I am an actor, not an anchor – Swagata

In 2005, a simple girl from You Got The Look won the crown. That young girl however, is now old enough to talk about her own career and the media industry, after being in the business for more than 12 years. She is none other than Zinat Sanu Swagata, first born of music personality, Late Khoda Boksh Sanu. This week, our Showtime team had the opportunity to have a little chit chat with Swagata.So here you are, Swagata! How’s life?Life is good, just very busy with work. Still getting offers for the coming occasion of Eid. Until then, it will remain the same, I think.Any offers for TV dramas this Eid? Surprisingly, no. I have recorded three shows already as an anchor. This time, the industry has made me anchor.Which shows are you hosting as anchor?A cooking show for ATN will be aired during the whole month of Ramadan. And I’ve already completed a recording for BTV. I am also hosting Chayachondo this time.Is it an Eid special?Yes, it is. Four episodes of Chayachondo will be aired, starting from the day of Eid. Also, another music-show with James has already been recorded for NTV.How do you think being perceived as an anchor will affect your career?From my point of view, I would be happier if the audience got to see me more as an actor. I am an actor, not an anchor. And I never wanted to become a host or an anchor in the first place.Do you think you’re being approached to host these shows due to the lack of good anchors?That maybe the case. However, I also believe that good actors and good scripts are also hard to come by these days. I don’t really feel like working with such scripts that do not have a proper storyline. Also, the pronunciation of dialogues and accent are a matter of concern for me.As a professional, do you ever raise your voice against scripts, which are not up to the mark or the accent that you think should not be presented on screen? Yes, some of us always protest to this current situation. But you see, as a result of protesting against these, I am no longer getting any offers for TV dramas! Although I did work for a few TV dramas here and there, I’m not quite satisfied with the offers that I am getting as an actor. Previously, I used to work for at least thirty TV dramas, during special occasions. But nowadays, I am getting much less offers. And sometimes, I don’t not really feel attached to the work that I’m doing. That is why I don’t even remember those names! It’s sad, no?What gives you this feeling, Swagata?I don’t know. Nowadays, there are so many channels, and a lot of work has to be done for occasions like Eid. We, as actors, remain so busy during the whole season, but how many of those works does the audience actually remember, after it has been aired? As a professional, it hurts me! To me, it is important to feel satisfied with my work. I believe, it’s high time to question ourselves – what are we working for? Also, I strongly believe there is a lack of good content in the drama industry these days.What are the currents projects that you’ve been working on? Tell us something about your future projects as well.I have already completed the shooting for a drama serial of seven episodes with Mir Sabbir. I have also done a telefilm with Kamal Khan, and recently got done with the shooting for some other projects as well.