Tamalika Karmaker returns to theatre

After a long break from the stage, National Film Award-winning artiste Tamalika Karmaker is set to return to theatre with Mamunur Rashid’s “Omanush” in Virginia. Directed by Jannatul Tumpa, the play will be staged on October 4. Tamalika will share the stage with actor Sayed Babu.

Tamalika spent three decades performing with Aranyak Natyadal, appearing in several acclaimed productions and earning recognition for her stage performances. She has been living in the United States for several years.

Speaking about her return, Tamalika said, “To be honest, I am scared. Every time I return to the stage to perform, I feel nervous. This time too, I will be returning to the stage after many years with ‘Omanush’, and I am genuinely scared.”

Despite working in television and films, theatre has always remained her first priority. “I performed on stage with Aranyak Natyadal for 30 consecutive years. The stage means everything to me. The joy, satisfaction and happiness I get from performing theatre, I do not get from anything else. The stage always comes first for me,” she said.

She added, “My love for theatre is such that I have left television dramas and films at times. I always made time for other work while keeping theatre as my priority.” “Omanush” is particularly meaningful to Tamalika as it was written by her mentor, Mamunur Rashid.

“I will take the stage on October 4 for ‘Omanush’. It was written by my mentor. I have learnt and gained a lot from him. Since I will be performing in Virginia, I will miss Mamunur Rashid a lot. I will miss my Aranyak family,” she said.

Although she now lives in the United States, Tamalika said her connection with theatre remains strong. “Even though I live far from my country, I have not forgotten the stage. That is why I am working in theatre here as well. I am currently rehearsing,” she said.

The artiste is also grateful for the support she has received from fellow artistes in Bangladesh. “I am grateful to my group, Aranyak. I am also grateful to many other artistes. They have been encouraging and supporting me by sending congratulatory videos for ‘Omanush’,” she said.

Describing the production, Tamalika said, “The story of ‘Omanush’ is wonderful. Everyone will like it. The director is working on it with great care.”