Although her lifelong aspiration has been to become a vocal artiste, fate had other plans for Kushum Shikdar. Through turn of events she found herself in the media as an actress — both on the small and big screen. The talented actress recently shared her views with the The Daily Star (TDS).
TDS: What are your current projects?
Kushum: TV plays and films are keeping me busy these days. I recently finished working on “Lal Tip” — a joint production that is set to be released in November. Editing is now underway for the movie.
TDS: You also appear in some TV serials…
Kushum: Channel i is telecasting “Jogajog” by Nahid Ahmed Piyal. It’s based on a Rabindranath Tagore novel. Boishakhi TV is airing the Hridi Haq direction “Icarus-er Daana”.
TDS: What are some of the characters you’ve played of late?
Kushum: In “Jogajog”, I play Kumudini who comes from an aristocratic family. Although her family has lost its previous glory, they remain true to the tradition of their ancestors. The story progresses as Kumudini follows the footsteps of her brother and continues her studies. Only five episodes have been shot so far. My role in “Icarus-er Daana” is also a very unique one.
TDS: Apart from “Jogajog” you’ve also worked in several productions based on literary canons?
Kushum: My repertoire includes performances in adaptations of Tagore’s “Noukadubi”. I’ve also worked in adaptations of the works of Nazrul.
TDS: Can you name some of the key performances of your career?
Kushum: I’ve worked in numerous dramas that deserve mention. The names that are coming to mind at the moment are “Bagh Putul”, “Jyotsnakaal”, “Jolpori”, “1920”, “Ek E Shunno Dosh”, “Meyeti Ekhon Kothay Jabe” and “Aim in Life”.
TDS: Does the frequency of appearances force the decrease in quality of performance?
Kushum: No. I don’t think I’ve done that many plays and serials to be affected as such. I work 15 days out of a month, whereas many others choose to work 25 days.
TDS: What are the factors you focus on before taking on the challenge of a new TV play?
Kushum: I always consider three things important: the script, the director and the location.
TDS: You’re continuing your music practice?
Kushum: Even though my arrival in the media was through music, I had to put it on hold. There is no specific reason for this decision, but just that my love for acting has grown greatly. Sometimes, however, I think that I should resume my music.
TDS: One of your movies has already been released…
Kushum: “Gohine Shobdo” — my silver screen debut — has received much applause from the critics and audience. It was directed by Khalid Mahmud Mithu and I acted opposite Emon.
TDS: How much different is “Lal Tip” from “Gohine Shobdo”?
Kushum: The audience will see different sides of Kushum Shikdar in the respective movies. In “Lal Tip” I play the role of Nidi, who grew up in Paris. So my attire will be a bit different in the film.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
