The composure of Nawba Tahiya as she climbs the ladder

Though actress Nawba Tahiya has been acting for only three years, her role in the one-episode drama 'Chupi Chupi', directed by Imraul Rafat kick-started her journey towards fame. 

The actress who normally gravitates towards romantic leads had pivoted, taking on the role of the rebellious Shayna Akhter. Paired with senior actor Niloy Alamgir, Tahiya's rendition of Shayna has won the audience's hearts. Her performance had played a role in pushing the drama, published under NAF Entertainment's YouTube channel, to the trending page for two weeks straight.

The role has cemented her status as a talented actress, a recognition that deeply moves her. 

"My character in this drama was very different from any I've done before. Before its release, I was worried about how I would measure up alongside a skilled and senior actor like Niloy Alamgir," shared Tahiya.

She continues, "But after it was released, that worry vanished as the audience appreciated my work. Director Imraul Rafat was instrumental in helping me bring the character to life." 

However, this was not Tahiya's first taste of fame. Encouraged by her mother, Tahiya has been involved in cultural activities since she was a child. She began with recitations and participated in children's programs on BTV. Later, she ventured into hosting on BTV and eventually started appearing in commercials.

The young actress made her drama debut in 2021 as Barsha in the drama, 'Ferar Golpo' on BTV. Since then, she occasionally returns to roles in BTV dramas. 

However, it was her role as Cynthia in the 2023 web film 'Punormilon' on Chorki that pushed her into the spotlight. Though her time on screen was short, her performance stood out to viewers. This project laid the foundation for her acting career, a fact Tahiya herself acknowledges. 

"It was my first role in OTT content. The response I got after it aired on a platform like Chorki was amazing. There were many stars involved, and even though my role was short, the content was special to me for many reasons," shared Tahiya, reflecting on the experience.

During the last Eid season, several of her dramas were broadcast, including 'Boddo Maya Lage,' directed by Mohon Ahmed, which garnered over 2.8 million views on NTV since its airing on 12 July. Tahiya's body of work continues to grow, securing her place as a promising newcomer in the industry.

Navigating her career

With the promise of a successful career ahead of her, the actress has much to navigate through in the industry. One of the obstacles artistes face in the entertainment industry is how public demand has such a firm grasp on their image. 

Once a pair of actors find themselves working on a successful project, it can often become a double-edged sword. While the characters stick with viewers, they often demand more content with the same pair. 

Similarly, in her brief time in the industry, Tahiya has often been paired with another young actor, Partho Sheikh. While viewers love to see the pair on screen, some claim that such collaborations limit the opportunities for new talents to emerge.

"In my opinion, a pair is not something you can forcefully create. The audience enjoys seeing certain actors together for a valid reason, that is why they return together in new content," said Tahiya.

She continues, "I've worked with many actors besides Partho, and he has worked with others as well. The reason the directors bring us together is because the audience loves it. I think it's the audience's love that forms these pairs."

Finding a balance

Tahiya is mindful of the pitfalls that come with early fame. Many young stars have stumbled in their personal lives or education due to their celebrity status. Tahiya is mindful of the balance she needs to keep between her personal goals and career.

"I'm a very private person. I separate my work and personal life. When I'm focused on personal matters, I stay away from all other distractions," she commented.

As the trend of TV actors transitioning to films grows, Tahiya has her own thoughts about entering the world of cinema. However, for now, her focus remains on honing her craft. 

She explained, "I'll think about cinema after I receive full recognition as an actress from the audience. For now, I want to stay within the process of learning the craft of acting."

Nawba Tahiya is currently pursuing her higher secondary education, in the second year, at a college in Dhaka, striving to ensure that her academic life flourishes just as much as her media career.