Beginning her career through TV commercials, Joya Ahsan has emerged as a refined actor, earning rave reviews for several of her roles on TV. She is often called the "top TV star".
The actor has demonstrated her sensitivities and remarkable command over her craft in off-track/art house productions. The thespian has also done movies that won accolades -- "Bachelor" and "Doob Shatar". Her most recent performance in Nasiruddin Yousuff's "Guerrilla" is generating superlative appraisals. The Daily Star (TDS) caught up with Joya:
TDS: An individual can't move forward without ambitions. What are your plans for the future?
Joya: There is no specific plan, but I'm determined and have a goal. I wanted to earn a reputation as an able actor, which I think I've achieved. I have demonstrated my abilities on the small screen; now I want to experience other mediums.
Joya: There is no specific plan, but I'm determined and have a goal. I wanted to earn a reputation as an able actor, which I think I've achieved. I have demonstrated my abilities on the small screen; now I want to experience other mediums.
TDS: Would you like to elaborate on that?
Joya: I want to explore my possibilities in the acting arena. I think if people stay honest and committed, they can achieve anything. You don't always need to have traditional training to be successful. Sometimes passion and dedication are so powerful, they can take you to the pinnacle of success. I know as a newcomer on the silver screen, I'll face criticism about my capabilities. Critics will also analyse and scrutinise my work. So the challenge is greater. I want to explore my versatility by challenging myself.
Joya: I want to explore my possibilities in the acting arena. I think if people stay honest and committed, they can achieve anything. You don't always need to have traditional training to be successful. Sometimes passion and dedication are so powerful, they can take you to the pinnacle of success. I know as a newcomer on the silver screen, I'll face criticism about my capabilities. Critics will also analyse and scrutinise my work. So the challenge is greater. I want to explore my versatility by challenging myself.
TDS: Are you slowly moving more towards films?
Joya: It's not like I'm leaning towards the big screen. The current state of mainstream Bangladeshi cinema makes it unlikely for me to be a regular movie actor, but I would like to be more active in films.
Joya: It's not like I'm leaning towards the big screen. The current state of mainstream Bangladeshi cinema makes it unlikely for me to be a regular movie actor, but I would like to be more active in films.
TDS: But better films are being made nowadays...
Joya: I'm not only concerned about my own place in films. I want total improvement of the industry.
Joya: I'm not only concerned about my own place in films. I want total improvement of the industry.
TDS: Have you decided to choose only a handful of roles?
Joya: There are people who want more fame, air-time and money. But I think differently. I've realised that one memorable role is way better than several forgettable ones that offer nothing more than money and air-time. There is no point in seeking more time on the screen; rather it's better to appear in a production like “Angurlota”, which received a lot of positive feedback. I love it when people in villages (where I'm shooting) call me 'Angurlota'. One role like that can make you immortal.
Joya: There are people who want more fame, air-time and money. But I think differently. I've realised that one memorable role is way better than several forgettable ones that offer nothing more than money and air-time. There is no point in seeking more time on the screen; rather it's better to appear in a production like “Angurlota”, which received a lot of positive feedback. I love it when people in villages (where I'm shooting) call me 'Angurlota'. One role like that can make you immortal.
TDS: To what extent do you think direction and script comes into play when creating a good artistic production?
Joya: A production consists of contributions from everyone in the team. Usually after getting a script, I visualise the emotions and prepare myself accordingly. I thoroughly enjoy working with young directors and crews. They are more dynamic, brave, efficient and focus more on the aesthetics than the commercial aspects.
Joya: A production consists of contributions from everyone in the team. Usually after getting a script, I visualise the emotions and prepare myself accordingly. I thoroughly enjoy working with young directors and crews. They are more dynamic, brave, efficient and focus more on the aesthetics than the commercial aspects.
TDS: How many TV plays have you done so far?
Joya: I haven't counted. But I haven't done many serials.
Joya: I haven't counted. But I haven't done many serials.
TDS: Which is your longest running serial?
Joya: “Choita Pagol”. There are plans to stretch it to 105 episodes.
Joya: “Choita Pagol”. There are plans to stretch it to 105 episodes.
TDS: If you ever decide to stop acting, would you still be in the media?
Joya: I have no such plan. However, I know if that ever happens, it will be very frustrating for me.
Joya: I have no such plan. However, I know if that ever happens, it will be very frustrating for me.
TDS: Are there other creative fields that you are interested in?
Joya: Music. But it's too late for that. It would've taken more involvement and years to groom myself as a singer.
Joya: Music. But it's too late for that. It would've taken more involvement and years to groom myself as a singer.
TDS: Any advice for aspiring actors?
Joya: I'm working with the next generation of actors, but we have a huge cultural gap. The three most important treasures I possess are my simple lifestyle, integrity and love for my work.
Joya: I'm working with the next generation of actors, but we have a huge cultural gap. The three most important treasures I possess are my simple lifestyle, integrity and love for my work.
TDS: What serials are you doing other than “Choita Pagol”?
Joya: I'm doing Mezbaur Rahman Sumon's “Mittha Tumi Dosh Pipra”. I'll also start working on a production by Animesh Aich.
Joya: I'm doing Mezbaur Rahman Sumon's “Mittha Tumi Dosh Pipra”. I'll also start working on a production by Animesh Aich.
News Source: The Daily Star