I lost weight for the film, only to gain it back again: Sabila Nur

Celebrated actress Sabila Nur is set to star in several Valentine's Day tele-fictions this year, teaming up with Afran Nisho and Apurba, among others. In particular, her pairing with Apurba is a hit with viewers.

Upon asking what makes the two of them click on screen, Sabila gives a rather earnest answer. "Audiences really liked us in the tele-fiction, "Rajkumar". It had an interesting story, focusing on an actor and a costume designer. Our comedy tele-fiction, "Exchange", was also well-received. People still ask me to say dialogues from it!" laughs the actress.

"Whenever I work with Apurba bhai, there are no inhibitions. He is really cooperative. There is an ease and comfort between us, which is why I think people like our chemistry so much."

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

She will also be featured in "Hot Patties", one of the films in Shafayat Mansoor Rana's Valentine's Day short film series, "Ke Kokhon Kibhabe", alongside Salman Muqtadir. "Shafayet Mansoor Rana is one of my favourite directors. 'Hot Patties' has a unique premise – The script is very contemporary and witty. It is not entirely a love story," shares Sabila.

Besides Valentine's Day specials, she will be starring in an International Mother Language Day periodical drama, directed by Abu Hayat, with Khairul Basar. She is also in talks for a number of web projects.

Most notably, she will be playing a young Sheikh Rehana in eminent filmmaker Shyam Benegal's biopic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a joint production of Bangladesh and India. "I was determined to get Sheikh Rehana's body language and mannerisms right. I studied many archival clips and photographs of her to prepare for the role," she explains.

Sabila went through a tremendous physical transformation for the film. "I lost weight for the film, only to gain it back again. It was one of the most psychologically engaging experiences of my career," she concludes.