‘A houseful theatre for ‘Shaan’ will be my best birthday gift’

Five time National Film Award-winning actress Champa's film "Shaan" is slated for release. Her last release, "Bishwoshundori", garnered much praise, and she was also appreciated for her performance in Kolkata-based productions.

Today marks the birthday of the "Padma Nadir Majhi" famed actress. Marking the joyous occasion, Champa shares plans for the special day, and talks about her upcoming releases in a candid conversation with The Daily Star.

How you are planning to celebrate your birthday this year?

I have been staying at home, receiving bouquets, gifts and best wishes that my fans and loved ones are sending me for my birthday.

My fans always make me feel special on my birthdays, and they are my biggest inspiration.

This year, I am missing my sister Babita and my granddaughter, as they are not in Bangladesh at the moment. However, they are always in my heart.

Your film 'Shaan' is slated for release. What are your expectations from the film?

"Shaan" has a very good storyline. The film features Siam Ahmed in the lead, and we worked together in the Chayanika Chowdhury directorial "Bishwoshundori" last year.

"Shaan" was supposed to hit the theatres a while ago, but was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. I request all my fans to please visit the theatres to watch "Shaan". A houseful theatre for "Shaan" will be my best birthday gift.

You have also worked in some Kolkata-based projects and your performance has been praised by audiences both at home and abroad. How do you feel about such a reception?

Acting is both my passion and my profession. I have always prioritised Bangladeshi projects before anything else.

Being offered roles in good productions, directed by some of the most renowned directors, is always encouraging for me as an actress. My honesty towards my profession, hard work, and effort is what fuels my successes.

You ruled over the silver screen during the 80s and 90s, walking along the footsteps of your sisters Suchanda and Babita, two of the most celebrated actresses of Bangladeshi cinema during the golden era. How has your journey been so far?

Looking back at those golden days, I still have flashes of my cherished memories. I now see a light at the end of the tunnel for our film industry.

There were a lot of notable projects that my sisters Babita and Suchanda and I were a part of. Alongside our individual achievements, we were also given the opportunity to work together in the film "Teen Kanya", which is very close to my heart.

Translated by Ashley Shoptorshi Samaddar