The portrait of an artiste

An illuminated Pari-Bibi’s mazar at the Lal Bagh Fort

Screen-playwright as well as the director of the movie, Nirjhar says, "Aha features the duality of urban life. I have portrayed the generation gap, the chasm between tradition and modernity and many other day-to-day problems of the city dwellers.

"My experiences and experiments on photography, making of animation films and documentary films helped me a lot while making Aha."

Nirjhar and his comrades caught the attention of the masses during their venture at Lalbagh Fort. In December 2003, Nirjhar initiated the 'light and sound' event at the Lalbagh Fort. The objective was to present the architectural heritage of Bangladesh to the foreign architects who took part in the conference of Archasia Design Group, a forum of Asian architects.

Sharing this experience, Nirjhar says, "Initially the country's architects were uncertain about what we would present as the architectural heritage to the foreign architects. Professor Nizamuddin Ahmed of the Architecture Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) suggested a 'light and sound' event at the Lalbagh Fort. My previous experience of installation works gave me the confidence. Based on the text written by Professor Nizam, which was recited by theatre personality Aly Zaker, I made a sound track from my music collection. I am grateful to the light designer Nasirul Haque Khokon who created wonderful light effects, despite so many technical limitations.

"The launching time of the 12-minute long 'light and sound' was an unforgettable moment. I was operating the sound track while Khokon was on light dimmer board. And the result was simply spectacular. We repeated the event on January 2004. The function was an eye opener and it can be executed on a larger scale, "adds Nirjhar.

Despite many assurances from the authority, their 'light and sound' project did not continue. Nirjhar says, "I believe that it could continue only when the locals of Lalbagh vicinity were interested in preserving and showcasing our heritage."

Nirjhar thinks that the urban life is replete with struggle and sorrow. To counteract the everyday irritants, he believes that it is essential to give a boost to entertainment. As he says, "Only a positive initiative can transform the atmosphere of the city and be an earning source for many. We are presenting a theatrical presentation of Ghost at the restaurant Voot at Dhanmondi. The restaurant is a treat to the urbanites in Dhaka where the sources of recreation is limited."

Nirjhar is the winner of Bangladesh Photography Society (BPS) best photographer of the year award in 1992, and the National Kodak-FIAP Winner Award. His photographs have unusual subjects. Common elements of the metros like bricks, wooden windows, a corner of wooden frames with metal grill works, metal gates, walls without plasters and also a part of hanging torn and tattered clothes give the feeling of expressionism through his lens.

Nirjhar has also participated in solo as well as group painting exhibitions. On his paintings Nirjhar says, "In paintings, photography and installation works I use day to day elements as my subjects. But, I am an expressionist in the presentation."

Nowadays, Nirjhar is a popular set designer of the country. So far he has designed the sets of stage plays such as Swapnobaj, Karigar and Khudhito Pashan. Moreover, he is designing the set of Baghal, the forthcoming production of Desh Natok.