Runa Khan reborn

The audience discovered Runa Khan as Sumona, the much-loved character from the popular children's show, Sisimpur Bangladesh. The National Film Award winner recently went through a drastic change in look, due to her weight loss. Her latest work, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury's "Bodh", released yesterday.

"The journey was very long, hectic yet the results are evident."

How was your experience of working in 'Bodh'?
"Bodh" is very special to me. After a long time, I have worked with Amitabh Reza Chowdhury. Also, my co artistes in this project, including the likes of—Afzal Hossain, Syed Babu, Rawnak Hasan, Orchita Sporshia, and Khairul Basar—all of them are brilliant actors. Here, I have played the role of Dipti Rani, a school teacher. She is extremely sensitive and humane by nature. To know more about her, you have to watch 'Bodh'!
 

"OTT has raised expectations for the entire industry."

Is the medium important to you, while choosing projects?
Not at all. Acting is all that matters to me. Be it stage, television, commercials, film or OTT—I always try to perform accordingly, and do my best.

You have been regularly working in the OTT. Since it is a new medium, and it has a lot to improve. What is your observation?
OTT has raised expectations for the entire industry. Compared to other mediums, we are getting more experimental works here. Budget is one of the biggest factors for a production, and in this medium, directors are getting firm budget so far. I believe with time, we can do a lot better.

"Love yourself, and the world will love you."

Who is your inspiration in acting?
I grew up in the 90s, and at that time Shomi Kaiser, Afsana Mimi were the actresses who have mesmerized me with their charm. They have inspired me a lot to become an actress.

You have worked in a few numbers of films, and you have also received the National Film Award for "Haldaa" for Best Supporting Actress. Did you play your dream role yet?
Certainly not! I still dream to play such role which will remain in me forever, and the one which will keep me in the heart of the audience for a lifetime. Not all dreams come true, but at least I can hope for!

"Acting is all that matters to me. Be it stage, television, commercials, film or OTT—I always try to perform accordingly, and do my best."

Do you believe the term 'supporting actor' or 'character artiste' is a justified title for an artiste?

Of course, it is not! Whoever is working in a production, is supporting the story. Based on the screen time, it should not be judged. Even the people who work behind the camera are playing a supporting role to present a complete work to the audience.

"I grew up in the 90s, and at that time Shomi Kaiser, Afsana Mimi. They have inspired me a lot to become an actress."

What are your upcoming projects?
I have completed working in the government granted film, "Ekti Na Bola Golpo", directed by Pankaj Palit, which awaits release. I am also in Kaushik Sankar Das directorial web film "Dafon"—it is a female centric plot where I will be playing the protagonist Kulsum. Another production is in the works for the new local OTT platform Ayna – web series "Baghey Khay", directed by Noman Robin.

Name three of your favourite directors.

Ashfaque Nipun, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, and Tauquir Ahmed.

Name three of your favourite co-actors.

Jaya Ahsan, Chanchal Chowdhury and Mosharraf Karim.

Recently you have shed a lot of weight – you went from 105 kilos to 68 kilos. Would you like to share your journey with us?
The journey was very long, hectic yet the results are evident. I gained a lot of weight, and I was 105 kilos after my daughter Rajeshwari was born. When I returned to work after maternity leave, my weight was the main topic of talk in my work environment.

To be honest, this threw me into depression. To tell you the truth, except surgery, there is hardly anything I didn't try to lose those extra kilos.

"I still dream to play such role which will remain in me forever, and the one which will keep me in the heart of the audience for a lifetime."

How did you finally succeed?
When I realised that my close ones were bullying me, I immediately cut off the toxic people from my life. That very moment I knew that I am regaining the energy to begin the journey of losing the extra weight. Throughout the journey, my husband Eshon Waheed and my daughter made sure that I don't feel lonely. I am also grateful to my friends, who stood beside me in my odds.

You had learned a lesson of life from your journey…what would you suggest to those who are still struggling to start living a healthy life?
Staying mentally well is very important, you will lose focus when you listen to toxic people. Love yourself, and the world will love you.