Some people rent cars to come see me at the Puja Mandap: Mim

Bidya Sinha Mim. Photos: Collected

Popular actress Bidya Sinha Mim has been tremendously impressive on the silver screen with her impeccable performance and ethereal smile.

The actress, who began her career in showbiz after winning the Lux Channel I Superstar in 2007 has worked in both tele-fictions and movies across Bangladesh and Kolkata. 

In a conversation with The Daily Star, the "Amar Ache Jol" actress opens up about her Puja plans in her hometown Rajshahi and her upcoming ventures.

How are you going to celebrate Puja this year?

I have come to Rajshahi this year to celebrate Puja alongside my extended family in my hometown. I am currently staying at my mama's house and there is this beautiful Mandir (temple) right across my house where I am planning on visiting with my cousins and also enjoy the yummy prasadh (offering).

What are some of your fond memories of Puja?

The fondest memory that I could recall was enjoying 'Nouka Baich' (boat race) along with my cousins. The thrill that we used to get by seeing groups of boats race across the river is something that is quite incomprehensible to describe.

How excited are fans to see you at the Puja festivities?

Whenever I visit the Puja Mandaps, crowds start to gather around to see me.

Usually, mostly Hindus visit Puja Mandap during the festivities, but when the villagers get to know that I am coming, then the entire village comes up to catch a glimpse of me.

They even rent cars to see me at the mandaps. Some crazy fans even tried to get inside my house when I was sleeping! I heard one of them say, "See, she even looks pretty while she sleeps!"

How are the Puja celebrations in Rajshahi different from the ones in Dhaka?

There is a sense of simplicity and beauty in Rajshahi, which cannot be found amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. During Puja, I usually stay at my house as the Puja rituals are performed within the premises of our house.

Another beauty of Rajshahi is its people. They are down to earth and they try to savour in each and every second of the festivity with amicable fervour.

In Dhaka, the Puja Mandaps do have a sense of grandeur to them. However, you cannot just simply breathe in and experience the sounds of Dhakh amidst such noise.

You have celebrated puja in both Kolkata and Bangladesh. Which one do you prefer?

The Puja in Kolkata is really extravagant and gorgeous, but the thing is the festivity of Puja is incomplete without your loved ones. Puja is not just a festival for us, it's a sense of emotion that withholds sentimental feelings and a sense of belongings.

What are your upcoming projects?

I am currently shooting for Dipankar Dipon's cyber-thriller "Antarjal", and we only have a single day of shooting left for the production to be completed. I am also working on Raihan Rafi's two other projects "Ittefaq" and "Poran".