Dogged by controversy

The Kolkata Film Festival, the oldest in India, got off to a glamourous but controversial start on Thursday evening with Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore doing the honours but some key film personalities like thespian Soumitra Chatterjee and eminent director Mrinal Sen staying away.

Also conspicuous was the absence of former Paschimbanga's Marxist Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, a film buff, who was reportedly upset with an eleventh-hour invitation sent to him by his arch political rival and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The honour of opening the eight-day festival went to Shahrukh who said, "I believe that the history of our arts, literature, poetry and films cannot be written or ever begin without the state of West Bengal".

Sharmila Tagore, who was present on the dais, said Kolkata was probably the only city where people still stood in long queues to watch good films.

She said although she had shifted to Mumbai, she never lost touch with Kolkata. "I keep coming back to work with Bengali directors."

Mamata Banerjee said, "Kolkata is the capital of our cultural activities. We want to help films and cultural activities in Bengal."

She described the festival as a salute to Tollywood, Bollywood and Hollywood and said it had grown bigger this year, referring to the shifting of the venue from the traditional cultural complex Nandan to the Netaji Indoor Stadium after 16 years to accommodate more people.

Facing criticism for not inviting Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who was largely instrumental in starting the festival in 1995, Mamata phoned him up just a day before the start of the festival inviting him. But Bhattacharjee cited prior engagements for his inability to make it.

Mrinal Sen said he was unwell and could not attend the inauguration but would watch some films later on in the festival.

Soumitra Chatterjee, known for his pro-Left leanings, said he had been removed from the chairmanship of the film festival committee without his knowledge. "So what will I be doing there?"

"I got an invitation by courier only two days before. I am not used to this kind of treatment," Chatterjee, who has played lead roles in several films by maestro Satyajit Ray, said.

Chairman of the film festival committee and actor Ranjit Mallick had earlier said Chatterjee would not be able to attend the festival as he would be out of Kolkata.

Chatterjee, however, said "I am very much in the city but busy with rehearsals for a shoot."

Another noted director Tarun Majumdar is missing from the festival committee. Surprising because he had been its head for several years.

For the first, time a new competition section has been introduced and a multiplex selected as one of the venues for screenings.

Bollywood film directors Santhosh Sivan, Anant Mahadevan and Ketan Mehta, actress Nandana Sen, Malayalam film director Salim Ahamed and Bangladeshi director Nasiruddin Yousuf are expected to attend the festival in the coming days.

For the first time, the opening of the festival was shifted to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor Stadium very close to the famous Eden Gardens, breaking from the past when the venue for the event used to be Nandan, the government auditorium.

Around 150 films from 50 countries would be screened in the festival.

Two different films from Bangladesh with the Liberation War as the theme are being screened at the festival--"Guerrila" by Nasiruddin Yousuf and "Meherjaan" by Rubaiyat Hossain.

IN PERFECT SYNC

Heart to heart with Aupee Karim and Masud Hasan Ujjol

  On September 2, the ravishing star of theatre and small screen, Aupee Karim, tied the knot with TV play director Masud Hasan Ujjol.

The newlyweds recently shared some tidbits about their lives on and off camera. Some snippets:

Which was your first work under Ujjol's direction?

Aupee: The 2007 TV play “Chhayaferi”.

How well did you know each other at the time?

Ujjol: At that time we had a very formal acquaintance, which eventually developed into friendship. The colour of my love is black and white. I am not at that age where people go to parks and eat peanuts on romantic dates.

Aupee: We didn't have a romantic relationship. Ujjal proposed to me last March and I took some time to consult my family. The wedding was finalised after both families had given their nods.

Was the wedding ceremony a small and intimate one?

Ujjol: Maybe it feels good to spend millions on a wedding, but it doesn't go with my ideals. I left the responsibility of organising the ceremony to my family. I could hardly exclude my loved ones from the wonderful celebrations.

Aupee: I think wedding ceremonies should be intimate.

What sparked your interest in each other?

Ujjol: She is a smart woman and a brilliant artiste. I was looking for someone like her who would be a friend on my path in the creative world.

Aupee: Many have asked me how Ujjal is as a person. I can only answer that question after a year.

What do you two discuss most?

Ujjol: Art, literature and architecture.

What are your immediate plans?

Aupee: No immediate plan, as I still need a year to complete my Masters. I look forward to spending three or four months in the country, before leaving in January for my internship. We will begin planning, once my studies are over.

Ujjol: At this moment, I don't plan to make further TV plays unless everything is in my favour.

Did you travel anywhere after your marriage?

Ujjol: Aupee is the more outgoing of the two of us. But her enthusiasm in travelling has made me interested in visiting places. We will head out somewhere as soon we get the chance.

How would you evaluate Ujjol as a director?

Aupee: The best thing about his work is that it's distinguishable from others' works. From the scripting process to the airing of the play, everything is unique. Watching his direction is like travelling to another world.

Ujjol: I'm completely into my work when shooting is on.

What other creative facets of Ujjol do you like?

Aupee: I love his poems. He is not writing much nowadays but I wish from the bottom of my heart that he would write more. I like them better than his plays.

Your opinion on Aupee's works?

Ujjol: Every aspect of her is good, whether it be modelling, dancing or acting.

Any comments on Aupee work on stage?

Ujjol: I first saw Aupee on stage in the play “Opekkhoman”. That really impressed me.

Do you two watch movies together?

Aupee: Definitely.

Ujjol: Sometimes I doze off while watching a movie and Aupee continues watching.

What about music?

Ujjol: Sometimes I play the guitar and she listens.

Mahfuz Ahmed on “Choita Pagol”

Channel i will air the popular serial “Choita Pagol” at 7:50 tonight. Written by Brindabon Das, the serial is directed by Mahfuz Ahmed. Mahfuz also plays the title role. The incredibly popular serial will come to and end soon. The Daily Star (TDS) recently spoke to Mahfuz on “Choita Pagol”:

TDS: Busy with shooting?

Mahfuz: I was down with fever last week. Shooting was on hold due to my ailment.

TDS: Which is the first work you did post Eid?

Mahfuz: I acted in a tele-film directed by Shokal Ahmed, which was aired by Channel i on September 16. 'Veet-Channel i Shera Shundor' discovery Hasin acted opposite me.

TDS: How many more episodes does “Choita Pagol” have?

Mahfuz: The serial will end after 20 more episodes.

TDS: Where is “Choita Pagol” shot?

Mahfuz: It was shot at the Holdiya village in Munshiganj. The locals were very enthusiastic during shooting and were very helpful. We had a lot of fun shooting at that location.

TDS: When does your next directorial venture begin?

Mahfuz: The shooting is likely to begin in December this year, with preparation on in full throttle. The serial, a comedy written by Proshun Rahman, is titled “Mind Your Language”. People arrive in Dhaka every day from many districts, often with the goal of taking an English course and fly abroad for a job. The story highlights this trend. The casting for the serial is on.

TDS: Will you be acting in the new serial?

Mahfuz: No. I will direct it. But several popular stars will be cast in the serial.

TDS: How many TV plays do you plan to direct for the coming Eid-ul-Adha?

Mahfuz: Possibly four.

Memories of Eid past

Artist Abdus Shakoor Shah is widely recognised for folk motifs and visual ballads in his paintings.

The artist reminisced on his childhood at Nishindhara in Bogra district.

“When I was a child, Bogra and the entire northern region were greatly neglected in terms of economic development. There was a big Eidgah Maidan by our village where people from different parts of the area used to come for Eid prayers. I went to the Eidgah with my cousins and uncles.

“There was a big pond in our village where villagers washed themselves on Eid day. The pond was deep and the water was clear. We enjoyed taking a dip early in the morning with relatives and neighbours.

“Before going for Eid prayers, we used to eat dudh-shemai. Bogra's shemai was very popular in the country. On Eid day, we would wear new clothes and roam around the village with friends. In those days, Eidi was not a custom in our area, as northern Bengal was underdeveloped and badly off.

“For the special Eid meal, we would all gather at our yard and sit on a big mat. The meal consisted of korma, begun bhaja, potol bhaja and pulao.The day after Eid, villagers would play danguli, a rural game. At least 30 players took part in the game. We enjoyed it thoroughly.”

Mohammad Iqbal
Painter Mohammad Iqbal has earned acclaim for his moving works on children. He is currently teaching at the Drawing and Painting Department, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.

The artist grew up in Chuadanga district. Recalling past Eids, Iqbal said: “Wearing new clothes was the best part of Eid. I have many siblings and my father would buy new clothes for all of us.”

“Chand raat (Eid eve) was very exciting for us. We would chat till midnight and make plans for Eid day. Back in the day, Eid meant spending time with cousins and friends and enjoying special dishes. Even going to relatives' homes was fun, as it meant more food and Eidi.

“Eid, during childhood, used to be more special and joyous than they are at present. I feel that our Eid days were far more exciting than those of my children. In Dhaka, people have become very mechanical. Children do not have ample space to play. They are becoming more sedentary and isolated. Nowadays, kids don't even seem interested in watching the moon on Eid eve; they'd rather stare at the television.”

Babita
Eid celebration has gone through some changes. Our parents made sure we had new clothes and shoes for the auspicious occasion. Sometimes we had tailor-made clothes and it was exciting watching the tailor working on our clothes at the shop. After they were ready we would invariably hide it from our friends so that we could surprise everyone on Eid day.

Apart from that, there was the excitement of visiting the elders and collecting salami from them. When we lived in Jessore, it was customary to visit our grandfather on Eid day.

My siblings -- Shuchanda, Champa -- and I had a lot of fun together. Suchanda apa, as our eldest, would dress me up for the day. We had a competition on who could get ready earliest. We also used to watch newly released films at the theatres in Jessore. Later, when we shifted to Dhaka, this trend of watching films continued: we would go to Naaz and Gulistan. It is hard to forget those days.

Suborna Mustafa
My childhood Eids, spent with my parents, grandparents and siblings, are unforgettable. Other than wearing new clothes, on the special day we would make beautiful designs on our palms with mehdi. During Ramzan, we would often compete on who fasted on the most number of days. After the tenth Ramzan we would be more focused on the big occasion ahead. On the eve of Eid we would all gather on the rooftops to see the new moon.

Mosharraf Karim
Every year Eid comes and goes. But undoubtedly the gusto and the entertainment associated with it are gradually diminishing. There are times when I think about the past and wonder where those days have gone. I have a feeling that most people, even after they grow up, look back to their carefree days and beautiful childhood memories.

I still go back to those days: when we caught a glimpse of the new moon, all the children would gather and start jumping and screaming in excitement and that was how we would express our joy.

The entire night we would work out plans of where to go and how to spend the day. After paying a visit to the neighbours we would spend the Eidi that we had collected. During Eid we would usually wear panjabi-pyjama in the morning and shirts and trousers in the evening. We still do enjoy Eid holidays, but definitely the carefree life was the best of all.

Mamunur Rashid
My memories of Eid days are truly unmatched. I was raised in Tangail and the environment was purely pastoral. I remember several occasions when we would all go to my nana-bari (maternal grandfather's house) on an ox-cart. On Eid day, a special menu of pulao, korma, and desserts (pitha, payesh etc) was invariably served up. Relatives would come visit us in new attire while we would go to their houses flaunting our new clothes as well.

Moon sighting was another important aspect on the eve of Eid. The moment someone sighted the crescent moon, excitement filled our hearts.

Wish I could go back to those days.

Sumaiya Shimu
During Eid most of my uncles and aunts would come to our house. Since I was the youngest among the cousins, everyone got nice gifts for me. This way every year during Eid I had a huge collection of clothes. What I liked most was after the Eid prayers it was customary to greet the elders and they would in return give us Eidi.

Faruq
Eid celebrations for me were very important and filled with excitement till the age of seven. Buying new clothes, taking them to the tailor to have them stitched and then putting them under our pillows so that others didn't get to see them was quite common for the children. Wearing a tupi (cap) on the last three days of Ramzan was a must for me. But at the age of eight, when my mother passed away, Eid celebrations lost their appeal. I still manage to participate in the grand celebration but somehow the same satisfaction is missing.

Mir Sabbir
I was born in Borguna town and lived there till my HSC exams. Celebrating Eid was fun during those days. The most important thing of all was buying new clothes and flaunting them on Eid day. Now my son is five years old and I try to find the same excitement through him. I go back to my early days when I observe his excitement during Eid.

Azizul Hakim
My father was in the government service and he was transferred several times to a lot of districts. So, we've been to a lot of places in the country and experienced Eid in different settings. New clothes and shoes were a must have for us during the two Eid celebrations. Director-actor Salauddin Lavlu and I have been great friends since childhood; our fathers worked together. On Eid day we would both roam about and enjoy ourselves to the fullest. Even now we do enjoy Eid day, but somehow as a child it was much more fun.

Singing sensation Alka Yagnik turns to Rabindra Sangeet

Well-known singer Alka Yagnik has come out with her first Rabindra Sangeet album, fulfilling her childhood dream.

"It has been my childhood dream to sing Tagore songs. I am glad that this has now come true. I wanted to do this for a long time but somehow it never happened," said Kolkata-born Yagnik.

The album contains 10 songs sung with Babul Supriyo.

"This is the right time in my career when I can try various kinds of albums," said the 45 year-old singer.

Seven-time winner of Filmfare best female playback singer award, Yagnik shot to limelight with the 1981 hit song "Mere Angane Mein" but the super success of "Ek Do Teen" from the film "Tezaab" made her an overnight singing sensation.

Babul has already tasted success with two Rabindra Sangeet albums "Kotobaar O Bhebechin"' and "Jodi Jantem" released during the last two Durga Puja festivals.

"They were successful and so I decided to go for another one this year. But this time I thought of going duet and roped in Alka," he said.

The album "Mone Rob-e", produced by Asha Audio Company and released ahead of the Durga Puja festival, has rendition of four romantic duets and some solo songs.

For the Rabindra Sangeet album, the singer duo want to cash in on their history of giving memorable romantic hits together in films like "Hum Tum", "Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai" and "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke".

Alka had won the best female playback singer award for the duet song'"Hum Tum" in 2005.

Swagata: A bona fide all-rounder

It is a tough balancing act for Swagata to juggle her varied roles -- as model, TV show host, singer and actress on TV and the silver screen. More so, with the festival season round the corner which calls for increased commitment to her roles in upcoming Eid-special plays.

In a one-on-one with The Daily Star (TDS), Swagata chatted about the multiple roles she successfully manages to play:

TDS: Which TV plays are you currently busy with?

Swagata: Right now, I have my hands full. I am currently involved in TV plays -- “O Chand”, “Hather Rekha Kotha Boley”, “Ohongkar”, “Parapar”, “Mittha Tumi Dosh Pipra” and “Nutt Boltu”. Serials “Rumali “and “Mokbul” have just ended.

TDS: In “Rumali” you played an unusual character. How did you go about it?

Swagata: It was quite an experience working in “Rumali,” not just for me but for others in the cast also. Though I had a cameo, it had a different appeal altogether. My unusual role in the serial, especially the regional dialect, chewing paan every now and then, was noticed by the audience.

TDS: You took a hiatus from TV…

Swagata: You are right. I wasn't keeping well and had to undergo a surgery to remove a tumour.

TDS: Which TV plays are you doing for this Eid?

Swagata: Quite a few. The special TV play “Daalia” (to be aired on ntv this Eid), directed by Nurul Alam Atik, in which I play a girl from the hills, is very interesting. In fact all the Eid-special plays this year are unique.

TDS: What about the silver screen?

Swagata: I am currently shooting for the film “Shontaner Moto Shontan”, directed by Shaheen Shumon. My co-artiste is Amin Khan. The storyline is quite interesting. My first film was “Shotru Shotru Khela”. The late Manna was my co-actor. The story was based on one of Nirmolendu Guun's poems.

TDS: You are seen hosting different programmes on TV as well…

Swagata: I am hosting a live musical show on ntv. I had no idea that people stay up so late and watch these shows with such interest. Before this I was anchoring a programme on films, aired on Banglavision.

TDS: Tell us about your band…

Swagata: Despite my hectic schedule, our band is still very much active. We plan to launch an album very soon.

TDS: What TVCs you are doing now?

Swagata: My debut ad was for Pran Cola. This was followed by Standard Chartered Bank and Grameen Phone, among others.

TDS: Are you deeply involved with music?

Swagata: My father Khoda Bukhsh Shanu was a music teacher. Since I grew up in a cultural background, I developed a passion for music. I loved listening to my father sing. I would try to imitate him. I began to sing at the age of three and a half; I first performed on TV around that time.

TDS: As a child artiste, you've appeared in several films…

Swagata: That is true. I worked in films such as “Linza”, “Shotiputra Abdullah”, “Shomman” and “Top Mastan”, as a child actor.

TDS: Which TV plays have had a deep impact on you?

Swagata: In 2006, I played a role in Animesh Aich's, “Gorom Bhaat Othoba Nichhok Bhooter Golpo” that made a mark for sure. I must also mention Salauddin Lavlu's “Goru Chor”. Abdullah Al Mamun's TV play “Ek Jonom” had a tremendous impact on me too.

Remembering an icon

Dhaka Theatre along with Bangladesh Gram Theatre, Swapnadal and Desh Bangla Theatre arranged a two-day programme to celebrate the 62nd birth anniversary of theatre icon Selim Al Deen. The programme began on August 18 at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). It included staging of plays, exhibition and a memorial lecture.

The inaugural programme was held at the lobby of National Theatre Hall, BSA. ITI Worldwide President Ramendu Majumdar inaugurated the festival as chief guest. Speaking on Al Deen, Majumdar called him “one of the virtuoso creative titans who elevated Bengali theatre.”

Dhaka Theatre chief Nasiruddin Yousuff expressed that he and his troupe along with all the theatre activists of Bangladesh want to celebrate Al Deen and his works, not only on particular occasions but throughout the year.

Among others, Sara Ara Mahmud, director, Department of Film and Theatre, BSA spoke at the inaugural programme.

Artistes of the theatre troupe Swapnadal presented a brief choreography accompanied with music. The performance featured songs eulogising Al Deen.

At the three theatre venues of BSA, Dhaka Theatre, Swapnadal and Shilpakala Academy staged plays written by Al Deen.

Dhaka Theatre staged its much-acclaimed production “Nimojjon” at the National Theatre Hall. Directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff, the play addresses the horrors of genocides throughout the ages across the globe.

“Nimojjon” does not have a particular storyline. According to the play, the history of civilisation and genocides are interwoven -- every civilisation has had a history of genocide. And the repetition of these brutal incidents has brought down humans from the superior position.

The cast included Milu Chowdhury, Asaduzzaman Aman, Sirajul Islam, Samiun Jahan and Sayeed Rinku.

Swapnadal staged “Festoon-e Lekha Smriti” at the Experimental Theatre Hall. The play depicts Al Deen's Liberation War memories, and is an adaptation of an article published in the Bangla daily Ajker Kagoj in 1993. Zahid Ripon has directed the play.

Shonali, Sharif, Emon, Shishir, Laboni and Anu were among the actors in the play.

Shilpakala Academy staged “Putro” at the Studio Theatre Hall. Directed by Mohammad Jasimuddin, the play follows a couple who lose their only child.

Enamtara Saki and Bakar Bakul played the duo.

The exhibition at the lobby of National Theatre Hall included posters and photographs. The display also featured miniature replicas of the stages used in Al Deen plays such as “Chaka”, “Prachya”, “Hargoj”, “Dhaboman” and “Bano Pangshul”.

A brush with life

A brush with death can sometimes be a brush with life. I was holding the hands of Lily Choudhury, a brave theatre activist in her younger days, the able partner of Professor Munier Choudhury, and mother of Mishuk Munier. Clad in a blue saree, her gaze was far away. Poised as a dove, she spoke in a soft voice, the turmoil in her mind deeply submerged in her grace and boldness to face life.

At their Banani home, where all the beautiful green foliage is still fresh and vibrant, the intricate alpana on the steps to her living room still colourful, she sits as a witness of the untimely departure of her dear ones.

My mother, who was a student of Professor Munier Choudhury, embraced her and reminded her of her golden days at the University quarters. Bhashan (Ahmed Munier) and Mishuk (Ashfaque Munier) were the two boys my parents remember fondly; Tanmoy (Asif Munier) was probably not born yet. We sat pensively with the family, as the mother spoke of her son, Mishuk. What startled me was that she found out about her son's demise through TV. She said she heard about a disaster and as she turned on the TV, she was sincerely hoping that the news would say that he was hurt, but alive. But then the news struck her. It is impossible to comprehend the hurt in a mother's heart when she learns of such a sudden tragic end to her son's life. She also mentioned that since her grandson Shuhrid was at Apollo Hospital the night before, Mishuk had stayed with him.

He left early for the selection of a filming location in Manikganj. She said that Mishuk had moved to Bangladesh to be close to his mother and motherland.

Mishuk Munier had worked for over ten years as a cameraperson for BBC World Services. He was bold and with an indomitable spirit, worked in conflict zones and disaster areas in different parts of the world. He had acquired invaluable technical expertise in broadcasting and had started to utilise the fruits of his expertise in his own land -- the land for which his father was martyred.

As the footage of Mishuk talking to women in Netrakona, teaching them about Skype flashes on the TV, it does something to me. A warrior, equipped with knowledge and dreams and bursting with life cannot and should not die that easily. Those who dare to dream to change the world are larger than life. Death, cold as steel, cannot steal that spirit. It lives on in the many lives he has touched -- in that little child in danger in Libya, or the many people whose tragedies found a language in his beautiful shots. Whenever you think of Mishuk Munier, it is a brush with life, not death.

Tareque Masud . . . history's storyteller

You could not help being arrested by Tareque Masud's gaze. There was always a shine to the eyes, and it came with that perpetual smile which could only draw people to him. There was every reason for him to be aloof, to stay away from the madding crowd. In a social ambience where we somehow expect celebrities to confine themselves to the other side of the fence, to bask in their glory, Tareque Masud refused to be a celebrity, was a refreshing departure. You did not have to walk up to him to exchange a hello or to tell him what a great filmmaker he was. Much to your surprise, sometimes to consternation, it was he who would stride toward you, with that luminosity of a smile all over his handsome features, to greet you.

Tareque Masud was every inch a modern man. That is something you can say about few people around you. His blend of patriotism and pragmatism was what constituted the individuality in him. Having been a student of history, having educated himself in the wider cosmopolitan study of the world he was part of, he found it eminently convenient to pass on the knowledge he had come by to all of us. In Muktir Gaan, he let the theme speak for itself. For those among us who saw the War of Liberation as history that was swiftly slipping out of our grasp, Tareque Masud, through Muktir Gaan, helped us claim it back in our collective life. More to the point, it was to the young, to those born after the war, that he offered history on a platter. Tareque Masud did for us what political propaganda could never do. He kept history on the heights.

You observe his other gifts to us. In Matir Moyna, in Ontorjatra, in Runway, it is individual conscience meshing with social awareness that you come by. Tareque Masud was the consummate film maker, one particularly fortunate in spotting a partner, a wife, in Catherine Masud ready and willing to go out on a limb to help him suffuse our universe with the glow of enlightenment. Tareque Masud was our face to the world, one of those precious few Bengalis who have done us proud in this long stretch of time since our rise as a free nation. He was at home in Cannes just as he was at ease back home in Dhaka.

A sense of realism was a hallmark in Tareque Masud. Having gone to a madrasah in the initial stages of life, he eventually moved on to a wider sphere. And yet he did not repudiate his past. A man's present is as intricately linked to his past as it is to his future. That was the dictum he worked on, which is why it worried him when some people took it on themselves to depict backwardness and hard conservatism through images of bearded and topi-covered men in this country. He was a liberal, but his liberalism had no place for fanaticism in it.

The light in our huts burns dim, now that the gods have claimed Tareque Masud.

J-Lo will return to American Idol

Jennifer Lopez will return for another season of American Idol, an executive producer of the hit TV show has said.

The celebrity judge hasn't said anything.

But executive producer Nigel Lythgoe was on the On-Air with Ryan Seacrest programme in the US on Wednesday morning and made the announcement.

He acknowledged it wasn't official. But he added he was "delighted to say that all three judges" and the show's "brilliant host" are back for the next season.

Ryan is the show's host. Singer-actress Jennifer appeared as a judge during the previous season.

The other judges are Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and record producer Randy Jackson.

American Idol is due to return to Fox television in January for its 11th season.

Sharmin Lucky @DS Café

Her initiation into the cultural arena happened with recitation. Her elocutionary skills soon fetched her gigs doing voice-overs for TV commercials. Then “Siddiqua Kabir's Recipe” happened and she became a celebrity overnight. Currently one of the most familiar and popular faces and voices on the small screen, Sharmin Lucky was at DS Café last week to receive calls from fans. Excerpts:

Munna, Dhaka: Why did you decide to come to DS Café?
Lucky: The main reason is to communicate with the readers. I often get the chance to do live shows on TV, but seldom get the chance to talk to newspaper readers. I'm loving this opportunity.

Dola, Kushtia: I'm a huge fan of yours. I recently found out from a magazine that you've been a vegetarian for the last 15 years.
Lucky: Thanks Dola. It's true. I haven't had meat in over a decade. But you could say I am a 'fishatarian'; I love and eat fish and vegetables.

Maya, Rajbari: We all know that you are a lovely TV host, a stunning model and more. But do you sing as well?
Lucky: Yes, I do. And I listen to all kinds of music. In fact music runs in my family, but I've never taken any formal lessons or done rewaaz.

The Daily Star(TDS): What is your beauty secret?
Lucky: Well I don't know. Maybe because I maintain a strict diet, try to stay happy and smile a lot. I carefully choose what I eat and have created my own lifestyle.

Rimi, Dhaka: Where did you study?
Lucky: I did my masters in Bangla from Dhaka University. My schooling was at Nazrul Shikkhalaya at Mogbazar and Probhati High School. I grew up in the area. I went to Siddheshwari College.

TDS: Do you find time for adda in your busy schedule?
Lucky: I have a small and very close circle of friends. I just love chatting with friends. My husband and I have spent a large chunk of our lives chatting with our friends.

Nuha, Eskaton, Dhaka: Your voice has been featured on many TV commercials. You have a beautiful voice.
Lucky: Really! I love doing jingles and voice-overs, and these take up a considerable amount of my time. Thanks.

Diba, Mohammadpur, Dhaka: How do you manage to find time for your family amid your hectic routine?
Lucky: Good question. If I stay at home, I usually set my routine the previous day. Planning makes things easier for me. I think that having a weekly plan ensures that I can have ample time just for my family.

Khaled, Keraniganj: You have an exquisite smile.
Lucky: Thanks.

Lonny, Banani, Dhaka: I'm a great fan of the way you host programmes with ease. Where do you live? Are you married?
Lucky: Its always nice talking to fans. I live in Gulshan and yes, I am married. I have a son who's in the tenth grade.

Bithika, Dhaka: We all know that sisters-in-law in our country have a bittersweet relationship. Do you have any such issue?
Lucky: Maybe the fact that I don't watch Hindi serials has allowed me to have a simple approach to life. Usually these problems perk up from both ends. To be honest, everyone has to take the first two years very calmly. Any relationship needs time to adjust. Frankly, I've never faced any such crisis.

Sagar Chowdhury, Syhlet: Have you been reciting poetry since childhood? What do we need to do for achieving clarity in our pronunciation?
Lucky: Yes, I've been practicing recitation since I was a child. To gain perfection in speech, you can listen to the recital CDs of Golam Mostafa, Kazi Shabyashachi, Jayanta Chattyapadhyay. There are several other good elocutionists as well. You can also listen to them.

Tozammel, Rajshahi: Have you ever acted in a TV play?
Lucky: No, I'm yet to appear on a TV play. I don't think I'll ever try my hands at that. I am simply not interested. I believe in the phrase “Jack of all trades…”

TDS: Do people eat to survive, or survive to eat?
Lucky: I know I eat to survive.

Samiha, Baily Road, Dhaka: My mother and I regularly watch “Siddiqua Kabir's Recipe”.
Lucky: Thanks. I'm also coming up with new cooking shows. You're invited to watch them as well.

Nabila, Dhaka: How do you stay fit?
Lucky: I have yogurt and milk regularly. Other things that I regularly have are plenty of vegetables, fruits and fish. Most importantly I regularly walk in the park.

Ruhi, Dhaka: How much do you weigh?
Lucky: 57 kilograms.

TDS: Why are you reluctant to appear on TV plays?
Lucky: If I were involved in acting, my hosting and voice-over careers would have been overshadowed. I don't want to mess up what I've worked hard to achieve. I don't want to hear that Sharmin Lucky does everything.

TDS: Do you wear designer clothes? Who are your preferred designers?
Lucky: Yes, I do. I won't name any designer, as missing a name may spark a fight.

TDS: Are you involved with any social work?
Lucky: I work with acid survivors. I'm also associated with an organisation called Oporajeyo Bangladesh that works for the betterment of street children. I'll be working with the organisation members on the second day of Eid this year. This year I also took part in the nationwide tree planting project with Musa Ibrahim.

Anika, Mohammadpur, Dhaka: I love you as a host. What is your favorite hobby?
Lucky: Thanks Anika. I love listening to music, reading books and travelling with my son.

Nahar, Dhaka: What's your favourite attire?
Lucky: Saree and long western clothing.

Miraz, Uttara, Dhaka: Many wish to be doctors or engineers. What made you choose the media?
Lucky: I wanted to be a teacher and worked as one for five years. I had to leave teaching but it remains my favourite profession. It was love for the culture that brought me to media. Maybe one day I'll return to teaching.

Manju, Jessore: Are you interested in doing movies?
Lucky: I don't see that happening ever. I didn't even work on TV dramas.

Russell, Mymensingh: Where is your ancestral home?
Lucky: Nalchhiti in Barisal.