Being one of the most celebrated faces on television, Mehazabien Chowdhury rose to fame after bagging the title of Lux Channel i Superstar 2009. She stepped into the limelight as a model, and gradually landed roles in some of the most appreciated tele-fictions, including "Boro Chele", and "Shonali Danar Chil", among many others. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, Mehazabien talks about her recent successes and more.

Your Eid production 'Chirokal Aaj' received a warm response from both the audience and critics. Much appreciation came your way for 'Punorjonmo' and 'Alo' as well. What have these recent productions left behind for you as an actor alongside the praise?

Playing different types of roles clicks with different types of audiences, and caters to a wider mass for me as an actor. We have a variety of viewers with different preferences. Trying out different genres creates more ground for me to learn from as an actor and takes me closer to my audience.

You recently received an award from the Bangladesh Police Women Network for your role as a sergeant in Mahmudur Rahman Hime's tele-fiction, 'Alo'. Tell us about the experience.

While being stuck in traffic one day a couple of years ago, I came across a female sergeant arguing with a pick-up van driver. While the officer was trying her best to explain things politely to the driver and carry out her duty, the driver seemed reluctant towards her confrontation just because she was a woman.

I instantly clicked a photo and forwarded it to Mahmudur Rahman Hime, saying that I wish to work on this character. Soon the coronavirus pandemic broke out and the project was halted. As I got more time, more issues, such as the absence of proper toilets in public places for female officers, started coming to my notice. I am elated about the appreciation that "Alo" received, especially from our officers.

What is your opinion regarding the emergence of OTT platforms in Bangladesh? 

I believe in technology and moving forward is always better. The OTT wave has come about very strongly, and its arrival has helped us reach a bigger audience. However, television will not be easy to replace any time soon, as it is still the preferred medium of the larger masses.

While online platforms are coming along, we must not forget the audience who do not have access to the internet or such upgraded facilities yet. As artistes, we must serve all equally. Nevertheless, more platforms lead to more opportunities for filmmakers and actors, both prominent and promising ones. I believe the emergence of OTT platforms will also lead to better television productions as there will be healthy competition, which will result in better content for the audience and a better budget for the makers.

What are your upcoming projects?

I was planning to take a break after Eid and currently am reviewing scripts for special Puja, Christmas, Children's day and Valentine's Day productions. However, we are planning to start shooting for "Punorjonmo 2" soon. This production is a sequel to Vicky Zahed's Eid production "Punorjonmo", where I will team up with Afran Nisho once again. We are planning to telecast this production on Channel i in October, marking their 22nd founding anniversary.