Reekita Nondine Shimu’s acting career has been characterized by steady growth and significant impact. She made her debut in the film “Runway” under the direction of Tareque Masud, which was a dream come true for her. In 2023, Shimu won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in “Shimu” (also known as “Made in Bangladesh”), directed by Rubaiyat Hossain. She also received the Best Actress Award at the Saint-Jean-de-Luz International Film Festival in France.
Shimu was also part of the film “Once Upon a Time in Calcutta,” directed by Aditya Vikram Sengupta, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Alongside her successful acting career, Shimu has actively sought ways to contribute positively to society. Through her roles, such as portraying female garment workers in “Under Construction,” she realized the power of her work to inspire and empower others.
Last year, Shimu participated in the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Peace Leadership program in South Korea. She was welcomed as the first actress from Bangladesh to join the initiative. The experience was transformative for Shimu as she connected with participants from around the world, gaining a deeper understanding of leadership and social responsibility.
Recently, IWPG offered Shimu the role of a peace advocate, which she finds deeply exciting. She sees this as an opportunity to raise awareness, connect with more people, and inspire action for peace in communities globally. Shimu emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-care in contributing effectively to society.
In addition to her peace advocacy, Shimu has been involved in Rubaiyat Hossain’s upcoming project, “The Difficult Bride,” where she stars alongside other talented actors. The film received a significant grant at the Berlin International Film Festival, marking the second time the project has secured funding from a prestigious film platform.
Shimu values the collaborative environment in Rubaiyat’s films, where women from diverse backgrounds come together to tell powerful stories. She believes in the strength of women’s solidarity and the ability of art, particularly cinema, to connect people and share universal experiences.