Masuma Rahman Nabila works sparingly, which is why fans and admirers hold different expectations for each of her new projects. The first web series she will be doing a lead role in, ‘Aka’, will be released on September 4 on Hoichoi.
The series is directed by Vicky Zahed and Nabila is thrilled to be working with him. She said, “I’ve seen some of Vicky Bhai’s work. He’s quite skilled technically. For example, earlier this year he made the web film ‘Neel Sukh’, which I liked a lot. I was so fascinated I even posted about it on Facebook.”
“I received the offer for Aka from the production company Alpha-I. They were a little hesitant, wondering if I’d agree, since I wasn’t very interested in OTT at the time. Later, I asked for the story and after reading it I realised it a great one. I spoke to Vicky Bhai, prepared myself, shot the project and that was that.”
At present, many actors are eager to work under Vicky Zahed’s direction. In Nabila’s case, she has had the opportunity to work with other acclaimed filmmakers. How does she feel about that?
“I think I’m just very lucky. There are a few directors on my bucket list and somehow I’ve managed to work with them. For example, after watching ‘Surongo’, I wanted to work with Raihan Rafi. But I didn’t tell anyone. I just kept it in my mind. A month later, Rafi called and asked me to pay him a visit at his office. That’s how I ended up doing ‘Toofan’. The same thing happened with Syed Ahmed Shawki. And this time, I wanted to work with Vicky Zahed and then came the offer for Aka,” she added. Nabila has acted opposite Afran Nisho before and reunites with him in Aka.
“He’s the same as before. Yes, there’s a different sort of pressure now, given his rising popularity. But he’s still cheerful on set, chatting with everyone and sharing his thoughts,” related Nabila about her co-star.
Nabila has previously acted in two films: ‘Aynabaji’ and ‘Toofan’. Wherever she has worked, in dramas, advertisements or as a presenter, she has left a mark. This is why audiences remain eager to see her performances.
Speaking about her role in Aka, the actress said, “They’ve seen me in this kind of character before: a normal girl, running a business, self-reliant, emotional and confident who doesn’t tolerate injustice or wrongdoing. I’m the same in real life, which is why I was able to relate to the character.”
Last month, Nabila spent 16 days in London, exploring the city with friends. Since childhood, she had wanted to visit after hearing stories from an aunt who had moved there.
“After growing up, I finally had the chance to go. I have many friends and acquaintances in London and meeting them made the trip even more enjoyable. They especially showered my child with love and affection. At that time, I thought, if I ever settle abroad, it would be in London,” she said.
Although she once had no desire to live outside Bangladesh, the idea of settling abroad has been on her mind recently for various reasons. Many people had suggested Nabila moved abroad permanently, but she never took it seriously.
“I always thought, this country has given me so much and its people have shown me so much love. How could I leave all that behind? I’ve spent my life in showbiz and have a special attachment to it. I felt I couldn’t live happily anywhere else.”
However, in the last few years, she had begun to give the idea a second thought. “At least for my child’s future,” she said.
A few years ago, Nabila also completed work on Masud Hasan Ujjwal’s ‘Bonolata Sen’. She is deeply disappointed that the film has not been released yet.
“I’m quite disheartened. I worked so hard on that film, yet I don’t know what the obstacle is. It’s very frustrating to see the project being stuck,” said Nabila.