PHOTO: SHEIKH MEHEDI MORSHED

SHAH ALAM SHAZU

Shahnaz Sumi earned acclaim for her portrayal of Suraiya in the web-series Mobaroknama . The actress, who began her journey as a dancer, recently worked in Vicky Zahed’s directorial web-film Ondhokarer Gaan , on Binge.

Your first web-film, ‘Ondhokarer Gaan’, has been released. How has the response been?

The response has exceeded my expectations. For Mobaroknama , I received so much love that I wondered whether people would remember me for this new project in the same way. But now Ondhokarer Gaan seems to be leaving behind a lasting impression as well.

You played the character of Shapla. Introduce her to us.

Shapla is an RMG worker. Belonging to a lower-middle-class family who tries to find happiness in her circumstances, she is a person that I am proud to have portrayed. Honestly, after the release, many people started calling me Shapla. As an actor, this is a big achievement.

How was your experience of working with Vicky Zahed?

This was my first time working with him -- he has a very structured approach. His work has a unique quality, and audiences enjoy it very much.

This time, my dialogues were limited due to the needs of the story. I was present throughout, but with fewer lines to deliver. The story itself is so beautiful—truly well-written.

This is the second time you’ve acted opposite Mosharraf Karim. Was it any different?

It didn’t feel like it had been a year since Mobaroknama . It felt like we had just worked together the other day. He is a great actor, but more importantly, he is an extraordinary human being. Despite being such a big star, he remains grounded as a person. As a co-actor, Mosharraf Karim makes work so much easier.

What are your upcoming projects?

I’m currently in talks for a web-series and a film. Once everything is finalised, I’ll be able to share more.

What are your plans regarding dance?

Right noww, I am hopeful that I’ll be able to perform in some government-organised dance programmes under the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.