The first money an actor earns often becomes a lasting reminder of the early days of a career. For actress Bidya Sinha Mim, that memory is particularly special because it came from working with legendary writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed.
Mim received Tk5,000 as her first acting fee for the television drama ‘Rohoshyo’, directed by Humayun Ahmed. She has kept the money carefully ever since, cherishing it as a reminder of where her acting journey began.
After winning the Lux-Channel i Superstar competition in 2007, Mim entered the entertainment industry through modelling before moving into television dramas. Working under Humayun Ahmed’s direction was among her earliest acting experiences.
In a later interview, Mim recalled that she handed the Tk5,000 she received for ‘Rohoshyo’ to her mother. However, because it was her first payment from Humayun Ahmed, she decided to preserve the memory by keeping the money.
Mim’s journey into the entertainment industry began well before her breakthrough in the Lux competition. She spent nearly two years trying to find opportunities in the media.
Although she received acting offers during that period, she wanted to play leading or heroine roles. At one point, she was offered the role of actor Zahid Hasan’s sister in a production, but she turned it down. Ironically, Zahid Hasan later became her co-star in her first film.
Mim won the Lux-Channel i Superstar competition in 2007, opening the door to a wider range of opportunities in showbiz.
Mim made her film debut in Humayun Ahmed’s ‘Amar Ache Jol’, released in 2008. She has described the opportunity to work with the celebrated filmmaker as a turning point in her life.
As a newcomer, she initially felt nervous working alongside established actors. Humayun Ahmed, however, helped her overcome that hesitation and gain confidence in front of the camera.
The film introduced her to cinema audiences and marked the beginning of her journey as a leading actress.
Following ‘Amar Ache Jol’, Mim appeared in her second film, ‘Amar Praner Priya’, released in 2009. She subsequently starred in films including ‘Jonakir Alo’, ‘Tarkata’, ‘Ittefaq’, ‘Antarjal’, ‘Padma Patar Jol’, ‘Poran’ and ‘Damal’.
Her remuneration has also increased significantly over the years. Reports published last year suggested that she now charges more than Tk15 lakh for each film. She received Tk3 lakh for her debut film.
From her first Tk5,000 payment for a television drama to the fees she commands today, Mim’s career reflects how far she has travelled since those early days.
