Popy wants to spend rest of life in spiritual pursuit

National Film Award-winning actress Sadika Parvin Popy, who has remained away from acting for several years, says she wants to spend the rest of her life seeking peace, self-purification and closeness to God.

In a recent interview with a media outlet, Popy spoke about her current life and future plans, saying she now wants to live a simpler life focused on remembering Allah and spiritual practice.

“I want to live beautifully. I want to remember Allah. I want to wash away all the sins I have accumulated and die in a better state,” the actress said.

Popy, however, has not explicitly ruled out a return to acting. In 2025, she said that if she returned to the screen after her long hiatus, she would do so only for a meaningful project rather than just any film. Her return to cinema, however, remained uncertain in 2026.

She made her film debut with Kuli in 1997 and went on to establish herself as a prominent actress through both commercial and critically acclaimed films. Her performances also earned her a National Film Award.

Popy took a prolonged break from shooting during the coronavirus pandemic after contracting COVID-19 herself. From early 2021, she gradually reduced contact with people in the film and media industries and has since largely stayed out of the public eye.

Her prolonged absence sparked various rumours in the film industry, including reports that she had married and settled down. It was later reported that she had become a mother to a son, Ayat.

Her latest remarks have once again drawn attention to her future plans, particularly whether she intends to return to acting or continue pursuing a quieter life centred on spiritual practice and self-reflection.