Carving a place on the small screen
Azizul Hakim: An actor turned director
Novera Deepita
“Eight years back, I went to the Sundarbans with the unit of Shundari for shooting," reminisces popular actor Azizul Hakim. "We had some very exciting experiences while shooting. Written and directed by Mamunur Rashid, the serial was about the Bawali and Mowal of the Sundarbans. I portrayed one of those local people. Several times we went through the narrow canals that flow through the woods. Several times we passed through those spots where the Royal Bengal Tiger shows up frequently. I won't say I was not scared, although there was an armed force with us all the time. We heard growls of tigers and saw the footprints as well. I can never forget that hair-raising experience."Hakim can recount many such anecdotes. This versatile actor has been performing since 1977 and has acted in over 500 television and stage plays. Hakim's first appearance on TV was Ekhaney Nongor in 1981, which he also considers as his breakthrough performance. He played the protagonist for the first time in Kon Kanoner Phul. His first hit was Alauddin Ahmed's Tabuo To Shey in 1985. Among the serials Shamay Ashamay, Haradhan, Jibon Chhobi, Sparsho, Kothay She Jon, Titir O Shankhochil are noteworthy. Hakim started his acting career with Aranyak Natya Dal in 1977. Mamunur Rashid was his guide and mentor. He thinks his experiences and knowledge about theatre helped him in his acting career. After 1994 he got involved in private productions of BTV. "I am involved in TV plays more than other media because this my bread and butter. When I was a student, I was a devoted theatre activist because I didn't have to think of earning a living." According to Hakim, "The present scenario of television plays is dismal, because the number of quality artistes is very low compared to the volume of work. These artistes face undue pressure due to a high demand in the media. The target of the majority producers is to make a play at the minimum cost. Subsequently quality is on the decline." Hakim has also worked in many feature films such as Padma Nadir Majhi, Jayjatra and Shankhanil Karagar. He says, "I have been directing some television plays and serials as well." Hakim is of the opinion that an actor involved in theatre groups, performs better than those who debut in television plays. If an actor lacks commitment, dedication and sincerity, sooner or later the audience will reject him." About the allegation of acting against actresses half of his age, Hakim thinks there should be no boundaries or limitations for an actor. If the character fits him and he can portray the character successfully, he should carry on. "A good actor must have the basic theoretical knowledge and practice systematically," emphasises Hakim. "An actor should be acquainted with different acting techniques that his or her counterparts follow around the world. He or she must communicate and interact with other actors regularly." Hakim is involved with many charitable causes especially in the visual media. These are awareness programmes on issues such as acid violence or family planning.
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