Bangladeshi actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila has won the Maitreyee Award for her contribution through acting in both Bengals and the Award for the Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Mayaa, at Telangana Bengali Film Festival in Hyderabad. Also, her film Neetishastra has been selected at the 28th Kolkata International Film Festival. A The Telegraph chat with Mithila...

Congratulations! How does it feel right now? What does this honour mean to you?

It always feels great when your work gets recognised. I have been acting in Bangladesh television and film industry for about two decades now. I have already created my position there. In Calcutta I have worked in two feature films and one web series so far. Couple of new projects are in the pipeline as well. It is an honour for me to get recognised for my performance in Mayaa, which is my debut film in West Bengal.

Tell us more about the Maitreyee Award, and why is it special for you?

Receiving the Maitreyee award from Telangana Bengali Film Festival 2022 is a great honour since it recognises my work across borders. I have realised after moving to Calcutta that many people from this side of Bengal actually watch my work regularly on YouTube. I have heard the same from Bengalis living in different parts of the world. It’s a pity that Bengalis on both sides of the border go through such hurdles to watch each other’s films and television productions. Thanks to some film festivals and the recent penetration of OTTs that now we are being able to see each other’s work to some extent. I am happy that my work on both sides of Bengal is being appreciated.

How will this award inspire you?

This recognition will inspire me to focus more on my craft so that I can bring in versatility and take on more challenging roles in future.

Mithila with the Maitreyee Award

Mayaa was screened for the first time at the TBFF 2022. How was the reaction from the audience?

I am very happy that Mayaa has been received very positively by the audience at the TBFF 2022 in Hyderabad. I am elated that they loved my performance as well. During the Q/A session after the screening they asked a lot of questions about how I have worked on building this character. They have also asked many thought provoking, intelligent questions to the director of the film, Raajhorshee De, regarding the process of adaptation from Macbeth. We were amazed and honoured by the warm appreciation from our audiences.

Tell us more about Mayaa and your role in it?

The film Mayaa is inspired by William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It is a very different adaptation, perhaps a feministic take by the director. I played the role of Mayaa, which is a very challenging role and one of the protagonists in the film. I played three different ages at three different stages of Mayaa’s life. Mayaa is a symbol of women power and an alter-ego of all the women characters in the film.

The poster of Mayaa

How was your experience at the Telangana Bengali Film Festival?

The Telangana Bengali Film Festival 2022 in Hyderabad was a great opportunity to connect with fellow artistes, film-makers and the Bengali community living in Hyderabad. It created an opportunity for the Bengalis in Hyderabad to watch good quality Bengali films. I am personally honoured by their hospitality. I would like to convey my best regards and say thanks to the curator, Sumana Kanjilal; secretary of TBFF 2022, Bappa Majumdar; and the entire organising team for creating this platform and opportunity for all of us.

Your film Neetishastra has been selected at the 28th Kolkata International Film Festival (Kiff 2022). What was your first reaction when you got the news?

It’s a great news that Neetishastra has been selected at Kiff 2022 and will be screened for the first time on December 16 and 18 at the festival.

Will the film travel to more fests now?

Yes. That is the aspiration at least. However, our director will take the call in this regard.

What is the film-maker trying to say through the film?

Neetishastra is an anthology film where four different stories will be told, each containing a different kind of moral dilemma.

How has 2022 shaped up for you?

Can’t believe that it’s already the last month of 2022. Time just flew like that. It was full of ups and downs. Last six months was mostly about my work travels for BRAC where I have travelled to Uganda, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Tanzania a few times. There have also been times which were hard. I lost my daadi this year.

What have been the high points?

Among the high points, one is that my daughter has joined the junior school choir group this year and has already started performing. This year also marks the third year of my PhD. And last but not the least, receiving this award for my work in Mayaa and my contribution through acting in both Bengals have inspired me to do more in 2023.

What are your forthcoming projects?

My forthcoming projects in India are Mayaa and Neetishastra which haven’t been commercially released yet. A couple of projects are in the pipeline as well. In Bangladesh, my films Jawle Jole Tara, Kajol Rekha and Nuliachorir Shonar Pahar are at the post-production stage. A couple of web series and films are also in the pipeline.