In her 14-year career, movie actress Purnima has starred in countless popular films. However, she bagged her first ever National Film Award this year.
In a recent interview Purnima expressed her elation at the achievement and revealed her thoughts and future plans on the professional front.
What is your reaction after receiving the National Film Award for the first time?
Purnima: This is my first National Film Award. I was awarded for my performance in the 2010 film “Ora Amake Bhalo Hotey Dilo Na”. I believe my hard work has finally paid off. Many of my contemporaries had already received the award. Although I was yet to receive the official recognition, I believed that I had the necessary skills and popularity to be considered as a contender. It’s a reason for great joy and I feel honoured.
Tell us about the movie that brought you the award.
Purnima: “Ora Amake Bhalo Hote Dilo Na” was directed by Kazi Hayat. The storyline was very powerful. I played the role of a substance abuser in the film. I received much applause after the release of the movie. Overall it was a very good film. I’m grateful to all those who were involved in the film.
What challenges did you face while portraying the role of a drug addict?
Purnima: As artistes, we often have to struggle to play bold characters. But it also gives us a different kind of pleasure. The director helped me talk to some addicts to get an insight into the role. It was a very hard role to portray and presented many challenges. But the hard work seems nothing now, after winning the award.
You have starred in several movies. Name some of the ones that were liked by the audiences and critics alike.
Purnima: Among all the movies some have influenced me more than others. One of those movies was “Mon-er Majhe Tumi”. It was one of the movies that acquired unprecedented popularity among the viewers. Still people sing the tunes from the movie. I also acted in “Shubha” — a movie based on a Tagore story. I played the eponymous role. There are many other movies that are close to my heart.
How did your initiation into films happen?
Purnima: My first movie was in 1998 — Zakir Hossain Raju’s “Ei Jibon Tomar Amar”. Eventually I became more and more involved with the celluloid and it became my life and profession.
You’ve also done TV plays and modelling?
Purnima: Yes. I did some TVCs which became quite popular. I also continue to do occasional TV plays. Sometimes even when I don’t want to, I have to keep requests from the directors.
What movies are you shooting for now?
Purnima: I’m doing an Iftekhar Ahmed Fahmi movie titled “To Be Continued” where I star opposite singer Tahsan. I’m also doing “Lobhe Paap Paape Mrityu” directed by Sohanur Rahman Sohan, along with Amin Khan and Riaz. Model and TV star Arfin Shuvo is acting opposite me in Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Raj’s “Chhaya Chhobi”.
What are your hopes for your new films?
Purnima: I’m very enthusiastic about all of them. I’m hoping that viewers will see different Purnimas in these movies. The three movies — all with unique stories — will hopefully be released within this year.
-With The Daily Star input
