Affri Selina: If I were not an artiste, I’d have been an entrepreneur 

Talented actress of the present generation Affri Selina starrer movie of English and Bengali languages titled ‘Before I Die’ is going to be screened in some countries of the UK. To attend the screening of her movie, Affri Selina is going to the UK next month. The emerging actress also played the lead female role in a web film titled ‘Maaya-The Revenge’ directed by Fahmida Prema. Asif Noor acted alongside Affri as the lead male character in this romantic thriller. The Business Post’s Afsana Khanom Asha talked with the actress about her recent endeavours and career.  

Why you are going to London? 

I’m associated with a joint production English movie titled ‘Before I Die’ directed by Bangladeshi-British director, Minhaz Kibria. Its entire team was from the UK, like the director, fight director, and hero. I am acting as the lead heroine in this movie and my co-actor Iftikhar Ahmed in this film is a British-Bangladeshi actor. This movie will be premiered in four countries of the UK. First, we are attending in Central London, then Scotland. After completing four shows I will return to the country. 

How does it feel to be associated with English cinema?

Honestly, when I see myself on the international platform, it seems that I can achieve something. I don’t know why the scope of our local films is not increasing for us. As an artiste, it is not possible to describe the feeling of working on an international platform. 

Tell us about your next projects. 

I have become more of a TV artist. Like Maasranga Television, Channel i, RTV are airing my drama serials regularly. I am doing single dramas too. I also acted in a web film titled ‘Maaya-The Revenge’ directed by Fahmida Prema. If I say truly, I am not refusing anything, because I am getting good scripts, directors, and also co-artistes, so I am doing it. There is definitely a possibility of something new but I don’t want to reveal it now. 

You have started your career as a model. Will you continue it?  

Actually, I am a TVC artiste. I have got national and international awards for my TVCs. So still now I am working on TVC. In the future, I will continue on TVC. 

How do you defer yourself as a model, film artiste, and web film artist, is anything different among them?  

If I say as a person it is very difficult and tough, but as an artiste or character, I can play the role easily and it doesn’t seem too difficult. But dreams of a big screen are also big. I think it’s my big achievement to see myself on the big screen like in an international movie.

How did you enter the media industry?

I became a model for a TVC of Ifad biscuit directed by Gazi Shuvo in 2012. Secondly, I acted on the TVC of Pran-RFL. My career in the media industry began in 2012 as the brand ambassador of Women’s World. The journey wasn’t easy. Every step was very difficult. Nothing comes so easily. During the Covid situation, many artistes stopped their work. But I worked hard and didn’t give up. That is why I am here today, and my ambition is increasing day by day. 

If you were not an artiste, then what was your aim? 

If I were not an artiste, I would have been a successful entrepreneur. 

How do you enjoy your life apart from as an artiste? 

I love to have adda with some of my friends who are close to me. I also love to cook, read books, and dance.