Legendary actress Dilara Zaman has won several prestigious awards, among them the prestigious Ekushey Padak and National Film Award. A familiar face in popular TV plays, she has grown strength to strength throughout the decades. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, she gave a view of her long acting career.

You received the Ekushey Padak and National Film Award besides winning many hearts. How do you view your achievements?

Dilara Zaman: Such recognition is inspiring for an artiste. I became an actress because my heart was set on it. Acting is now a part of my life and the awards are my rewards. Apart from all that, people's love is a great award.  

What was the scenario like at the start of your career?

Dilara Zaman: In the beginning, I had to struggle a great deal as acting, especially by girls, was frowned upon by most families. But I was very lucky that I had my family's complete support. My husband, in particular, was a constant source of encouragement.

What was your childhood dream?

Dilara Zaman: I dreamt of becoming a doctor or teacher. In 1967, I started my career as a teacher and remained in the teaching profession for about 26 years.

Any acting experience as a student?

Dilara Zaman: I did my first stage play when I was a class ten student of Banglabazar School. My role in the play was greatly appreciated. I went on to do stage plays when I was studying at Eden College. Those days school and college students did stage plays under the direction of Professor Nurul Momen. He also presented the students with gifts. Nurul Momen was my mentor at that time. I won an award for my character in his play “Alo Chhaya”. Afterwards, I did a stage play “Mayabi Prahar”, directed by Alauddul Al Azad at Curzon Hall of Dhaka University. Here Abdullah Al Mamun played the role of my husband.

When did you start acting in BTV plays?

Dilara Zaman: In 1966. My first drama was “Tridhara”, directed by Tahmina Banu, featuring Syed Ahsan Ali Sydney, Ajmeri Zaman Reshma and Lili Chowdhury, wife of Munir Chowdhury. The plays were telecast live those days.  

Which is your favourite character in your TV plays?

Dilara Zaman: I remember noted litterateur Humayan Ahmed's “Eisob Dinratri” and “Ayomoy” where I played the role of a mother. My favourite is my character in “Matir Bichhana”, directed by Emdadul Haque Milon,

What is the difference in TV plays of earlier times and now?

Dilara Zaman: With time, everything changes. In those days we used to rehearse for three days and had to memorise the script but now everything is done in haste.

Do you miss the golden days?

Dilara Zaman: Over the years, we have lost a lot. I especially miss my late husband. Nowadays we don't hear birds twittering or get to see much greenery. I also miss moonlit nights.

Where did you spend your childhood?

Dilara Zaman: I was born in Bardhaman district in undivided Bengal where my father was posted. Later, we shifted to Asansol. After partition, we came to Jessore where I had great fun. I was very restless those days. I had a number of male friends who would climb guava trees and I would eat the fallen fruits. My mother often used to scold me for my errant ways. Those wonderful times still linger in my mind.