Dolly Zahur
A gifted actress
Cultural Correspondent
As a young girl, I was always interested in dancing and singing. Naturally, I would get restless in the house when I saw the local boys preparing for any cultural event. I could hardly contain myself and would run out to be a part of it." Always sporting a winning smile that would light up anyone's world -- Dolly Zahur falls into the category of artistes, who have contributed immensely in shaping Bangladeshi TV plays and won many accolades for it. A name that needs no further introduction, Dolly was inspired to go for acting professionally when she won the first prize in her inter-university acting competition. Bhooter goli is where this multi talented artiste grew up and got involved in the local cultural event 'Bichitra'. However, in those programmes she was always seen either as a dancer or a singer and rarely was involved with acting "I think I was meant to be a public figure right from my childhood. During my school days I was a part of the Mukul Fauj," remembers dolly. Her acting career kicked off with theatre, back in her university days when she was a student of sociology. It was during one of her sessions with Natyochakra that she was introduced to Mamunur Rashid -- one of Bangladesh's most successful directors. He cast her in one of his new plays titled Manush, which fetched her as well as the whole team immediate recognition and fame. Over the years she has performed in the play over 200 times in different countries including France, Italy, United States, India, etc. Her first introduction to television was with her husband's insistence and inspiration. Many people told her that acting in front of the camera would be a different experience, a frightening one. In her own words, "However for me it was never a problem. I was so used to doing theatre, that in my mind I thought the camera was the audience and carried on. From my very first shot in front of the camera I was comfortable." The camera did love her. One of the serials that defined Bangladeshi TV drama, Eishob Dinratri, catapulted her and the writer Humayun Ahmed into limelight. Dolly became the 'bhabi' (sister-in-law) everyone adored. She went on to work in several TV serial, single-episode plays and some feature films. Among them, the audience remembers her for her spirited performances in films Shankhoneel Karagar and Agun-er Poroshmoni. Dolly strongly believes that to be a good actress one has to become one with the character. It is impractical for a mother of four grown up children who's a widow to be wearing red lipstick says this pragmatic actress. She also believes whether one does theatre, movies or serials one has to love the work. Doing it for money or fame does get tiring soon. For Dolly, extensive research and days of preparation is required before shooting for any character. "Even for the role of a mother, the glasses I will be wearing may differ based on the character sketch," informs Dolly. The younger generation today is doing just about any role that comes their way, without much preparation. She does not blame them for this. They have theoretical knowledge but little experience. "It is the responsibility of the directors to point out these mistakes." The senior artistes should also help them as much as possible, only then will they learn the practical aspects of acting. For this strong-minded talented actress, her late husband had been her strongest supporter and inspirer. He passed away a couple of months ago due to cancer. In grief stricken words she admits "He was there for me at every step of my life but now he's left me alone to deal with this world."
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