Image of an actor

Currently he is performing in the movie Momotaz, which is slated for release around Eid. Faridee says, "I performed in the role of Baul Abdur Rashid Sarkar, the first husband of popular singer Momotaz, who made a great contribution to her career. Previously I performed in the role of a Baul in commercial movies. However, the character of Baul Abdur Rashid Sarkar is different from the other Baul characters that I had enacted earlier. This character is much more realistic than other Baul characters, as Abdur Rashid Sarkar is a real Baul not a fictional entity."

Faridee is, however, reluctant to continue performing in any mainstream movie. To quote him, "I had high hopes that our film industry would flourish. On the contrary, the scenario has deteriorated gradually. Nowadays the mainstream cinema is replete with vulgarity. Against this backdrop, it is not possible for me to carry on in such films."

Faridee also directs a quiz programme titled Medhabi, which is regularly being aired on ntv. Why is he directing a quiz show? Faridi has a ready answer, "I have a passion for quiz programmes. Moreover, in our country there is lack of non-fiction entertainment on the TV channels. That is why I'm making Medhabi.

"It is the second slot of the quiz show. After the successful completion of 26-episodes of the first slot, we managed to draw 25,000 applicants to participate in the second slot of Medhabi. We selected 200 people on the basis of a written piece titled 'Bad impact of computer technology'. These interested persons had to sit for other tests. Finally 80 were selected to contest for the quiz show. The final round of the quiz show will be held next month. The winner of the quiz show will receive Taka 50,000 prize bond."

On the future plan of Medhabi, Faridee says, "In February 2006, we hope to arrange the third slot of the programme, which we will continue as long as the viewers respond positively. Currently, Faridee is performing in the popular drama serial Kachher Manush, directed by Afsana Mimi. Moreover Faridee is the cast member of two tele films, which will be aired over the Eid holidays.

Comparing the quality of present TV plays with that of the '8os, Faridee says, "Technologically present day TV plays are far more developed than those of yesteryears. We have got a few quality directors and camera crews. However, with a few exceptions, the script of the plays is mediocre. I believe that the current package drama has a huge potential. But a huge number of new talented actors, makers and playwrights are needed to produce quality plays in the proliferating TV channels.

"The shortfall of artistes can be solved by talent hunting and encouraging young actors. I believe that better training is needed for upcoming technical hands and directors. However, the paucity of playwrights cannot be solved through this process. A panel of writers is needed for quality mega-serials. Until this trend is established, mega-serials should be based on quality novels."

Faridee embarked on his acting career as a Jatra artiste at an early age. He joined Dhaka Theatre when he was a student of economics at Jahangirnagar University. On stage, his debut performance was in Dhaka Theatre's Shakuntala.

After this, he walked on the path of success. In 1980 he began his career on TV in the play Nikhoj Sangbad, produced by Atiqul Haque Chaudhury. From this point onwards, his spontaneous and variegated performances established him as one of the few versatile artistes of Bangladesh. Santrash, produced in 1990, was his first mainstream film. Faridee still strides boldly in various media.

Faridee is the acting instructor of Department of Theatre and Music of Dhaka University.