OTT syndicates need to be broken: Richie

Richie Solaiman was once a very busy actress in television dramas. She gradually moved away from acting in the middle of her career. She spent a long time in the United States with her family and children. Recently, she has been spending more time in the country. As a result, her presence on the screen is seen occasionally.

Richie said that she has not retired from acting. Rather, she is still waiting for good stories, strong characters and quality work. In her words, “Currently, a lot of good work is being done on the OTT platform; but the opportunity to work there is not equal for everyone.

If this limitation is removed and suitable characters come, then I definitely want to return to acting. If I am called out of the syndicate and if there is a suitable character for me, I will definitely work.”

Richie expressed her disappointment while talking about the current situation in the drama and OTT arena.

According to her, now there are no quality dramas like before. Especially on the OTT platform, a certain group has created a monopoly, where the same people are getting work opportunities again and again. On the other hand, many people, both new and experienced, are not getting work opportunities.

The actress said, “This syndicate is the reason why the media is collapsing today. We have not moved forward; rather, we have gone backward.”

She believes that this situation needs to change. Someone has to take the initiative to break this cycle. According to her, everyone in the entire industry has to take responsibility.

Richie also said, “More than my own personal loss, I feel bad for those whose only profession is acting. Their livelihood is being affected by not getting work due to the syndicate, which is very sad.”

She believes that there has been a trend in the country’s entertainment industry where an artiste is practically forgotten if she takes a break for a few days. Such a picture is not seen anywhere else in the world. She said, “An artiste may have a personal life.

Someone may be away from work for a few days due to family, children or any other reason; but that does not mean that he has forgotten to act or that she is no longer needed.”

Many Bangladeshi families go abroad with their children for better education; but Richie made the opposite decision.

Although she lived permanently in the USA, she returned to the country to introduce her two children to local culture, language, family ties and roots. Initially, her husband was not happy with this decision. Relatives also criticised her.

They commented that it was foolish to go abroad and return to country after going through so much trouble; but Richie believed that wherever her children grew up, they should never forget their country.
Richie is most busy with a son and a daughter.

Both children are studying in schools in Bangladesh. Her son will take O-level exam next year. She said, “After my son’s exam, I will think about something new for myself. I will consider returning to acting or taking up a new project.”

Even when she is not acting, Richie is always busy. He runs Eternal Beauty Lounge, a women’s beauty salon in the capital’s Uttara area.