Popular actress Anika Kabir Shokh of the country. Although she used to act regularly, she now acts occasionally. She spoke to Cinebuzz Times about her career plans.
Your dance videos are getting a lot of praise in the comments section. Are these planned?
Anika Kabir Shokh: Dance videos are not planned. I have been dancing since childhood. Suddenly, I felt inspired to create content. It doesn’t take me much time to dance. I spend at most half an hour before shooting a video. However, none of these are done on a large scale. After sharing the dances with the fans, I saw that everyone was praising them. That’s why I dance to a song whenever I like it. Again, even if I want a concept, it’s not a work.
How did you start dancing?
Anika Kabir Shokh: I’ve been dancing since I was a child. I’m basically a dancing girl. I came to the media from a career in dancing. Later, I joined acting.
Why didn’t you continue dancing regularly later?
Anika Kabir Shokh: I didn’t continue dancing, that’s wrong. I have always continued dancing. Perhaps acting has gained more attention. Apart from that, those who know me well are aware of my dancing. My dancing background is firm. I learned to dance at Kachikancha, Shishu Academy, and BAFA. Once, BAFA offered me the opportunity to become a dance teacher. I have completed courses in various dances, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri. I have represented the country in dance competitions not only domestically but also internationally.
Is dance now neglected in the country?
Anika Kabir Shokh: Once upon a time, we had many dance programs here. Now, dance programs on television have become Eid-centric. Only dance programs are held at certain times. All in all, it can be said that there were few dance programs earlier, and now there are even fewer. Even then, dance programs are being held through various initiatives. If I say so myself, I was a judge for the national dance a few days ago. There is another program the day after tomorrow. There is also an opportunity to showcase dance as part of the country’s culture in the international arena. I would say we have to stick to it.
Did you ever think that you can’t act outside the main character?
Anika Kabir Shokh: If I like the character, I will definitely do it. Look, I have always been involved in lead casting throughout my career. I have not done side casting.
Have you ever faced any obstacles as a woman in the acting field?
Anika Kabir Shokh: I was fortunate from the beginning. I had no intention of becoming an actor. I somehow came to acting through dancing. Now this is my profession. Earlier, I never felt like an obstacle, but now I feel like one. Some conspiracy or politics now overshadow the way the industry was three to four years ago. Politics is detrimental to an artist. As an artist, you should not do any politics. This internal politics does not go with an artist. Practising art should be the primary job of an artist.
Many actresses have acted in their favourite roles as directors. Do you have any aspirations?
Anika Kabir Shokh: I don’t consider myself that big yet. I am a very small person. I am acting, learning. That is who I am.
What is most important to you?
Anika Kabir Shokh: As an actor, the most important thing for me is to love people and stay healthy. And if you talk about my philosophy, I would say I am simple. There is nothing complicated about me. I try to live honestly.