Bangladesh will always be my first priority

Jaya Ahsan is undoubtedly one of the most beloved film and television stars in our country. The National Award winner is also extremely popular in Tollywood, and is the recipient of many Indian film awards as well.

The diva is currently busy with multiple projects, and ispresently residing in Kolkata for work. In a conversation with The Daily Star, she shared her upcoming plans and ventures.

There have been discussions about Tollywood actresses not getting enough roles because of the high demand for Bangladeshi artistes in the industry. What do you have to say about it?

 This is absolutely not true, and I haven't heard anyone talking about this. Everyone is bound to receive praise if they make earnest endeavors, and I think good efforts should be appreciated. 

Recognition is always given to those who truly deserve them. Tollywood has equally praised me and assigned me the work that I deserve. The producer of "Bishorjon" and "Bijoya" said that I had deserved those roles and this is why he worked with me.

People from Kolkata cherish me greatly, and they have invited me to go there. However, as I am first and foremost a representative of my country, Bangladesh will always be my first priority.

Film stars are often subject to various rumours surrounding their personal lives. How do you react when you are faced with baseless rumours as such?

I do get upset by such false news, as both an artist and a human being. However, I have learned to ignore such rumours. It is everyone's responsibility to be mindful of such news.

From Babita apa's era, an amicable relationship between journalists and artistes has persisted, and it should always be that way. A country's cultural image is harmed if an artist's image is tarnished, so it is necessary that journalists are more mindful of what they report.

According to you what are the qualities of an accomplished director?

 I don't have the perfect definition of an 'accomplished' director.

If one can stay true to their culture and can reach their audience sincerely, he or she is an accomplished director in my opinion. In the end, it does not matter how many people have watched the movie, or how much money the movie has earned.

All that matters is that the movie has a compelling story and is able to make history. For example, even after decades, we still tell the story of Ritwik Ghatak. Only time will tell whether the work of a director will be remembered or not.

The Bengali film industries on both sides of the border are going through tough times. Many cinema halls have already shut down. Do you think that the scarcity of good movies and the introduction of other platforms have anything to do with this?

I actually think the primary reason behind this crisis is the pandemic. It has not only affected our country, but the whole world has come to a standstill because of Covid-19. 

I will not say that there aren't any good movies, but priorities change during such an intensely worrying situation.

 People firstly need to fulfil their fundamental needs such as food, accommodation, clothes, before they can enjoy entertainment.

I am an optimistic person and I do believe that everything will gradually become normal. I have a lot of projects under my belt, and I'm currently trying to concentrate on those.

"Bini Sutoy" is being shown here in numerous cinema halls in Kolkata for the past 50 days. Though it is not a commercial movie, the audience is has received the film with open arms.