'I enjoy both success and failure'

Mahiya Mahi
Mahiya Mahi

The joint-production film review committee finally approved Mahiya Mahi’s latest ‘Tui Sudhu Amar’ on Monday

The romantic-action flick was stuck with the Bangladesh censor board for almost a year as it did not fall into the joint-venture categories, according to the guidelines. 

The film is now geared up to hit Bangladeshi theatres.

The female lead of ‘Tui Sudhu Amar’, Mahiya Mahi, talked to Prothom Alo about the film and her other work recently.

Excerpts of the interview:

Prothom Alo: ‘Tui Sudhu Amar’ received censor board clearance. How are you feeling?

Mahi: It feels great. Finally the audience in Bangladesh will be able to watch the film.

Prothom Alo: What’s the release date?

Mahi: Hopefully, next week or the week after that. The producer won't delay as it has already been released in Kolkata.

Prothom Alo: How was the viewers’ response there?

Mahi: Actually I did not want the film to be released in Kolkata first. It was decided during the contract that the film would be released in both countries at the same time.

The film was released in Kolkata as Bangladesh censor board did not approve it.

Let’s see how well it does in Bangladesh.

Prothom Alo: Are you shooting for any film right now?

Mahi: I am now shooting for ‘Amar Ma Amar Behest’. Shooting for an item song is scheduled for 17 and 18 December.

I am shooting for two other films ‘Ananda Osru’ and ‘Premer Badhan’ as well.

Prothom Alo: Did you sign up for any new film recently?

Mahi: No. My last contract was for ‘Ananda Osru’. It’s been a year.

Actually, not many movies are being made at the moment.

Prohom Alo: Your latest film ‘Pabitra Bhalobasha’ didn’t do as well as per expectations.

Mahi: You are right. Audiences don’t like all films.

I am always optimistic about cinema. It's natural that some movies will be hits, some be flops. I enjoy both.

The artistes should understand the flaws in their films and learn lessons from there. This is how our work should be.

Prothom Alo: The inauguration of your fashion brand ‘Vaara’ was scheduled for 27 October. Why did you postpone it?

Mahi: Actually, it is not ready yet. There is some preparation left. Hopefully, we will launch the brand in the new year.

Prothom Alo: Are you going to work for any web series?

Mahi: I attended a few meetings about web series for that. I don’t think I will work in any web series this early. I want to work in some more movies first.

Prothom Alo: What is that one thing you cannot do without?

Mahi: My cellphone

Prothom Alo: What was your first gift from your boyfriend?

Mahi: Water hyacinths. Its my favourite.

Prothom Alo: Who do you think of while shopping?

Mahi: I used to think of Apu before marriage, now I think of myself.

*This piece originally published in Prothom Alo print edition has been rewritten in English by Farjana Liakat