Mehazabien steadfast after hat-trick awards

"Receiving any award is a token of appreciation from both audience and critics," shared an excited Mehazabien Chowdhury, who recently took home three awards in just 24 hours.

She was recognised as the Best Actress in Meril Prothom Alo Awards, Channel i Digital Media Awards and Babisas Award (Bangladesh Binodon Shangbadik Shomity)—all for her stellar performance as Rokeya in Vicky Zahed's "Punorjonmo" series.

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"Rokeya is one of the most challenging and popular characters I have donned," she said. "In the last three years, wherever I went, be it in or outside the country, people kept asking me about the next instalment," quipped the actress, who added that she has never experienced this much hype for any other project.

Yet, Mehazabien's personal favourite character is Tithi from "Chirokal Aaj", which will always remain her personal favourite. "Tithi was the most difficult character I have played in my career," asserted the actress.

Each individual artiste practices differently to prepare for their role. How does Mehazabien prepare? In response, the "Redrum" actress said, "For me, rehearsal is very important to get comfortable with the characters I am sharing the screen with, she shared. "Watching other people's work personally helps me develop my acting skills. Also, travelling to different places, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures also leaves an impact. Thus, for me, travelling is also a way of learning."

The television industry is going through a tough time as leading actors, such as Afran Nisho, Apurba and Mehazabien, have been busy with OTT and big screen projects. There are concerns about who will fill the void. "We have to be patient -- those who have moved to another medium should appreciate it, as it is for the betterment for our industry," said Mehazabien. "Also, these names did not become popular overnight, they had to wait for over decades to reach this place. Let's not rush, there are lot of potential faces who will take lead soon."

The "Sabrina" famed actress emphasised the fact that it is a positive sign that OTT arena is focusing on women-centric plots, however, silver screens need to take the attempt as well. "Audiences play a great role here, if they want to see quality work, they have to support when one of such kind is made."

Mehazabien also highlighted that gender discrimination is not only limited to the screens. "We are aware about male artistes getting more remuneration than women. If we look into international industries, I can mention examples where a male artiste left the project because his female co-actor was not being paid the equal wage. Thus, from the audience to producers, directors, and artistes all of them are associated with one another."

Is that the reason why Mehazabien Chowdhury is yet to take on film projects? To that, she replied, "If people remember me through my roles, that will be enough for me. The medium is not that important, I am open to working in any medium as long as I get such role which I cannot say no to. If I need to wait, I don't mind waiting for another ten years," she concluded.