I'm engaged with the stage: Aupee

Popular small screen actress Aupee Karim has recently made a comeback appearance on stage with a new play ‘Dear Liar’. She also acted in a web series for the first time in her career recently.

The actress in a recent interview with Prothom Alo talked about her career, performance on stage and the small screen and many other things.

Excerpts of her interview:

Prothom Alo: You appeared on stage after a long hiatus.

Aupee: To me, there was never a long hiatus.

Prothom Alo: Wasn't there was a break in the meantime?

Aupee: Not really. I often came to Bangladesh to take part in various stage dramas when I was abroad. I acted in ‘Namgotrohin Mantor Meyera’. I could do the shows outside Dhaka as I have a full-time job. And anyway, the drama is not being staged anymore.

I was always involved with the theatre even if I wasn’t acting. I designed sets and worked behind the scene for several show including ‘Open Couple’ and ‘Galileo’.

Theatre is not all about being on stage. It is about engagement. I am always engaged with the stage, you can say.

Prothom Alo: Tell us about ‘Dear Liar'.

Aupee: It was the first show on Thursday. ‘Dear Liar’ is a new form of stage drama to me. There is reading and acting both in it. Viewers liked it.

In fact, I was a bit confused at the beginning, wondering whether or not the audiences would accept it.

The audience gave constructive criticism about my role and suggestions to improve. I think, I have to rehearse a lot to better my role.

Prothom Alo: You were well known for playing Nandini in ‘Roktokorobi’. Will you work in the drama again?

Aupee: ‘Roktokorobi’ was produced by Nagorik Natya Sampradaya. Its a popular drama. Therefore the response will be huge naturally.  I appeared in as many as 84-85 shows. Someone else took over the role then.

As far as I know, ‘Roktokorobi’ is not being staged now.

Prothom Alo: You have worked in a web series first time in your career. How was the experience?

Aupee: It’s a great advantage to work with Amitabh Reza. One can work in a relaxed mood with him. I have a job, a firm of my own and I have to work hard. After such hectic schedule, what I need is comfort while acting.

I usually work with the directors who understand my condition. Amitabh has all those qualities to understand the actors and value their efforts.

Another reason to work in the web series is the role ‘Joygoon Bibi’ in it. I can relate the character to all the women in our society.

Women keep silent most of time. After being tired of keeping silent they start fighting back one day and then people call them ‘bad’. Joygoon Bibi portrays all such women in our society.

Prothom Alo: Which is your favourite character on stage?

Aupee: Nandini, Nandini and only Nandini.

Prothom Alo: Which character tempts you?

Aupee: Binodini (performed by Shimul Yusuf)