Fun and Frolic

Zahid Hassan has a larger than life presence in the world of Bangladeshi television. He has also appeared in several films. Unlike many other celebrities who choose to spend Eid vacations overseas, the award winning actor heads to his hometown of Sirajganj. He shared his vacation stories and plans with the Daily star.

How come you spend most of your Eid holidays in Sirajganj?

Zahid Hassan: There is a special joy in celebrating Eid with your parents. There was a time when I used to find every opportunity to go back home to spend Eid with my parents and siblings. Both my parents have passed away, yet I continue to go back to celebrate with my brothers.

How do you journey home?

Zahid Hassan: I travel by night so that I can reach at dawn. Usually there is a lot of traffic on the street the night before Eid, but I don't mind it at all as I am way too excited to go home and see my family. Once I even drove all night, and reached there by morning. Once I got there I went to attend Eid prayers right after I had freshened up.

How do you usually spend your Eid vacations in your hometown?

Zahid Hassan: They're always fun filled and carefree. I often end up spending much of my time with my friends, either at their homes or elsewhere, catching up on our lives and stories. Often the stories go on all night. Sometimes I take off to sit by the Jamuna riverbank.

Do you travel outside your hometown during vacations?

Zahid Hassan: Yes, I do travel once I reach my hometown. Once my friends and I had travelled very far by boat, and had a meal en route. We have also travelled to Kuthibari and Rajshahi.

What else do you enjoy doing during your Eid holidays?

Zahid Hassan: I am always out and about! I enjoy travelling around my town in a rickshaw the most, although sometimes I do travel by motorcycle. I rarely take my car out over there.

Don't you spend time with your family?

Zahid Hassan: Yes, of course. My sisters- in -law love to hear my stories and experiences, and we often spend our evenings chatting on the rooftop. We also have great home-cooked meals.

How many TV plays directed by you was telecast this Eid?

Zahid Hassan: This year four TV plays under my direction was aired. “Eid Mubarak” which has seven episodes, will air on Asian TV. It will be aired everyday for a week from the first day of Eid. Another TV play titled “Martial” will telecast on Banglavision. The other two TV plays are titled “Firey Jabo Na” and “Bojha Na Bojhar Bhul,” will premiere on RTV and ATN Bangla respectively.