INSPIRATION

My life's biggest inspiration is the pioneer of women's education, Begum Rokeya. Additionally, the prominent philanthropist Haji Muhammad Mohsin and the legendary polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar are also my inspirations. When I was a kid, they have left deep impressions on my innocent thoughts. In 1955, I watched a stage drama named Rokter Daag at a hall of Dhaka Rohmot Ali Institute and then, for the first time, I felt my thirst for acting. My Nattoguru Professor Nurul Momen Sir is also my inspiration. The honorable Professor of my college, Rokeya Rahman Kabir, motivated me to get involved with acting. When I was a university student, the great novelist Munir Chowdhury sent a letter to my father for the permission so I could act. In 1963, I acted in a stage drama at Karjan Hall titled Mayabi Prohor by the honorable Alauddin Al Azad. In that drama, my co-artistes were the prominent actors Abdullah Al Mamun and Professor Enamul Huq. After this stage drama, I received great responses and appreciation. In 1964, I got married to the great author and cultural personality Fakhruzzaman Chowdhury who received the Bangla Academy Award for his contribution to the literary arena. Inspired by him, I started my journey with radio and television in December, 1964. After that, I worked with Arindam Natya Sampraday in 1972. From 1980 onwards, I started acting in radio and television drama regularly. That's the brief story behind my inspirations.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe in honesty and I have shaped my life to its simplest frame. I have limited needs which helps me restrain myself from living lavishly. I always love to serve and help others as much as possible. It gives me sanity and steers me toward the moral path. In my opinion, to learn to be a good human being is more important than being economically rich. I believe in patriotism and I want to contribute a lot more for the betterment of our motherland.

VIEWS ON HER PROFESSION

I was a school teacher of Sher-E-Bangla High School & College and the Assistant Head Mistress of Viqarunnisa Noon School by profession. I loved these jobs as I had the chance to connect with children. Moreover, acting is both my passion and profession. I am proud to have achieved respect from the people of this country. Truth to be told, the path to being an artist is not a short-term process. It is all about learning and gradually adapting to a specific lifestyle as well. Every form of art has its own strength and the heavenly depth of art is immeasurable. The newcomer artistes of our country need to be groomed properly. There is no alternative to reading literature for widening thoughts and knowledge. I am very hopeful of the new generation as they are blessed with cordial cooperation of their seniors. I would like to request the parents to motivate their children to involve themselves in any form of art. It will keep them away from negativities. I think we should take further steps to uplift the taste of our future generation.

BOOKS

Ashapoorna Devi is my most favorite author, who is also my inspiration in writing. 

MUSIC

The song Manush Manusher Jonno Jibon Jiboner Jonno is one of my most favorite songs, which was sung by the eminent singer Bhupen Hazarika. This song never fails to give me inner peace.

FUTURE PLANS

I have no specific plan for the future. I always try to refrain myself from hurting others and I would love to spend the rest of my life as such. I love to be with poverty-stricken people, especially the children who could be the future leaders of our nation. I warmly welcome the initiatives taken to provide children with proper education and also attempts at developing their economic condition. I always try to attend the programs set for them and contribute in schools and other institutions as much as I can.

IDOL

I strongly admire the ideologies of the pioneer of women's education Begum Rokeya. The great philanthropist Haji Muhammad Mohsin and the legendary polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar are also my idols. In a sense, any great personalities who have dedicated their lives for others are my idols.

By Shawreen Rahman