'I enjoy paying my dues' -- Mamun

Illustration: Aloke

To what extent have you achieved your aim in life?
In my earlier days, I wanted to become a science teacher at the school or at the college. Even in my wildest dreams, I never thought of becoming a drama personality.

Tell us about your early struggles in the field of performing arts.
Firstly, I got no support from my parents. When I was struggling in Dhaka for my survival in the early days of my life, I received a letter from my father. He wrote that he thought he had spent fruitless money for my education. Moreover, he expressed reservations about my future.

In those days Abul Hassan and I along with poet Nirmolendu Goon lived together in the Old Dhaka. We had no money even for the daily bread and butter. The owner of the hotel, where we used to eat, refused us any food if we did not pay our dues. But, we did not have the money to pay our dues. As a result without paying anything we left the place. After many years, when I had financial security, I went to that hotel and gave employment to the two sons of that hotel owner. However, I refused to pay the dues to keep those days in my memory and the hotel owner laughed at my gesture.

To tell you another anecdote, in 1965, I went to Tangail to perform in a play. I was also the director of the play on Sipahi Biplob (revolution of the soldiers against the British Empire). I told the organisers to collect chapati (hand made breads), a symbol of the rebellion, however, just before the show they gave me cha pati (tea leaves) instead of bread and I was in a fix on what to do next.

What interests you most?
I really enjoy paying my dues. It does not mean only money but any kind of dues.

What do you fear most?
Only a man can do a severe harm to another person as well as to the civilisation which he himself has created.

What is your cherished dream?
I dream that one day I would own a personal theatre hall where I can stage plays spread over two or more shows a week.'