Winning over the audience, one smile at a time

With her potential, Tanjim Saiyara Totini could be one of the busiest actresses of her time. However, she prefers to be picky about her works. From her journey from Kolpona to Shuhashini, her unforgettable smile leaves a mark on the hearts of audiences.

The young actress, who is still a student at North South University, stars in an exclusive shoot for The Daily Star.

You recently posted pictures from your trip to India. How was your tour?

I went to Darjeeling with friends during the semester break. It was a great tour. When we graduate, we’ll be busier than ever. If we don’t enjoy these moments with friends now, then when?

With the film “Jaya Aar Sharmin” you will soon be seen on the big screen. What other projects have you worked on?

Recently I have worked on Rubel Anush’s Newmarket and the puja special novel Sharod Prate directed by Chayanika Chowdhury. I receive positive feedback for both projects. As for Jaya Aar Sharmin, I worked on this project before we shot Kolpona, which is a sequel to Ei Muhurte. I don’t care about the medium, I just want to learn at this stage in my career.

In a short span of time you have earned a lot of affection from the audience. Do you have any secrets to share?

Acceptance is very important and I think I’m lucky that people have showered me with so much love in such a short space of time. Also, Aryan Bhai told me an interesting fact – my facial features are a personification of Bengal herself (chuckles).

What are you currently working on?

I’m actually at the end of my studies and am currently trying to concentrate more on my education. I’m also doing some photo shoots and I’m in talks with some TV projects. I have to think a lot before I tackle any web project because it takes focus and time. After completing my studies, I will be able to take on more OTT projects.

Before you starred in Mizanur Rahman Aryan’s Shuhashini (Girl With Pretty Smile), did your friends give you that title?

My friends started calling me “Shuhashini” after the fiction was published.

Is it true that you agreed to a small role in Taqdeer just because Chanchal Chowdhury will be starring in it?

Yes, it’s true, and honestly, working with the whole team (Film Noir) has been a great experience. With Chanchal Chowdhury being my inspiration, working on the same project and sharing the screens with Manoj Pramanik is something to brag about.

If you had to share one thing you like and one thing you dislike most about yourself, what would it be?

People say I’m humble and kind. At the same time, I’m very fond of cats and dogs – it’s one of those traits I think you should have.

One thing I don’t like about myself is that sometimes I feel extremely insecure, which I know I shouldn’t and should be more confident about.

How do you transition from one character to another?

It’s really tough. I still remember after finishing Kolpona I struggled to get out of the atmosphere of the shoot and the character I was portraying. Even today, when I’m feeling extremely down, I feel that character.