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A censor board may no longer be necessary: ORSHA
SHAH ALAM SHAZU
Nazia Haque Orsha has never been one to shy away from speaking out against injustice. Whether as a concerned citizen or a committed artiste, she has consistently raised her voice for the right causes. During the peak of anti-discrimination protests, she stood with the people in a time of national crisis. Her activism seems innate—during her years at Jahangirnagar University, she was known for her fearless stance against wrongdoing, laying the foundation for the strong advocate she is today.
There has been a lot of buzz around the Actors’ Equity lately. Do you think the organisation needs reforms?
Absolutely, reforms are essential. Many outdated practices and systems, relics of a bygone era, have lingered far too long. To stay relevant and meet today’s demands, these must be updated. Artistes should be able to focus on their craft, and membership should be inclusive of all those actively working in the industry. I know many talented artistes who aren’t members, yet we are still working without the guild. This creates a disconnect. Reforming the Association would bridge that gap, making it more relevant and inclusive. I strongly support reforms within Actors’ Equity to better serve both its members and the industry.
The industry hasn’t fully bounced back yet. What’s your take on the situation?
I share the same concerns as many others. I’ve been meeting regularly with fellow actors, and this topic keeps coming up—why is there still no work? When can we get back on set? The uncertainty is weighing heavily on us. This is where the equity could make a real difference, but we find ourselves in the dark. We’re not receiving updates, nor is the equity providing guidance. It’s high time for the organisation to step up, communicate openly, and help us navigate this difficult period. Silence isn’t an option; they need to be the voice of the artistes they represent.
What are your expectations from the interim government?
With the new government in place for a month now, we understand that nation-building is a gradual process. New appointments are being made across various sectors, but it’s also essential to reflect on our role in the issues of the past 15 years, including corruption. For instance, a farmer may earn just Tk 12 for tomatoes, while we buy them for Tk 190. This glaring disparity shows that the farmer isn’t fairly compensated, and consumers are left with little choice from vendors.
Additionally, the wage gap is stark—some earn Tk 15,000, while others make up to Tk 2 lakh. It’s crucial that even those with lower incomes can afford basic necessities, like three meals a day. This won’t happen overnight, but with time and sustained efforts, it’s possible. The fight against corruption must be relentless, ensuring fairness and equity in every sector of society.
As an artiste, you’re likely aware that the censor board sometimes bans or halts films. Do you think the censor board needs reform?
I believe the censor board may no longer be necessary. Cinema is incredibly powerful—films from other countries can convey profound messages, even when we don’t speak the language. We might not understand every lyric of a song, yet we still hum along and feel its essence. Instead of censorship, we need a rating system with clear guidelines about what’s appropriate for different audiences.
A censor board can create unnecessary complications, and we must question whether its members truly understand cinema. Replacing censorship with a well-structured rating system would allow greater artistic freedom while still guiding viewers effectively.
You were notably active in the anti-discrimination student movement. What gave you the courage to take such a stand?
My courage comes from my experiences and background. I studied at a public university, where I was immersed in student politics and saw how those I cared about stood up against injustice. I’ve always been inherently bold and not easily intimidated. The turning point for me was the assassination of Abu Sayed. When a university student was gunned down, it shocked the world and made me realise that passivity was no longer an option. Witnessing such brutality made it clear that protest was necessary. It wasn’t about media attention; it was about a genuine sense of urgency in a national crisis.