Popular actress Purnima has expressed her desire to return to acting, saying she is looking for meaningful stories and challenging roles after spending recent years focusing more on presenting television programmes and award shows.
Purnima, who began her film career at the end of the 1990s and went on to deliver several successful films alongside stars such as Shabnur, Moushumi and Popi, had reduced her acting work following the Covid-19 pandemic. During that period, she became more active as a presenter and also formed a hosting duo with actor Ferdous Ahmed.
After remaining away from the spotlight for around a year and a half for various reasons, the actress recently returned to work through an awareness documentary directed by Gazi Mahbub. The project focuses on the devastating natural disaster that struck Bhola in 1970.
The documentary, titled ‘Ostitter Lorai’, has been produced for the non-governmental development organisation Manobsur Unnayan Sangstha (MAUS). Written and planned by the organisation’s CEO Sohrab Labhu, the documentary has already completed filming at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation.
Speaking to The TIMES of Banglades,, Purnima said she remains passionate about acting and is open to returning to films if the right opportunity comes along.
“I want to return to acting. I am an actor. If I get a suitable story and character, why not do it?” she said.
Known for acclaimed films such as ‘Hridoyer Kotha’, ‘Moner Majhe Tumi’, ‘Megher Pare Megh’ and ‘Shuva’, the actress said she no longer wishes to take on roles that do not align with her age or image.
“I am more interested in working in challenging roles than glamorous heroines,” she added.
Despite having more than 10 million followers on Facebook, Purnima admitted she still feels there is a communication gap between herself and many contemporary directors.
The actress, whose latest film ‘Ahare Jibon’ was released in 2024, also explained why she has declined television drama offers in recent years.
“My daughter is in grade five. The shooting time coincides with her school time, which makes scheduling difficult,” she said, adding, “I do not want to work in any drama now that will not be of quality.”
Purnima also said she is currently not interested in accepting all kinds of hosting offers.
The songs from ‘Chaya-Chobi’, in which she starred opposite Arifin Shuvoo, became popular online despite the film remaining unreleased for more than a decade. Another film featuring the pair, ‘Jam’, directed by Naeem Imtiaz Neyamul, has also remained unreleased for nearly five years.
Although uncertain about the release of those projects, Purnima said she hopes to become a regular performer again through quality films and dramas.
