‘I love what I do’: Tonima Hamid on finding fulfilment in teaching

Former television star Tonima Hamid may have stepped away from regular acting nearly 15 years ago, but audiences have not forgotten her.

Once a familiar face on Bangladeshi television, particularly in BTV dramas and literary adaptations, Tonima has shifted her focus entirely to academia. She currently teaches at East West University and says she has found fulfilment in her role as an educator.

Speaking about her decision to leave acting, Tonima said motherhood played the biggest role. “The main reason was to give time to my son. That’s why I gradually reduced my acting commitments,” she said.

After her son was born in 2010, Tonima significantly cut back on acting and has not appeared in a television drama since 2019.

Despite leaving the spotlight, she says teaching has brought her immense satisfaction. “I truly enjoy teaching. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have stayed in this profession for so many years. I love what I do,” she said.

The actress spoke fondly of her relationship with students, many of whom continue to stay in touch years after graduating. “I’ve been blessed with wonderful students. Some who graduated a decade ago and now live abroad still come to visit me when they return home. Those moments make me incredibly happy.” 

She recalled one former student who bought a sari for their mother with their first salary and later surprised her with a pair of earrings as a gesture of gratitude.“Those are beautiful memories. They bring a different kind of happiness,” she added.

Tonima said many younger students initially do not recognise her as an actor because she has been absent from television for so long. “Later they discover my work on YouTube and then tell their parents about me. Often their parents recognise me immediately because they used to watch my dramas,” she said.

Her journey in acting began on stage under the guidance of her father, veteran actor and director M Hamid. Remarkably, she made her stage debut when she was just two-and-a-half years old.

Among her notable stage productions are “Voddorlok”, “Let There Be Light”, “Bilkis Banur Konnara” and “Hyena”. She also performed in the solo play “Eka Ek Nari”.

Although she no longer misses the routine of acting, Tonima admits there are moments when exceptional productions make her nostalgic.

“What I miss is not acting regularly. What I miss is being part of truly outstanding work,” she said.

Even today, audience members continue to remind her how much they miss seeing her on screen.

Recalling one such encounter, she said a woman once recognised her despite her wearing a mask while shopping. “She held my hand and said, ‘Are you Tonima? I recognised you from your eyes. I’m so upset with you. Why don’t you act anymore? I’ve watched so many of your dramas and I miss your acting so much.’”

Asked about the role her parents played in her career, Tonima’s answer was simple: “One hundred percent of the credit goes to my parents.”