Tasnuva Tisha would rather speak her mind than chase online fame. The small-screen actress believes her straightforward nature has negatively affected her career, but she has no intention of compromising her principles to stay in the spotlight.
“I am outspoken. I say things directly, and this trait is having quite a negative impact on my work,” Tisha said. She believes her frankness may partly explain why she has received fewer assignments than last year.
The actress remains firm about what she will not do for popularity. YouTube views, trending lists and audience numbers do not dictate her choices. “I will never do anything just to go viral or trend, and no one will be able to make me do it either,” she said, adding that compelling stories and meaningful dialogue matter more to her than online buzz.
Tisha, who gained renewed attention for playing Tushi in Shihab Shaheen’s web series August 14, has recently appeared in Mayar Shohor. She feels connected to Maya, her character in the drama, because of their shared optimism.
“Maya knows how to remain optimistic despite the many difficult realities of life. In my personal life, too, I try to find the positive side even when I face adversity. This similarity between the character and me made me feel more connected to the project,” she said.
Although Tisha rarely approaches directors for work, she occasionally jokes with them when they meet: “Aren’t you going to work with me? Have you forgotten about me?” She trusts filmmakers to approach her when they find a suitable role.
She believes rising viewership should encourage the industry to invest in better stories rather than produce low-quality dramas for clicks. Tisha gives television, YouTube and OTT projects equal importance, though she notes that larger OTT budgets often allow more time for rehearsals and character preparation.
A strong story and screenplay, a capable director, good co-stars, a professional team and financial transparency remain her priorities.
Her ambitions include commercial cinema, but she wants a film with a strong story and the opportunity to work alongside established leading actors. Although she does not consider herself particularly glamorous, she believes she can adapt her appearance to suit a role.
She also feels female characters are often restricted to romance and that Bangladesh’s film and drama industries remain largely male-centric.
Beyond her work, Tisha objects to public scrutiny of female performers’ marriages, divorces, children and body shapes. “Reporting professional misconduct is one thing, but making someone’s difficult personal circumstances the centre of public discussion is another. Artists and entertainment journalists are part of the same team. Journalist organisations should therefore take initiatives to stop negative and disrespectful publicity about artists’ personal lives,” she said.
Motherhood brings its own challenges. She feels guilty when filming keeps her away from her children on birthdays, during illness or at family gatherings. “I have to manage work and family life while carrying this guilt. I think working mothers will find their own experiences reflected in mine,” she said.
Tisha also hopes to direct dramas or explore other forms of production, but only after leaving acting. “That will happen only when I stop acting,” she said.
Despite criticism of her performance and certain scenes in August 14, Tisha considers it one of the best projects of her career. She said audiences continue to praise her performance.
“I have no regrets about the project. On the contrary, I am very happy with it. Many people advised me not to take it on, but I followed my own decision. I am happy with that decision,” she said.
