon,” directed by Tanvir Mokammel, among others.
TDS: Your current projects?
Wahida: I am now busy with a number of TV plays and films. Of them, “Utshab” written by Pantha Shahrier and directed by Rulin Rahman; Taher Shipon's “Diba Ratri Khola Thakey” “Bhut-er Goli” and “E Bhora Bador, Mah Bhador, Shunya Mondir Mor” and Subarna Mustafa directed “Aakash Kushum” are noteworthy. I am acting in the film “Amar Bondhu Rashed,” an adaptation of Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal's Liberation War themed story involving some adolescents. Morshedul Islam is directing the film. Besides that, I am acting in two other films titled “Mon Diyechhi Tomakey” and “Bhalobashar Shada Kalo.”
TDS: Anything special for Eid?
Wahida: I hardly work on Eid. However, a TV play “Patoki Nakhatra” directed by Sohrab Hussain Dodul is expected to air during the upcoming Eid.
TDS: Do you have any intention to venture into direction?
Wahida: No. I just want to act and teach. I teach Indian Theatre at Dhaka University where direction is a section. I will just continue with that job.