BEHIND THE SCENES

Even though the media scene in Bangladesh gets bigger by the day, it is not necessarily producing or presenting quality talent – as much as one would hope for. A job that is taken for granted by producers of many TV channels today, is that of a TV host or an anchor. An anchor is required to be well versed, knowledgeable along with being presentable for a daily TV show. However, in reality, many newcomers in this field are not given the proper orientation, let alone encouraged to do some homework before an event is to be anchored.

A recent name in the field of anchoring, Ibtesam Mirza, has pleasantly surprised everyone with her spontaneity, easy going attitude and of course her intelligent wit. Better known as Sijil Mirza, she is currently hosting 'Khude Gaan Raaj', a children's singing contest on Channel i.

A multitalented young woman, Sijil is a top scorer from Dhaka University, having completed both BBA and MBA in MIS. "My teachers at DU always wanted me to join the university as a lecturer," she says. "I will probably do that a little later!" After an internship at HSBC, Sigil is currently an Executive Officer (EO) at United Commercial Bank ltd.

In Viqarunissa, she was a celebrated debater, dancer and even played kho-kho! "I was very active as a child," she says. "Along with my studies, I would participate in anything and everything." After her higher secondary exams, she auditioned in Channel i to become a newscaster back in 2006. "Apparently they were looking for someone like me for a new non-fiction," she says. "And picked me to be an anchor instead."  Sijil started off with 'Arshi Nagar' a talk show on Channel i. "At the same time, I was also hosting a fashion and lifestyle related talk show, live on ATN Bangla – 'Ainar Shamne.' However, I believe the real turning point in my anchoring career was the "Grameenphone From the Gallery", a live talk show on Cricket during the first T-20 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2011."

A full time mom, managing a full time job and also an anchoring stint, Sijil is definitely a fantastic example for young professionals required to ace in the art of multitasking. "I would say efficient time management is the key," she says. "But I would never have been able to achieve anything if my family and colleagues had not supported me."

Along with 'Booster Energy Biscuit Channel – i KhudeGaanRaaj, season – 5' – Sijil's current job, she has earned respect for hosting the 'Veet Channel – i Top Model (all three seasons)' and 'Fizzup Channel – i SheraKontho Season 5'.

Eventually, Sijil plans on becoming a Programme Producer.