Sumaiya Shimu: Getting into the skin of a slum girl

Actress Sumaiya Shimu has earned plaudits from the TV audience for her portrayal of a girl from the slums of Dhaka in the ongoing drama serial called “Lalita.” Though raised in a slum, Lalita has high aspirations. She wants to break free of the incarceration of poverty and prejudice. The story revolves around Lalita's journey to freedom and narrates the different phases of her life -- from adolescence to married life.

The serial has been shot at 21 locations, from Kuril slum in Baridhara to streets in Tangail.

"What amazes me is the spirit and adaptability of this character," says Sumaiya. "Over 15/20 episodes of the serial, Lalita is in search of peace and her identity. However, in later episodes, she changes into a more assertive and mature person.”

Sumaiya also recalls her role in “Shopno Chura,” directed by Fazlur Rahman. "I really enjoyed playing the fun-loving, happy-go-lucky character. Positive response and warm wishes from viewers encouraged me and made that experience even more special," she says.

Other than "Lalita," Sumaiya Shimu will be appearing in TV plays this Eid like “Houseful Plus,” “Tritiyo Nayan,” “Manushta Onnorokom,” “Golok Dhandha,” “Projapotir Mon” and more.

In “Projapotir Mon,” Sumaiya plays the role of a down-to-earth girl named Khela. Another upcoming project is “A Journey by Love” -- a humorous tale of a flamboyant girl named Nabila (played by Sumaiya) who is forced into marriage by her family. Unable to take the pressure, she decides to escape. Shot in Maulvibazar, it's a fascinating tale of love found through trial and error. The eligible bachelor, Nabila is supposed to marry, is troubled at the prospect of leaving behind all his girlfriends on Facebook. He, too, decides to escape.

Sumaiya says her plan for this coming Eid-ul-Fitr is very hectic. Till the day before Eid, she would be busy shooting.

Sumaiya enjoys travelling, and says that exploring new places -- in the country of overseas -- with near and dear ones is always a rejuvenating experience.