Shimul Yousuf is one of the most prolific theatre artists in the country. She is a singer, actor and above all: a Freedom Fighter. She has been a personification of the independence and strength of Bangladesh from its birth till today. She shares her valuable words with The Daily Observer.
Tell us something about your childhood...I do not know how I grew up! I didn't have a childhood like most other girls. I lost my father when I was just 4 years old. We were 8 siblings and I was the youngest. After the demise of my father the only earning person was my elder brother. So there I have seen the struggle of our family. However, the atmosphere was different as we all were cultural minded persona. My mother was a far sighted woman. It was her command that we siblings must involve in cultural activities. My father was a man of 'Sufi' influence.
We were liberal Muslims but my parents always prayed five times, we used to wake up in the morning by hearing the recitation of Quran. So our mental orientation was quite different from other children. When I was only 4 or 5, I was enrolled in Kochi Kachar Mela. Later, I started working in Radio and Television where I used to get little remuneration.
In 1964, I start working in television. So I was a child artist at very early age. When girls of my age went to the field to play, I went to perform a show. But my hard work never went in vain. At the age of only 16 I got All Pakistan president award. So my childhood was full of cultural activities, shows, performances and passion for work.
Among the two identities, singer and actress, which one is your favourite?Singer would be my favourite. Singing was in my vain since childhood. People used to say I have God gifted talent in singing. Even in recent days, whenever someone says, "I really loved your that song," it gives me immense pleasure. Sometimes people admire my old songs by saying your one is the best. I really feel good. Interestingly, one of my songs 'Jhor elo elo jhor' turned 50. This song has been sung through generations. I feel so amazing! Actually I never wanted to be an actress. But we never know what we are destined to be.
So from singer to a theatre how was your journey?As I told, I never thought of becoming an actress. In fact I was quite shocked at the first time when I was offered to perform in theatre. I started out with a performance of "Bidaye Monalisa", where I played as a proxy for the actress who could not be there. Life is full of unpredictability. We never know what is waiting for us.
You have played different roles in different dramas. Which one is your favourite?It is difficult to choose one. Whenever I worked in certain roles I gave my 100%. First I fell in love with that character and then I play it. I love all the characters I have played. I performed them with passion, compassion and dedication. If still I have to choose then I will choose Kalindi, it feels like this character is mine.
In your long time experience what do you think people were more or less conservative?In my times people, especially women were very progressive. People were not used to wearing hijab, some senior citizens used to cover their head. We call each other atheist without any reason. Why do we do? Why such hatred for the people who are cultural activists? That is the reason people hardly go to theatre nowadays but they are eagerly watching Zee Bangla and Star Jalsha.
So, this is the only reason people are less interested in theatre?No, apart from the satellite reason, there are other reasons. Like, we do not have funding from govt. In Shilpakala BDT 675 is the fare for each room. There are other expenditures but we get very little from the govt. Actually the untold story is very pathetic. Don't they realize that we have collapsed culturally? It is the duty of the state to nurture the culture. Don't we know nurturing art and culture eventually lead a nation towards development? It is a high time we should change the perspective of our society.
InspirationThe first inspiration of my life is my mother. For my mother education was the first priority. She insisted that her three daughters complete their Masters from Dhaka University, and did not put the same emphasis on my brothers. She wanted us to succeed and prosper in life. I am extremely grateful that we could fulfil her dreams. My mother only studied till class 8, but she grew up in Assam in an extremely rich cultural environment. She knew how to make her children reach their potential.
She always told 'Be a human first then something else'. You know that we encounter different people in different spheres of life. And that is why we are surrounded by inspirations. My husband, my family members they were constant inspiration for me. Nevertheless, Selim Al Deen and Altaf Mahmud have always been my biggest inspirations.
Philosophy of lifeYou should also be committed to what you are doing. I believe that for a successful career, hard work is must and people who don't have the spirit of hard work they lose in the long run.
