Beginning her career through TV commercials, Joya Ahsan has emerged as a refined actor, earning rave reviews for several of her roles on TV. She is often called the "top TV star". The actor has demonstrated her sensitivities and remarkable command over her craft in off-track/art house productions. The thespian has also done movies that won accolades -- "Bachelor" and "Doob Shatar". Her most recent performance in Nasiruddin Yousuff's "Guerrilla" is generating superlative appraisals. The Daily Star (TDS) caught up with Joya:
Beginning her career through TV commercials, Joya Ahsan has emerged
as a refined actor, earning rave reviews for several of her roles on
TV. She is often called the "top TV star". The actor has demonstrated
her sensitivities and remarkable command over her craft in
off-track/art house productions. The thespian has also done movies that
won accolades -- "Bachelor" and "Doob Shatar". Her most recent
performance in Nasiruddin Yousuff's "Guerrilla" is generating
superlative appraisals. The Daily Star (TDS) caught up with Joya:
TDS: An individual can't move forward without ambitions. What are your plans for the future? Joya:
There is no specific plan, but I'm determined and have a goal. I wanted
to earn a reputation as an able actor, which I think I've achieved. I
have demonstrated my abilities on the small screen; now I want to
experience other mediums.
TDS: Would you like to elaborate on that? Joya:
I want to explore my possibilities in the acting arena. I think if
people stay honest and committed, they can achieve anything. You don't
always need to have traditional training to be successful. Sometimes
passion and dedication are so powerful, they can take you to the
pinnacle of success. I know as a newcomer on the silver screen, I'll
face criticism about my capabilities. Critics will also analyse and
scrutinise my work. So the challenge is greater. I want to explore my
versatility by challenging myself.
TDS: Are you slowly moving more towards films? Joya:
It's not like I'm leaning towards the big screen. The current state of
mainstream Bangladeshi cinema makes it unlikely for me to be a regular
movie actor, but I would like to be more active in films.
TDS: But better films are being made nowadays... Joya: I'm not only concerned about my own place in films. I want total improvement of the industry.
TDS: Have you decided to choose only a handful of roles? Joya:
There are people who want more fame, air-time and money. But I think
differently. I've realised that one memorable role is way better than
several forgettable ones that offer nothing more than money and
air-time. There is no point in seeking more time on the screen; rather
it's better to appear in a production like “Angurlota”, which received
a lot of positive feedback. I love it when people in villages (where
I'm shooting) call me 'Angurlota'. One role like that can make you
immortal.
TDS: To what extent do you think direction and script comes into play when creating a good artistic production? Joya:
A production consists of contributions from everyone in the team.
Usually after getting a script, I visualise the emotions and prepare
myself accordingly. I thoroughly enjoy working with young directors and
crews. They are more dynamic, brave, efficient and focus more on the
aesthetics than the commercial aspects.
TDS: How many TV plays have you done so far? Joya: I haven't counted. But I haven't done many serials.
TDS: Which is your longest running serial? Joya: “Choita Pagol”. There are plans to stretch it to 105 episodes.
TDS: If you ever decide to stop acting, would you still be in the media? Joya: I have no such plan. However, I know if that ever happens, it will be very frustrating for me.
TDS: Are there other creative fields that you are interested in? Joya: Music. But it's too late for that. It would've taken more involvement and years to groom myself as a singer.
TDS: Any advice for aspiring actors? Joya:
I'm working with the next generation of actors, but we have a huge
cultural gap. The three most important treasures I possess are my
simple lifestyle, integrity and love for my work.
TDS: What serials are you doing other than “Choita Pagol”? Joya: I'm doing Mezbaur Rahman Sumon's “Mittha Tumi Dosh Pipra”. I'll also start working on a production by Animesh Aich.
