Hello again, Chandni!

Model, actress, and dancer — Mehbooba Mahnoor Chandni is a familiar name in all three roles. While she has remained active as a dancer, she has been entirely absent from modelling and acting for the past two years.

Skipping the modelling projects, Chandni has broken her two-year hiatus from acting by starring in a drama set to air this upcoming Eid. 

The drama, 'Tumi Ami O She', is written by Zinat Hakim and directed by Azizul Hakim. Chandni stars opposite Abdun Noor Shajal. Filming for the project has already wrapped up. 

The plot centres around a man who returns to Bangladesh from the United States and falls in love with a local woman. However, his family wants him to marry someone from the US, leading to conflict. Chandni plays the role of the woman he falls in love with.

Returning to drama after two years, Chandni reenters an industry that has seen considerable shifts in style, pace, and audience preferences. Many have speculated whether she will be able to adapt to the current trends in television drama.

Addressing these concerns, Chandni said, "I think I should take on projects that align with the current times and my career. Hakim Bhai's drama felt balanced in every sense. That's why I felt it was relevant and decided to return with this one."

There was a time when Chandni's charming smile frequently graced television screens, whether in commercials or as a lead in popular dramas such as 'Joyjatra' (2004) and 'Lalsalu' (2001).

At the same time, she would dazzle audiences with her choreography in grand dance performances. But those days are in the past. Once at the peak of her media career, Chandni now continues in the industry with considerable effort, despite having several noteworthy achievements to her name.

Still, Chandni has stayed in the hearts of audiences, and now she's back on screen, playing the lead role in the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha drama, drawing renewed attention to her acting career.

Chandni's return to drama has piqued the interest of viewers. But what is it about this particular project that should attract audiences?

She explains, "First of all, it's directed by Azizul Hakim Bhai. The script is written by Zinat Hakim, who has been writing for decades and has a unique style. Many celebrated actors have felt comfortable working with her. The story is also a reflection of our present times. That's why I believe the audience will find it relatable and enjoyable."

These days, a large number of dramas are being produced, and viewers are consuming them in high volumes. Still, one might ask: how much has the world of television drama truly progressed?

On this, Chandni reflected, "In the past, dialogues often carried subtle messages — referencing famous books or notable landmarks, which audiences could learn from. Now, it's more about entertainment — about making people laugh or going viral. That's fine, but if those elements are paired with the realities of life, viewers will discover something fresh. Yes, we need to adapt with the times, but there must be some essence that sticks with people."

Alongside her return to acting, people have also been curious about her long absence from dramas.

When asked about this, Chandni clarified that she never took a break. She regularly receives offers to act in dramas but has had to turn many down out of concern that they may not do justice to her reputation. She is also a teacher, and managing her schedule around shoots is difficult.

"I also have another drama set to air this Eid — it was shot two years ago. I can continue participating in dance shows because they usually happen in the evenings, making them easier to fit into my schedule," she shared.

Before becoming known as a model or actress, Chandni's primary aspiration was to become a dancer — a journey she began in childhood. It's safe to say her other roles wouldn't have existed without dance. But what obstacles does she now face in continuing this work?

"Dance has become highly competitive. The current generation includes many incredibly talented dancers — and that can't be denied. However, I believe workshops are essential to bridge the gap between the old and the new. We need to move forward while embracing changes," she commented.

Today, the Bangladeshi entertainment industry sees more women working alongside men than ever before. But how supportive is this industry for female artists? Chandni shared her perspective.

"Entertainment is a vast field. I haven't worked in every part of it, but based on my experience in dance, film, and television, I think the space still needs to mature. Women must be treated with more respect, and their pay should reflect that. We need to be more conscious of how we present ourselves — what we wear, what we say. At the end of the day, respect is something we have to demand for ourselves," the actress concluded.