“Success is a combination of awards and audience's appreciation”

Actor Tauquir Ahmed is known for his versatile roles on the small and silver-screen. In recent years, he has been captivating the audience with his remarkable skills as a film director. Cinemagoers and critics alike were full of praise for his directorial ventures 'Daruchini Dwip' and 'Joyjatra.' His 2016 film 'Oggatonama' won many national awards as well. Now, he is working on a film about the Language Movement of 1952. In a conversation with The Daily Star, the artiste gets candid about his successes, his latest ventures and more.

What is keeping you busy right now?

TA: I am busy with my film, Fagun Hawa. It is a story about the 1952 Language Movement. We have completed shooting for the film and now we will move on to dubbing and other duties. It has been a great experience so far.

When do you plan to release the film?

TA: We are hoping to release it by the end of this year.

How challenging was it to make a film about the Language Movement of 1952 for a modern audience?

TA: We began with the aim of making an honest film. Our film is an authentic portrayal of Bangladesh, the then East Pakistan, in 1952. It was quite challenging to capture the daily lives and the environment around the people of 1952. The hard work and dedication of the cast and crew will shine through every aspect of the production. We are immensely hopeful about the film.

Komola Rocket, a film that you have acted in, was recently released. What can you tell us about the film?

TA: I was honoured to be a part of Komola Rocket. Working on this film was a memorable experience. I hope people enjoy the film.

What are your aspirations, in terms of the type of cinema you hope to direct?

TA: I want to direct at least one film every year. I made Haldaa right after Oggatonama and now I have moved on to Fagun Hawa. I believe if you make something that is genuine and good, you will always be successful.

Oggatonama has won many national awards, including best story. How do you feel?

TA: Oggatonama was hugely successful at the National Awards.  So, of course it brings me immense joy. But I believe success is a combination of awards and audience's appreciation. First and foremost, I make films for my audience. So, it is important to me how many cinemagoers come to watch my films.