‘I have no regrets about not winning any National Film Award’

Noted actress Sharmili Ahmed made a powerful impact with her impeccable performances in numerous tele-fictions back in the sixties. She debuted on the silver screen with Subhash Dutta's "Abirbhab". She appeared in "Dompoti", the first drama serial in the history of Bangladeshi television.  In a candid interview with The Daily Star, the "Meherjaan" actress talks about her journey in acting and more.

You have more than 50 years of experience in showbiz. Who do you think plays an important role in a tele-fiction or a film?

The captain plays the most important role on the ship -- and on the sets, the director is the captain. The director has the most critical role and can bring out the best in an actor. My film career started with eminent director Subhash Dutta, and I consider him my mentor.

How did your family react when you told them you wanted to act?

My family has always been supportive of my career. I never had to face any obstacles from them. My acting career started with the help of my father. He and his brothers were artistes themselves. My mother used to play the sitar and she was an avid reader. I am grateful to be born into such a culturally rich family.

You're still a graceful presence on the screen after so many years. What is your secret to success?

I believe that I have come this far because of my willpower. I am never tired of working, as acting has been my lifelong pursuit. I feel honoured to receive so much love from the people of this country.

You are known for playing maternal roles on screen. Most artistes address you as their mom. How does it feel?

I feel very lucky, as so many people address me as 'Maa.' Everyone sees me as a mother figure in their lives, and that is a huge achievement for me. During shoots, my co-artistes always help me pack up and cook meals for me. I feel truly blessed, as not everyone gets to have such adoration. My co-artistes are like family to me.

What does acting mean to you?

Acting means the world to me. It is something that is really close to my heart and it runs in my blood.

Do you have any sort of regrets as an artiste?

What truly hurts me as an artiste is that most of my co-artistes have left this world. Whenever I think about them, my eyes start to tear up and I am overwhelmed with sadness. A few days back, we lost Mahmud Sajjad and I have so many memories with him. I have worked with him for 3 years in a tele-fiction named "Tumi Acho Tai". KS Firoz's death last year also hurt me the most as I worked with him for 9 years in the tele-fiction "O Amar Chokhu Nai". I don't know how many artistes we will lose like this.

You have acted in a lot of popular movies. Do you have any regrets about not receiving a National Film Award?

I have no regrets about not winning any National Film Award. I don't really think about it that much. Audiences' love and affection are my biggest rewards.  Wherever I go people try to show me respect by standing up and clearing their seats. You can easily put awards on your shelves, but only a few receive so much affection.