Movie star Poppy has achieved the remarkable feat of winning the National Film Award thrice. Poppy made her start with a bang in “Kuli” and never looked back. Apart from working for the silver screen, Poppy has also made numerous appearances in commercials and TV dramas.
The Daily Star recently caught up with the busy actress.
Tell us about your three National Film Awards.
Poppy: I first received the award for my work in the film “Karagar”, directed by Kalam Kaiser. I represented the street urchins in the movie. I received the second award for Nargis Akhter’s “Megher Koley Roud”, where I played a very complex character. I won the award for the third time for Ohiduzzaman Diamond’s “Gonga-jatra”, where I played the role of a cleaner.
When did you launch your career?
Poppy: I started my career in films in 1998 with “Kuli”. The film gained massive acclaim. My second film “Amar Ghor Amar Behesht” gave me a large share of the spotlight. I also did modelling for TVCs. Overall, it was a busy time for me.
What is the secret behind your continuing success?
Poppy: I cannot point out a single thing. However, it was never my intention to be confined to the definition of a “movie heroine”. I wanted to prove my acting prowess. Unique roles always attracted me. So at one point of time, I decided to work in movies that would likely give me a permanent place in the hearts of the audiences. Maybe that is the secret.
Did you take on the challenge of the different roles to win the National Awards?
Poppy: It is nothing like that. It is impossible to say for which work one will be awarded. I always wanted to be involved in works that are considered good, and will continue to stay on this path.
But being picky when accepting roles is limiting the number of your appearances, no?
Poppy: If I wanted to, I could’ve flooded my schedule with work. I get plenty of movie offers. But it’s not possible to work in a project that doesn’t really attract me. The story and characters needs to have an appeal. An actor cannot survive in the media by only being frequent in appearances. Even if one appears on screen throughout the year but fails to deliver any memorable performance, then that actor will fade away. It is better to be remembered for the small number of quality works that ensure the actor’s durability. I want to pursue the latter road.
What are your current plans?
Poppy: I want to do a small number of films, all of which will be quality works. I would prefer literature-based projects. There are many good stories in our Bangla literature. Works that resemble existing characters in society are always challenging: like the ones I worked on in “Megher Koley Roud” and “Gonga-jatra”.
What is your comment on your latest release “Garments Konya”?
Poppy: After a hiatus of almost a year, one of my films has been released. G Sarker directed the film “Garments Konya”, where I play the role of a garments worker. I went to a theatre to watch the film. I’ve acted opposite Emon. The success of the film has made me more hopeful about future endeavours.
After a career spanning a decade, what are your expectations from the movie industry?
Poppy: I only wish that quality movies were made. Both the public and private sectors will have to step up efforts in this regard. Or else our industry cannot be saved. Bangla cinema had a glorious past. If we want to bring it back, we need honest initiatives. Maybe we will not be here forever, but Bangla cinema needs to live on with a certain standard. I also want to see our films reach the international standard.
-With The Daily Star input