Dhallywood actor Dilara Hanif Purnima says she still wants to act in films, but has stepped back because she has yet to find stories and characters that convince her.
Speaking to a media outlet, Purnima recalled her journey into literary adaptations began with Megher Pore Megh, based on a story by Rabeya Khatun and directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam. It was followed by Shasti and Shuva, all directed by Chashi.
“These works gave me the opportunity to discover myself as an actress in a new way,” she said, adding that Channel i created those opportunities.
On her absence from recent films, Purnima said, “I want to act in films. Whatever I am today has come from this industry. The thing is, I am receiving offers for new films, but I am not finding stories that truly convince me.”
She said a director’s vision, a strong story and the impact of her character are the first things she considers before accepting a film.
“I have been working for a long time, so stories now have to be written keeping my current position in mind,” she said. Pointing to actresses from earlier generations who continue to work successfully, she said filmmakers present them in contemporary ways and should think similarly about her.
Purnima also expressed interest in playing a villain. “Everyone is used to seeing me with a romantic look, as a beautiful heroine with a polished image. But it would be great to see me in the opposite role,” she said.
“I really want to play a negative character, something like a villain. I want audiences to hate that character after watching the film. No one has thought of such a character for me so far.”
Speaking about creative freedom in the film industry, Purnima said censorship and cuts have existed for years and remain a problem.
“We see films from other countries and are amazed by how they show whatever the story requires. We see scenes and wonder, how is this possible? It was not possible here before, and it is still not possible,” she said.
She said this fear also prevents filmmakers from telling strong stories. Other countries also make films based on true events that attract audiences worldwide, while Bangladesh has countless real-life stories that could become popular films.
“But it is not possible to make films about them. There is no freedom in storytelling. So even when directors want to make such films, they cannot, and actors also lose the opportunity to perform such roles,” Purnima said.
