Mitu throws light on lockdown, her career and current projects

The country still remains in the grip of coronavirus. As a result, most of us, including the film stars, are confined within four walls. While many of them are doing some creative stuff at home to be in high spirits, many others are expecting that the pandemic will turn the corner soon and shooting will be resumed.

Like many others, promising actress Zahara Mitu, who has got many of her projects in limbo, is also eagerly waiting to take part in shooting as soon as things begin looking up.

In a recent conversation with The Business Post, she shared tidbits about how she has been spending this year’s lockdown period, her films and career.

Mitu said that she had been striving to master fighting skills while staying at home during this fresh spell of lockdown. “I took a huge preparation while shooting for my second film ‘Commando’. I learned how to fight at that time. When the lockdown was announced this year, I thought of making the best use of my time by brushing up my fighting skills. I am doing so regularly.”

She went on to say, “I replay some of the old videos of the fighting classes I attended and take help from YouTube as well.”

Works of two of her new films with actor Bappy Chowdhury, tilted ‘Jontrona’ and ‘Joy Bangla’, which were announced in the last two months, have faced delay owing to the pandemic.

“We were scheduled to go to Kaptai for the shooting of ‘Jontrona’ which was cancelled as the lockdown was imposed suddenly. It was supposed to be a 10-day tour in Kaptai and Bandarban areas. We didn’t take the risk and complying with the lockdown guidelines was the best option to follow,” said Mitu.

Talking about stepping into films, the actress said that it’s her luck that brought her to the film industry and kick-starting the journey with two superstars - Shakib Khan and Dev – in two different projects was a phenomenal experience. “It all happened all of a sudden,” Mitu exclaimed.

“First of all, I never dreamt of becoming an actress. I never thought of collaborating with Shakib Khan or Dev. In fact, it was even not my dream. I have always wanted to do something, through which people will know me and love me,” said the actress.

“I have always wanted to act in quality films so that I can proudly say that I have done something really good and it brings honour to my family as well,” added Mitu.

Asked about the progress of the film ‘Agun’ with Shakib Khan and ‘Commando’ with Dev, she said, “Agun is expected to resume shooting once the situation improves whereas Commando’s shooting will resume as soon as Thailand opens its beach to the visitors. Both Dev and me are ready,” she further added.

Mitu shared that she is now also preparing herself for the shooting of Kazi Hayat’s government grant winning project ‘Joy Bangla’, an adaptation of noted author Muntassir Mamoon’s teen novel of the same title.

The actress further said that two other new projects have been finalised meanwhile, but declined to disclose more detail at this moment.

“The filmmakers in Bangladesh are very meritorious. Except the limitations of budget and proper target audience, everything is conducive for making very good films,” the actress opined about the overall scenario of the film industry.

Regarding the current pandemic situation, Mitu expressed her concern about the well-being of her near and dear ones as the pandemic has again taken a serious turn in the country.

“I am grateful that I am still alive and my family is holding up well at a time when the whole world has come to a standstill,” she concluded.