National Film Award-winning actress Suchorita has not appeared in a new film for several years. Although she has received offers to act in several films in recent years, she turned them down because she was not satisfied with the stories or characters.
At the same time, different organisations regularly approach her with offers for lifetime achievement awards. However, she has so far declined those honours as well.
“As an actress, I have worked in many films and received the love of millions of people in this country. Later, I received the same affection after playing mothers in many films. Audiences accepted me not only as a heroine but also as a character actress. But I do not understand why films are no longer being made with artistes like us. At one time, many artistes would appear together in the same film. I do not know why that is no longer happening,” Suchorita said.
She believes there is still an audience for films that bring senior and younger artistes together in strong family stories.
“I regularly receive calls from different organisations offering me lifetime achievement awards. Honestly, I have only considered the National Film Award, Bachsas Award and the Producers-Distributors Association Award. The Producers-Distributors Association Award has also been discontinued for many years. Beyond these, I do not think I need any other award,” she said.
Bachsas introduced the tradition of film awards in Bangladesh in 1974, followed by the National Film Award in 1975.
Suchorita said receiving recognition from both institutions should be enough for an artiste.
“If an artiste receives these two honours, does he or she really need any other special recognition? I would rather not go into that. Honestly, one or two perfect awards are enough. I still want to act, of course, but only in good stories and meaningful characters. Otherwise, there is no reason to act simply for the sake of it,” she said.
Suchorita made her debut as a heroine in the final months of 1972, the year after Bangladesh’s independence. A total of 30 films were released in the country that year, including Ora 11 Jon, Nijere Haraye Khunji, Lalon Fakir, Chowdhury Bari, Chhand Hariye Gelo, Obujh Mon, Arunodoyer Agnishakkhi, Kancher Swargo and Roktakto Bangla.
Her first film, Swikriti, was released on 22 December 1972. Before that, she had appeared as a child artiste in Bablu, directed by Mustafiz.
Among Suchorita’s notable films are Daku Mansur, Samadhi, Tal Betal, Aponjon, Jaduro Banshi, Asami, Maheshkhalir Banke, Tufan, Noder Chand, Kajol Lata, Badla, The Father, Nagordola, Kotha Dilam, Gaayer Chhele, Kolmilota, Lal Sobujer Pala, Jibon Nouka, Megh Bijli Badol, Matir Kole, Sandhi, Hangor Nodi Grenade, Danga, Tras and Ankhi Milan.
She won National Film Awards for her performances in Hangor Nodi Grenade and Meghkannya. She has also served as a member of the National Film Award jury board three times.
