Q&A

Illustrations: Mustafa Zaman & Aloke

What was your early ambition?

In my childhood, I used to live in Kolkata at my maternal uncle's house. My mother had a passion for movies. And I never missed a chance to accompany her. In those days, my hobby was to collect the brochures of films. The movie The Thief of Baghdad had such an immense impact on me that I wanted to become 'The Thief of Baghdad' myself. I wanted to portray myself as 'the thief', using eyeliner, cap and sweater. Later, I wanted to be a teacher. But, never did I dream of turning into an actor.

How did you eventually get involved in acting?

I was a freedom fighter. After Liberation, I was involved with the leftist politics and simultaneously worked for some newspapers in Bangladesh. Then I started an aquaculture business. Simultaneously, I began my recitation career. And later, I was inclined towards acting.

Do you want to share an interesting experience while shooting?

During the shooting of Seku Sekandar at Cox's Bazaar, our host was a local schoolmaster. However, our host's father was a religious man. When the elderly person saw that his aged wife was watching our shooting till late at night, he became annoyed and instantly forced his son, the schoolmaster, to tell us to pack-up. Moreover, he was shouting that he would disown his son for allowing the shooting at home.

As we rushed to another shooting spot, we forgot to take fuel for a cooking scene. The shooting had to be completed by that night. So, some of the crew made smoke by simultaneously lighting several cigarettes while the director Saidul Anam Tutul shot the scene.

Are you content with your present life?

I always give priority to the present. I am very happy with my present status. To be frank, I have no future plans. And I never think about my past.'