Let's start off with an easy one. Have you always wanted to work in the media? How was your experience starting off in films?
To be honest, I never really wanted to work in this sector, and my
family did not like it much as well. Sohanur Rahman Sohan first asked me
to act in a film back in the year 2000, but I turned it down. Although I
left the country for my studies soon after, I always kept in touch with
Sohan and ultimately I started out in acting after I came back to
Bangladesh with “Pitar Ashon”. Not only was the film a commercial
success, but the audience received my debut very well as well and my
name started to buzz all over the industry right after that. I did not
have to look back after that. I acted in “Rickshawalar Prem” after that,
directed by Rakibul Alam Rakib, and that too served as a turning point
in my career. However, “Pitar Ashon” gave me a solid footing in the
industry, and it has been a wonderful ride ever since.
So the start was quite nice, you didn't have to work very hard. What do you keep in mind when working for a new film?
No, I didn't really have to work very hard as the stream of
commercial successes of my films made several offers come my way. What I
consciously did was that I never let the winds guide me; I always
looked into the movies and pick the films that I felt was right for me.
Especially in terms of the story and script and how impactful my role is
in the film, regardless of how big or small it is. Basically a good
story and a powerful character is what I prefer, as I believe a good
story always deserves my best performance. I always focus more on
quality rather than the quantity of my work.
Let's hear out the names of some of your favourite movies, and some of your preferred pastimes.
“Shaajghor”, “Chaader Moto Bou”, “Rickshawalar Prem”, “Pitar
Ashon”, “Maa Boro Na Bou Boro”, “Ei To Bhalobasha” are some of the
movies which are on my favourites list. I watch them from time to time
and listen to the songs when I'm free. As a pastime, I mostly stay at
home and decorate my home. I love designing the interior of my home, but
I also like to watch movies and hang out with my friends.
There are very little promotional initiatives for films
in our industry. Don't you think the artists should be given a role to
play in promoting their works?
This is correct that the amount of marketing done for films in our
industry is almost nonexistent. The fans do not get to know of very good
films because of this lack of promotion. I think it is important, not
only for the artists, but for everyone involved in a production to
dedicate some time towards promoting their work as it would lead to more
awareness and better chances of commercial success of the films.
You studied in computer science when you were abroad, and now you're in acting. Do you have plans to do anything besides films?
Since I studied computer science, I plan on making use of the degree
and start an IT business. I already have a plan in the works and hope to
start off with it in the New Year.
Do you have plans on getting married again?
My mother keeps urging me to get married; my daughter is studying
in the ninth grade and she's supportive of that as well. I have plans
on getting married after she goes off to college. Let's see what
happens; only time will tell.
What works do you have coming up for the fans?
Both of my upcoming works are with Ferdous. One is a children's film
“Shovon-er Shadhinota” directed by Manik Manobik which is to be released
this month. The other is “Shorgo Theke Norok” by Arupratan Chowdhury,
which is centred on a social awareness issue.
Interviewed by Zahid Akbar & Narrated by Mohaiminul Islam
