Of Struggles & DREAMS

Eamin Haque Bobby is a prominent face of the film industry in Bangladesh. In her nine-year long career, she has come very far, wowing the audience with one hit after another. The 'Nolok' actor has reached several milestones in her career as a popular actor and a successful producer. In today's interview with Rafi Hossain, Bobby talks about her struggles and glories. 

Rafi: Welcome to Uncensored with Rafi Hossain. Today, we have with us, Bobby. You look beautiful, as always.

Bobby: Thank you for having me again.

Rafi: You had produced a film before. What is your stance on producing films in the future?

Bobby: Yes, it was called, Bizli. If I find a good script, I'll definitely consider producing it. As of now, I'm trying to wrap-up all the projects I have signed up for. I'm an artist first, so that is what's more important to me.

Rafi: Commercial films are mostly male-centric, but 'Bizli' was not. Do you want your films to be more female-centric?

Bobby: That isn't my main goal. I prioritise the script of a film. However, I want to make films which are different. A change is required in the way films are being made. Moreover, our industry is quite small, so there are many limitations which we are yet to overcome. But, I'll still try my best – something I've always done. My family, except my father, wasn't supportive of my career choice. He has recently passed away, but he is still my strength and inspiration.

Rafi: Your co-artist for your new film, Shakib Khan isn't

promoting the film as much. What are your thoughts on this?

Bobby: It's the personal responsibility of individual artists to take their works to the audience. Nolok is a big-budget film, and I believe that the audience likes films which portray our culture properly. It would've been very nice if he could have joined us today.

Rafi: What if 'Nolok' turns out to be a bigger hit than 'Password'?

Bobby: I've seen many positive reactions about Nolok, on social media platforms. The viewers seem to have taken a liking to the film and its songs. I haven't yet come across any negative feedback, which is quite incredible. We've been able to get a hold of over seventy theatres, as of now. Even if it is a bigger hit, it is still Shakib's film, so it's a win-win situation for him. And he did have an agreement to have a promotional campaign for only ten days.

Rafi: In my experience, international artists seem to be very invested in the promotion of their films. Shouldn't our actors be equally invested?

Bobby: The industry is the responsibility of every single artist, but as a megastar Shakib shoulders a bigger proportion of that role. We all should promote our films; there shouldn't be any exception.

Rafi: This is your fifth film with Shakib. How is the relationship between you two?

Bobby: Our relationship is similar to the relationship I have with all my other co-artists. It would be fair to assume that the audience loves our on-screen chemistry, judging by the fact that all our other films have been hits. Hopefully, this one will be an even bigger hit. People will be able to deeply relate to our characters in Nolok.

Rafi: What is your hope for the future of this industry?

Bobby: Humans cannot survive without dreams and I dream of a brighter future for this industry. I've been in this industry for nine years, and I had to go through a lot to take my films to the masses. So, I'm positive that the industry will grow, and soar to greater heights in the years to come.

Rafi: What makes you so positive about the potential growth of the film industry?

Bobby: There is no denying that a lot needs to be improved, starting with the training of the artists. There seems to be a major lacking in the learning and development area. Another aspect is the prevailing unhealthy competition among the actors, which makes one artist want another artist to fail. That's not how it should be. We are an industry. If we are to flourish, we need to work together. Also, we need diversity in our stories. The audience isn't the same now. They are much more evolved, so we can't make them watch films with similar plots again and again. However, what makes me believe in a brighter future is the fact that even if the cinema halls are limited in number and very poorly maintained, people still crowd these cinema halls to watch our films.

Rafi: What gives you the strength to carry on?

Bobby: First and foremost, it's God Almighty. Secondly, I've never learnt to give up. I don't understand why this industry is not being given the importance it deserves. But, I'm here now, so it surely proves that people are being more open-minded these days. I can always pride myself on the fact that I started my film career with a screen-test.

Rafi: Now, tell us something about 'Nolok'.

Bobby: Nolok is the full package. It's a traditional Bangladeshi film. It's a family film. There's drama, romance, family values, life lessons in this film, which the entire family can watch together. It's an original and international standard film, I believe. I would like to request everyone to watch it on the big screen, and stand by Bangladeshi films.

Rafi: Are you planning on getting married soon?

Bobby: If I'm being honest, my schedule is quite packed right now with the promotion of Nolok; I really don't have the time or luxury to ponder on relationship and marriage related issues. I want a man who's family-oriented and has a good heart. Hopefully, my mother will accept the man I choose to marry, since I'm already in a profession she dislikes.

Rafi: Thank you Bobby, it was a pleasure talking to you.  

Transcribed by Amina Hossain