“Acting is my life”

A man of theatre, Faruque Ahmed has been involved with the field for decades. At one stage of acting in theatre, he stepped into the TV media. Later, he started acting in cinemas as well. The popular actor recently spoke to The Daily Star, about his theatre journey and more. Excerpts:

“It was 1983 when I was a student of Jahangirnagar University (JU) where I took part in a workshop conducted by Humayun Faridee. Some of us, along with Humayun Faridee, founded Jahangirnagar Nagar Theatre. Under this, we acted in the play 'Songbad Cartoon'. That was the start of my theatre career.

“Meanwhile, I was drama secretary of the university's Mir Mosharraf Hall. I still don't know why I chose this life, but it never left my side since then. Later, I was enlisted as a member of Gram Theatre with the help of Selim Al Deen. After the university life, I joined Dhaka Theatre upon his encouragement.

“Two months after joining Dhaka Theatre, I was part of the play 'Keramot Mongol', which was a great achievement of my career. Selim Al Deen played a big role in this regard. I, Shatadal Barua and Humayun Faridee played the role of Keramot Mongol at three different ages. I portrayed the middle aged Keramot and the character earned me immense fame then.

“Afterwards, I did the plays 'Kirtonkhola', 'Muntasir', 'Hat Hodai, 'Chaka', “Bhoot', 'Joiboti Konnar Mon' and 'Bonpangsul' for Dhaka Theatre. My last play with them, 'Praccho', was staged in 2006. 

“On the occasion of Dhaka Theatre's 40th anniversary, I worked with Shomi Kaisar in 'Joiboti Konnar Mon' again, which was memorable.

“In my theatre career, I would say my best character was Keramot Mongol. Besides, the role of Eshak Chowdhury in 'Joibpti Konnar Mon' was another one of my most favourite roles. Esahak Chowdhury was the leader of a theatre troupe in the play.

“I had never thought of working in TV plays; I couldn't even imagine that I would have to earn money from acting. I have worked in theatre with love and passion, for my love to art and culture. Acting is my life.”