‘Mercules’ traumatised me: Sabila Nur

Television's most adorable actress, Sabila Nur, is elated about the release of her first web-series, "Mercules" on Chorki. The series is based on real-life incidents, and the actress terms her character 'Joyeeta' as one of the most challenging ones that she has ever enacted on-screen.

In a candid conversation with The Daily Star, the actress talked about "Mercules," her love for challenging roles, and more.

What are your thoughts on 'Mercules' being based on a real-life incident?

That is the reason that I was really drawn to the plot. The series will focus on a character, who made headlines with her story some years back. Audiences will be able to relate to the story when the series gets uploaded on the platform.

Poster of "Mercules". Photo: Collected

How difficult was it to portray Joyeeta on-screen?

Extremely difficult. The story was so mentally distressing that even the audience could feel the stress piling up from the plot. It took me 2-3 months to prepare for the role which is why I have lost out on lots of projects. It took me a lot of time to come out from the character as, I was traumatised and depressed while working on the project.

Why did you choose 'Mercules' as your first web-series?

As a Television artiste, I have worked on a lot of stories so I was looking for something unique. When I read the script, I knew I would never get the chance to work on this ever again. I read the entire 177-page draft at a go which made me realise that the story was really special to me.

How was it working with Gias Uddin Selim in 'Mercules'

Unfortunately, I didn't have any scenes with him but I still made sure to catch his shooting. I was literally blown away by his performance. Audiences will be stunned when they will see his character.

Recently, most of your projects have been women-centric. What is the reason behind this decision?

Initially, when I started, it wasn't a conscious decision. Last Eid, most of my projects were women-centric projects, even though they didn't get much views. However, I still received a lot of praise for my performances. Unfortunately, most of the stories in our industry are male-centric, which are made by male directors, with most trying to tell the story through a male perspective.

So, when I chose my projects, I try to showcase my insight as a woman, about the experiences which are unique to us. "Mercules" is a very female-backed story, which gives significance to all of the stories which centre around female artistes. I am really grateful to Abu Shahed Emon, for showcasing a story where women can tell their tales.

Most of your contemporaries have stopped working in TV and has diverted to OTT. Will you be following the same path?

After Qurbani Eid, I don't think any of my TV series have been telecast. I didn't release any work on Valentine's Day, as I was preparing for "Mercules." In terms of OTT, it takes a lot of time for an artiste to prepare for the role, which I have learned while working in "Mercules." So, if I do get a story that requires me to give this level of dedication, where I have to stop working on television, I will obviously do it. However, as I entered showbiz through TV, I really don't want to leave it.

Read more

Chorki returns with thrilling new web-series ‘Mercules’

What are your upcoming Eid projects?

This Eid, I have finished shooting some projects, including "Parulkotha" by Noyeem Imtiaz Neamul and "Surprise" by Masrikul Alam.