“Feel proud when fellow artistes call me Ma”

Sharmili Ahmed, in many ways, made history in the cultural arena of Bangladesh. She was one of the first artistes to be featured in Bangladesh's first tele-fiction, "Dompoti". Unfortunately, the actress passed away today at the age of 75.

Here are some snippets from her last ever interview, taken on May 2022, as she spoke to The Daily Star.

Your journey in the industry spans more than 50 years. How much did your family support you?

I am been blessed to have been born in an artistic family. I had learnt how to act from my father, and my mother played sitar. My uncles and siblings have all pursued the arts, and I was heavily encouraged to do so myself.

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Eminent actress Sharmili Ahmed no more

You are 75 years old and still acting – how do you do it?

It is all because of willpower. If you are strong enough mentally, it is very possible – I never feel tired, and never stop. Acting has been my lifelong pursuit, and it has gotten me so much love from the people. They are my strength.

What is acting to you?

It is simply everything. Acting is in my blood.

You are known as a 'mother' on screen.

I am proud that so many artistes call me 'Ma'. How many people can say that? It is a great achievement for me. Sometimes I see that artistes bring food for me and arrange my items on set, out of luck. It brings me to tears.

In your prolific career, you have not won the National Film Award. Does it bother you?

It does not bother me at all! The love, adoration that I have gained in all these years, nothing will ever trump that. Wherever I go, people treat me with respect. That is my award.