Hayatuzzaman Khan Hemon discusses his journey as an actor

While studying at Rajshahi University, Hayatuzzaman Khan Hemon did street theatre. His acting career started with Tirthok Natok, one of the oldest theatre troupes in Rajshahi. He worked with the troupe for five years, acting in plays like Footpath, Research, Nazar Bondi, Odvut Ai Somoy and Lal Sabuj Ghere Kalo among others.

Though he started acting in his university days, he developed a keen interest in the art form back in his school days, especially as he enjoyed participating in Dress as You Like competitions, during sports events. Former host for Rajshahi Betar, the actor regularly worked in stage productions at Rajshahi Shilpakala Academy as well as Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). "Theatre is a good place to start a career in acting. it allows us to synchronise our mind with our physique," shares Hayatuzzaman.

After finishing his studies, Hayatuzzaman moved to Dhaka and joined a course in the 21st batch of Acting and Design at Prachyanat in 2012. Working in several productions, including Rakto Kallyan for Prachyanat, made him a known face in the theatre arena.

Currently working in a reputed private company, Hayatuzzaman left theatre due to his full-time job. In the meantime, he worked in an organisation which allowed him to rehearse on the weekends and to act in different productions. "The process you have to go through to take up acting as a full-time career, along with the income uncertainty, is the biggest challenge," shares Hayatuzzaman. In 2016, he joined the Bangladesh Film and Television Academy under the supervision of Afsana Mimi. He went on to work on several projects with her.

Hayatuzzaman's debut film appearance was in 2017 with Shesh Kotha, directed by Syed Wahiduzzaman Diamond, under the banner of Impress Telefilm. He is set to appear in another film of Wahiduzzaman, titled Rohingya, which is yet to be released.

Hayatuzzaman came into the limelight with several television commercials, including an advertisement for IPDC Finance and Prothom Alo in 2019. He worked on a wide range of television commercials, with renowned directors, including Amitabh Reza Chowdhury and Piplu R Khan. He has become one of the most popular faces in television commercials, in a short span of time.

He is set to appear in a six-episode TV series for UNICEF COVID-19 awareness, Valo Thaki Valo Rakhi, directed by Giasuddin Selim. The web series, Jatri, another one of his upcoming projects, alongside Chanchal Chowdhury, is also directed by Giasuddin Selim for the OTT platform, Binge. The actor will also appear in the web series Knock Knock, directed by Fayez Jubayer and the show, Ghola, directed by Tanim Parvez, for Binge.

"Every actor should participate in some sort of formal education and training to build up a career in acting," says Hayatuzzaman. "Networking and making new connections go a long way in this industry."

Hayatuzzaman has made a place for himself in the industry through dedication and hard work. Aspiring to take up acting as a full-time career, he expects to return to the theatre arena in the near future.