Within a short time span, the name
Pori Moni had created quite an impact in Dhallywood. Her stepping stone
to the world of glamour was through modelling, but it did not take much
time for her to prove that she possessed the X factor needed to win the
hearts of the movie goers. Her debut into the industry was with the film
'Rana Plaza', based on the tragic incident surrounding the actual
disaster, but due to the sensitivity of the matter, the film had been
postponed by the Censor Board. However, it did not prevent the talented
actress from spreading her wings to soar higher. Soon she was signing
new films and it has been a constant ride ever since. We met up with the
contemporary actress and are proud to present to our readers the
conversation we had.
Let us begin with your uncommon name. Is it an alias or your original name?
Oh no! It is not at all an alias, it's my real name. My grandmother had planned the name for me.
After your first film, it was a nonstop ride for you with the consecutive films. What is the story behind that?
That is like an achievement for me. I guess the producers and
directors trusted my acting skills and believed I could portray the
desired characters well. I worked with all my dedication and perhaps
that is the reason for them to cast time and again in such a short
phase.
Out of all your films, how many of those were a success at the box office?
My first-released film “Bhalobasha Shimahin” was in 2015 and it
proved to be a success. Whatever followed after that did quite well and
it trailed a steady rate of attainment.
The name Pori Moni tends to stir some hype in the Dhallywood headlines. What are your thoughts on the publicity?
My name serves like a brand in the biz and I prefer to keep it that
way. Earlier it used to pester me, to see all the facts or gossip about
myself being published, but now I've gotten used to it and I'm least
bothered. On the bright side, whenever there tends to be more gossip
spreading, I get offered more films.
With your baby steps in the industry, you still have a long way to go. How has the journey been so far?
It is a profession that requires much caution in order to prosper. A
simple mistake may put a halt to the career. I have taken advice from
many that helped me advance. I feel I have learnt a lot, but not yet
enough.
Why do you think the song “Dana Kata Pori”
from your upcoming film “Rokto” managed to secure a million hits on
YouTube within the first week of its release? And what have you learnt
from it?
It is simply an act of dedication from my fans. Even though it was
totally unexpected, I am delighted that all the hard work behind the
film paid-off. The song was choreographed by Baba Yadav sir with extreme
perfection. He was a total professional, which is what we lack on this
side of our border. Whereas, on the other side, they are rather prompt
about their timing, which is why I believe their outcomes tend to be
nothing less than perfect.
Since you are mostly busy with your hectic schedule, how do you manage the opportunities for leisure?
I am mesmerized by the camera and the mirror, but I rarely get the
time to spend with either. If I do get some free time, I usually take a
nap. And if I manage to squeeze more time out, then I enjoy watching a
variety of films, including foreign ones too.
Before signing up for a film, what are the aspects you scrutinize?
In the beginning, I signed up for films without much knowledge, and
ended up being misled more than being assisted. The industry is a harsh
place and I have come to figure that out better over the year. It is up
to the director and the cameraman to portray me glamorously, otherwise, I
wouldn't look appealing to the viewers. But in our country, they do not
seem to abide by that. Even across the border, they tend to portray the
actresses in a nice manner, but over here there are many who try to
demean us in every way possible. To this day, I could not figure out the
reason behind such acts, and unless that improves, our industry won't
succeed. Now, I try to stay cautious, and analyse my character and the
story in depth before signing up for a film.
Who are your idols in the industry?
I really look up to Shabana mam and Shabnur apu. I am also highly
intrigued by the famous Suchitra Sen and often try to impersonate her
when in front of the mirror.
With the variety of roles that you have ticked off the list, is there any specific character you desire to play?
Oh definitely! I am a diehard fan of Rabindranath Tagore and I wish I
could portray any female character from one of his outstanding stories.
I have a cupboard full of his books and my day also begins to the
rhythm of his tunes.
Interviewed by Zahid Akbar
Narrated by Minam Haque
