"I was an all rounder... in cricket" -- Abul Hayat

Illustration: Deepita

Although it was in the wee hours of night, Hayat seemed to be in a chatty mood. Here's an excerpt of Hayat's conversation with The Daily Star:

Why have you ventured into direction and script writing?
I felt that I might have a shot at script writing. I basically try to take ideas from issues of the day like the eviction of slums, abolition of prostitution, repression of house-help and so on. I think a playwright has a responsibility towards society.

Your memorable performances...
The viewers are the best judges. However, I think my characterisation of Kashem in Ayomoy, Sobhan in Bohubrihi, Dhirandranath in Dakghar and Makhon in Dewan Gazi'r Kissa were unforgettable experiences in my career.

You don't usually play villainous characters, is it difficult to portray negative roles?
Nothing is too difficult or too easy for me. Lately I have been donning negative roles as well. I love to enact diverse roles.

Recurring dream?
Usually, I am so tired by the time I come home that I sleep like a log. It is almost a dreamless affair.

Any special projects for the viewers this Eid?
I am working on a telefilm, for channel i, for the coming Eid. It's called Nim-rajee, and features Bipasha, Tauqir, Richie, Sharmilee and yours truly.

What changes have there been in Eid celebrations over the years?
Times have changed. As children we were highly charged up during the whole month of Ramadan, as this was the only time we bought new clothes and shoes. Now the young ones show little interest as the whole year round they are always into buying something or the other. I remember on Eid day we used to visit our near and dear ones. In comparison, now people socialise less even with their neighbours.

What's the worst part of being a celebrity?
Most of the time we have to finish shooting within a limited time frame. Although viewers are our greatest asset, sometimes the bystanders don't realise our time constraints. We often have to be rude to them so that we can take the perfect shot before the sun goes down on the horizon.

What are the four things people don't know about you?
I guess my life is like an open book, my fans know everything about me, except for the fact that I wanted to be a singer and not an actor. Besides that, cricket has been an all time passion. In fact, I was an all rounder. I was the captain, batsman and bowler. In fact, I've even umpired a game of cricket in my student days

Words you keep using constantly...
Can't remember any. Maybe I will ask my wife if I have a catch-phrase.

What is your greatest regret?
Joining a government service initially. I feel a lot of effort and time has been spent fruitlessly.

Which two conflicting compliments will you always cherish?
Some say I grayed early, while others say that I have been like this for the last few decades.

Who are your favourite actors?
Although there were times when we tried to emulate Uttam Kumar, I believe Utpal Dutta is one of the greatest actors.

What is your opinion on mega serials?
Single episode TV plays have a lasting effect on the viewers. On the other hand the mega serials, which are commercially viable, are at times annoying to the viewers. I call it a "play break" and not an "ad break" as the time allotted for commercials exceed that of the play.