From her National Film Award-winning performance in “Kittonkhola” to the unforgettable role of Shuma in the iconic television drama “Kothao Keu Nei”, Tamalika Karmaker became a defining presence of an era many still regard as the golden age of Bangladeshi drama.

Now living in the United States, the actress recently spoke to The Daily Star about her childhood in the arts, her journey through theatre and television, and the memories she still holds close — especially those of Salman Shah.

“I was involved with dance, music and acting from a very young age,” Tamalika recalled. “I first acted when I was just three and a half years old. I grew up in a culturally rich environment. My mother was involved with the theatre troupe Aranyak, so I was always surrounded with a cultural environment.”

As a child artiste, she appeared in numerous productions and won several awards before eventually stepping into leading roles as a teenager.

“My first lead role was in a BTV drama called ‘Har Mana Har’, directed by Salahuddin Ahmed,” she said. “I was still very young then. The story was about a teenage girl falling in love with an older man. But even before that, I already had years of acting experience as a child.”

Her breakthrough, however, came with “Kothao Keu Nei”, written by Humayun Ahmed. Tamalika’s portrayal of Shuma earned immense praise and remains beloved by audiences to this day.

“It was an extraordinary time,” she said. “People even marched on the streets for Baker bhai after the drama aired. No television drama had created that kind of public reaction before.”

She fondly remembered working with director Barakat Ullah and Humayun Ahmed during the production. “Humayun Ahmed noticed the way I naturally spoke and told me not to change it. He said, ‘Speak exactly the way you do in real life.’ That became part of Shuma’s character.”

Several scenes were filmed inside Dhaka Central Jail, and Tamalika says the experience left a lasting impression on her. “The love I received for Shuma is something I still carry with me,” she added. “Even now, thinking about the drama moves me deeply.”

Despite the acclaim she enjoyed throughout her career, Tamalika insists she never saw herself as a star.

“I don’t think of myself as a star,” she said. “I see myself as an artiste. That identity has always mattered more to me.”

Her film career also brought memorable collaborations, including working alongside Salman Shah — whom she knew long before he became a screen sensation.

“When people mention Salman Shah, I still feel emotional,” she admitted. “To everyone else he was Salman Shah, but to me he was Emon, my childhood friend.”

The actress grew visibly nostalgic while speaking about him.

“We lived in Shahjahanpur at the time, and Emon used to visit our home very often. He was such a warm-hearted person. After shooting, he would drop me home every single day. Whenever he felt low, he would come over to our house. I miss him terribly. He will always remain close to my heart.”

Tamalika and Salman Shah worked together in the film “Ei Ghor Ei Songsar” and also shared the screen in television dramas.

Asked whether she has any regrets about stepping away from acting, Tamalika replied with quiet certainty.

“Not really. I had the privilege of working during the golden age of television drama,” she said. “But I do miss the lights, the camera, the entire atmosphere of acting. I spent more than half my life performing — of course I miss it deeply.”

Alongside television and film, theatre remained a major part of her artistic life. She joined Aranyak Natyadal in 1992 and performed on stage for nearly three decades.

“I had the opportunity to be part of many acclaimed productions in Dhaka,” she said. “The stage taught me discipline and shaped me as a performer.”

In the end, despite years away from the spotlight, one thing has not changed.

“What attracts me the most, even today, is acting,” Tamalika Karmakar said with a smile.