For Malaika Chowdhury, five crore-view dramas have arrived quickly, but so has another identity — “Mehazabien’s sister”. Now, as her own work begins to draw attention, the young actress wants to build a name for herself on her own terms.
Malaika made her screen debut with the drama Shondhikkhon in December 2024. She went on to appear in Khotipuron, Kasthipathor, Anutopto and Amar Rajje Tumi. All five dramas have since crossed the one-crore-view mark. Her latest character, Brishti in Amar Rajje Tumi, has also won viewers’ affection, with many asking for a second instalment.
For the new actress, the response has been a major achievement, and she considers the audience’s love her biggest reward.
“As a new actress, receiving so much love from the audience is a huge achievement for me,” she said.
But success has also brought a familiar label. Since entering acting, Malaika has often been introduced through her sister’s name. She has no discomfort with that connection, but wants to establish herself through her own work.
“I want to keep working in my own way. I want to move forward little by little and take my time. With the audience’s love and support, I want to gradually create a separate identity through my work,” she said.
Acting was not part of Malaika’s childhood plans. She enjoyed watching her elder sister on screen, while people around her sometimes asked when she would act. She did not take the idea seriously then. Her entry into showbiz came through advertisements, followed by television dramas.
Her sister’s biggest lesson was not about acting but hard work. Having watched Mehazabien closely, Malaika believes there is one lesson she cannot forget: “There is no alternative to hard work.”
Malaika is also balancing acting with her studies. She is currently in her eighth semester, with her semester finals under way, making regular work difficult. She mainly acts during semester breaks.
“Balancing studies and acting is really difficult. So I am working less at the moment. I mainly work when I get time during semester breaks. For now, I want to finish my studies first,” she said.
That patience also shapes her choice of roles. Malaika has no particular formula. A good story is enough to interest her. She wants memorable characters and does not want to confine herself to romance, thrillers or offbeat stories.
“I want to do all kinds of work and see myself in different characters. But I do not want to rush. I want to move forward gradually.”
She has ambitions for OTT and films but does not want to chase them immediately. Her priority is to strengthen her position in television, gain experience and then consider larger platforms.
“Since I am completely new, I want to take my time and move forward gradually without rushing,” she said.
Social-media trolling and unwanted criticism do not affect her greatly. She prefers to focus on her work while taking constructive criticism positively.
She has no specific dream role either. If the story is good, she wants to test herself in different kinds of characters. Her favourite actress, however, is an easy choice.
“My favourite actress is my sister.”
Malaika also has no fixed five-year plan. She wants to reach a good position through good work and continued viewer support. For now, her priorities are clear: finish her studies and establish herself as an actress in her own right.
