Theatre still calls out to me -In conversation with Sushama Sarkar

Sushama Sarkar started her career as a theatre artiste, but has made the successful transition to the small screen. She has been involved with theatre troupe Desh Natok for a long time, and besides acting in TV plays and tele-films, she has also ventured into cinema. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, the actress talked about her professional life and more. Excerpts:

Tell us about your career on theatre. What plays for Desh Natok did you work in?

Sushama: I have acted in “Jonome Jonamantor”, “Nityopuran” and “Birsha Kabbo”. I worked in theatre for years, and although it is now tough to manage time for the stage, theatre still calls out to me. 

You have portrayed a wide array of characters on stage. Which is your favourite of them?

Sushama: The role I played of a mentally challenged woman named Tepi in “Jonome Jonamantor” based on a story by eminent playwright Shahidul Zahir, and an elder in “Birsha Kabbo” were critically acclaimed. Those are probably my most memorable roles. 

Which modeling assignment marked a turning point in your career? 

Sushama: My first assignment on violence against women brought to me spotlight. I subsequently did a number of TV commercials. 

What was your debut TV drama? 

Sushama: That was “Sada Megher Brishti” directed by Giasuddin Selim. Mosharraf Karim was my co-artiste in the project. Nurul Alam Atique's “Jadur Sohor” and Sayed Awalad's “Nandini” were also major landmarks of my career.

Tell us about your work in films. 

Sushama: I appeared in the films “Doob-Satar”, “Chhuye Dile Mon” and “Badsha”. I want to continue acting in films besides TV plays.  On the other hand, “Bhubon Majhi” is now awaiting release. Recently, I also completed shooting for “Payerar Subatash” directed by Nurul Alam Atiq.

Have you anchored TV programmes?

Sushama: I did a show named “Binodon Karkhana” on Ekattar TV, just to get a feel for it. I really enjoyed the work.

What are you working on currently? 

Sushama: TV plays “Cinemawala” on ntv, “Baranday Roddur” on Desh TV and “Rupali Prantor” on ATN Bangla are being telecast. Besides, I'm working on a daily soap named “Tobuo Bhalobashi”.