The quartet

(Clockwise from Top Left) Shahiduzzaman Selim, Zahid Hasan, Touqir Ahmed and Azizul Hakim

The heroes came into their own during the late 1980s as the audience wanted new faces. Another reason was that the television drama heroes of those days like Humayun Faridee, Afzal Hossain and Raisul Islam Asad did not stage frequent performances on the screen and the four newcomers had seemed really promising.

The four stage personalities were not only actors but also directors and owners of some production houses. They have now become important figures for their contribution in the media. Excerpts from the interview:

Shahiduzzaman Selim
I am very busy with directorial work. I am making both mega serials and single slot plays for the TV channels. I am also acting in the mega serials and single episode dramas. Moreover, I am regularly acting in stage plays. In July, I will go to the USA to perform in a stage programme titled Deshi Music and Entertainment. I have no interest in film making or acting in the cinema. I want to complete the mega serial Sporsher Baire, which I am presently directing.

Along with Azad Abul Kalam, Pantha Shahriar and Afsana Mimi, I will in due time start with my next mega serial.

Zahid Hasan
I am basically involved with my production house. I am directing one mega serial Lal Nil Beguni. Moreover, I am making single slot dramas for television. I have become more selective these days. That is why, I do not like to appear frequently on the screen. I am not working in theatre or cinema. Production house business is now my main target.

Tauqir Ahmed
I am busy with filmmaking. I have written the film script of Joy Jatra, based on Amzad Hossain's novel. Movie direction is a tough job and that is why I cannot give time to TV plays. However, I am keeping in touch with theatre. I am the director of Natyakendra's production Protishoron.

Azizul Hakim
I am acting in four mega serials, which will be aired simultaneously on TV channels. Directorial work needs time which I cannot give right now because I am involved in acting. However I had earlier directed several TV dramas. I am not involved with theatre, but I hope to come back soon. In the future, I would also like to make films.