In conversation with Nazneen Chumki
Nazneen Chumki is a popular face on both TV and the stage. Her versatility has won her a national award for her acting skills. Not just that she is an upcoming screenwriter as well. Her performance as the protagonist in the monodrama, “Sitar Agniporikkha” has attracted much attention.
The tested actress recently revealed many aspects of her life and career to The Daily Star (TDS):
TDS: You perform solo in “Sitar Agniporikkha”. How is it working out for you?
Chumki: To be honest, I’m extremely excited and also nervous about the play. Earlier I played several roles in a single play, but this is the first time I have to carry the entire story on stage. However, the nervousness that affected me in the beginning has dissolved. As part of the plan for holding countrywide shows, we recently staged it in Chittagong. I want people from all over the country to watch the play.
TDS: Did you face any problem with directing and acting in “Sitar Agniporikkha”?
Chumki: Definitely. I sometimes felt helpless during rehearsals, as it was hard for me to correct my own mistakes on stage. Moreover there are no co-actors in the production. But I’m grateful to my theatre group for their support.
TDS: How did you come to work on “Sitar Agniporikkha”?
Chumki: I have been absent from the stage for the past couple of years. One day Saymon Zakaria urged me to return to theatre through this play. Delhi-based actress Averee Chaurey had previously performed in the production by cultural organisation Shadhona. Zakaria gave me the script which I really liked and agreed to take on the challenge.
TDS: How busy are you with your TV play schedule?
Chumki: I’m currently working in the serials “Jao Pakhi” and “Utshob”, along with several others.
TDS: Are you focusing more on plays featuring rural stories now?
Chumki: It is nothing like that. Maybe recently more of my rural-based plays have been aired on the TV, but that doesn’t mean I’m not doing any urban plays. “Noksha” and “Jolpori” are examples of that.
TDS: Where did you grow up?
Chumki: I grew up in Chuadanga town. It was a small town, which can probably be covered in an hour. However there must be something about my face that suits me for rural roles.
TDS: Since you also have a theatre background, how do you approach a new script?
Chumki: I am fond of observing what people around me are doing and their mannerisms. When I see a garment worker walking to her job in the morning, I notice how she walks, what kind of clothes she wears, how she holds her lunchbox. I like observing such small details that later come into use while portraying a role.
TDS: How would you evaluate yourself?
Chumki: If I count what have I gained through acting, the list would be long. I earned the highest possible award for acting in the country and received the love of countless admirers. However, sometimes I’d regret not being able to play a particular character. I’ve yet to get a chance to play my favourite roles. I would love to take on the challenge of playing a prostitute.
TDS: Can you live without acting?
Chumki: Yes I can. Once I loved working in theatre. I was able to leave it behind and will be able to quit the media if I want to.
TDS: Any plan to return to the troupe, Desh Natok?
Chumki: I acted in several productions of Desh Natok. Before I left, I acted in “Nitya Puran” and “Birsha Kabyo”. I don’t know if I’ll return to Desh Natok again.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
