For nearly two decades, Popy has lived inside other people’s stories. Now, the actress wants to put her own life on screen.
After making her film debut with Kuli and winning the National Film Award three times, Popy is considering a deeply personal return to cinema — not simply as an actress, but as the producer of a film based on her own life.
In an exclusive interview with TIMES of Bangladesh, Popy revealed that she is planning a biopic drawn from events and experiences from her life. The project remains at an early stage. She has yet to decide which chapters will make it into the screenplay or who will direct it. She is also undecided about whether she will play herself.
One thing is certain: Popy wants to produce the film herself.
After years of acting in other people’s films, her creative interest has increasingly shifted towards production rather than acting. Turning her own journey into cinema could offer her a different way back into an industry she has never completely left behind.
“I have played many lives, now I want to tell mine. I have been through a lot, and the stories of my family, my stepmother and my struggles need to be told,” she said.
Popy is no longer a regular presence on the big screen and now spends most of her time with her family. Looking back, however, she says she has no regrets about her acting career.
Working in numerous films within a short period, collaborating with acclaimed directors and co-stars, and winning three National Film Awards remain among her greatest achievements.
Her journey has also involved pain. Popy has been embroiled in a long-running family property dispute. She was previously warned about the matter by film personalities including Razzak, Shabana and Babita, but did not heed their advice. She now regrets that decision.
Despite being hurt by people in the industry, she says she has never held it against them.
“Even though I have been hurt by some people from the film industry, I have never held it against them,” she said.
Those experiences could eventually become part of her film. For now, she has not discussed the project with a director or decided exactly which parts of her life she wants to bring to audiences.
Away from cinema, Popy is focused on her husband and child, while also making time for prayer and fasting. She stressed that her husband has never stopped her from acting.
“I am now concentrating on my family. My husband takes great care of me and keeps me very well protected,” she said.
Recently, a news item circulated online claiming that Popy regretted acting in films. She denied making the statement.
“I never said anything like this to anyone. I do not know who spread it online or why,” she said.
For her son Ayat, Popy has no fixed ambition of making him a doctor or engineer. She simply wants him to grow up as a good human being, shaped by the lessons of her own upbringing.
Now largely away from the spotlight, Popy appears ready to turn the camera towards the life she has lived.
After spending years bringing other people’s stories to life, she now wants to tell hers.
“I want to leave this beautiful world with dignity,” she said.
