Affri Selina: A model turned actress aspires for a brighter future

Affri Selina became a model and actress by luck. 

Kona Alam, the founder of Women's World offered her a modeling gig after finding her photo on Facebook. Back then, Affri was just a college student. 

Currently a young model turned actress, Affri Selina is passing her days occupied on film sets as she is working on a couple of new films yet to be released. Alongside performing as a model in television commercials (TVCs), Affri began working in several TV dramas and short films over the last few years. 

In a conversation with The Business Standard, the actress talked about her recent endeavors and career. 

Affri is presently working on a film called "Before I Die" directed by Bangladeshi-British director, Minhaz Kibria. Shooting of the film is going on in full swing. This is Minhaz's third production in Bangladesh.

Talking about the film, Affri informed, "70 percent shooting of the film has been completed and shooting locations were mostly in London and Dhaka. This film will be released in a few other countries besides Bangladesh."

She added, "My co-actor in this film is a British-Bangladeshi actor. He has vast experience of working in the film industry. I was a little nervous in the beginning. However, both the director and my co-actor, Iftikhar Ahmed were very supportive."

Recently, the emerging actress also played the lead female role in a web film titled 'Maaya-The Revenge'. The film was directed by Fahmida Prema. Asif Noor acted alongside Affri as the lead male character in this romantic thriller. 

"The character I played in 'Maaya' was very different, I have never played such a character and working on this project has been a great experience for me."

"The entire cast and crew were very helpful, I enjoyed working on this project so much."

'Maaya' might get released next month, but the date hasn't been confirmed yet, the actor informed.

Born in India, Affri's career in the media industry began in 2012 as the brand ambassador of Women's World. Although she started out as a model, Affri wanted to leave her marks in acting and she has since been working towards that goal.  

 "The journey wasn't easy. Every step was very difficult. Nothing comes so easily. But I worked hard and didn't give up."

"I grew up in both Bangladesh and India. I completed primary education from Oxford International School. Then I completed my bachelor's degree from Lalmatia Mohila College." , said Affri while talking about her life and childhood.

The emerging actress never actually planned to pursue acting as a career. It just happened coincidentally. 

"Well, I never had any plans to become an actress. When I was working as a model, I started getting acting offers. Eventually, I fell in love with it and now I want to be a professional actress," she said.

"In the beginning my family didn't support my journey in the media. But eventually, my mother started to support me and she has been supportive of me so far."

"I wasn't sure what I was doing but I had confidence in myself and wanted to do something better. It's because I believe that Bangladeshi film industry has the potential to meet international standards. But we must give our 100 percent and work hard to achieve that goal. More young talents should come forward to take the industry forward."