ABUL HAYAT: THE THESPIAN TURNS 71

Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon

Actor, director and playwright, Abul Hayat has towered over the media world for over four decades, in theatre, radio, TV play and films. The founding member of Nagorik Natto Shopmroday, Hayat is also a National Film Award winner.

Recently Hayat turned 71. To celebrate the thespian's big day, a gala event was organised, centering his big day at Chhayanaut.

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The Daily Star interviewed the thespian. Excerpts from the interview:

How did you celebrate your birthday?

Abul Hayat: I stayed at home almost all day. Family, friends, colleagues and fans showered me with birthday greetings. I also joined several live TV programmes. To celebrate my birthday, artistes of a TV play arranged a colourful programme which was really wonderful.

Who was the first to wish you on your birthday?

Abul Hayat: My wife Shirin Hayat

Tell us about Shirin's contribution to your acting career?

Abul Hayat: It's about 90 percent. I couldn't have reached my present position without her support. At one time I had a full time job; while I was engaged in theatre performances my wife took care of the family. My daughters too have made a great contribution to my successful career as actor.

Why the media?

Abul Hayat: I get immense pleasure from my profession. I've a large number of friends, which would be difficult in other professions.

Any painful incidents in your 70 years?                                                        

Abul Hayat: The untimely demise of my parents who could not see my success.

Any regrets as actor?

Abu Hayat: No, since I've played a large spectrum of roles in TV plays and the silver screen. I'm still playing diverse characters like fathers, older men and honest human beings.

Do share memories of your past…

Abul Hayat: There are many sweet memories; One is when I made my first appearance in a play at the age of 10 years. The play was “Tipu Sultan”; we used to live in Chittagong  at that time.

What was your first play in Dhaka?

Abul Hayat: In 1962, when I was a student of BUET I appeared in “Ek Mutho Akash”. That appearance still lingers in my memory.  

Do you miss your theatre days?

Abul Hayat: I still miss those days hugely. I have plans to return to the stage. Currently Stage One is doing a “Suchona”, a play scripted by me. My theatre days were great and I felt good to introduce myself as a theatre artiste. My daughters also grew into adulthood through stage life.

Theatre, TV play and cinema, which medium do you prefer?

Abul Hayat: I feel comfortable in all of them.

What's your expectation from life?

Abul Hayat: Nothing especial. I just want to spend the rest of my days  happily, which is easy as my needs have been very few since my  youth.

Are you writing too?

Abul Hayat: Early on I wrote stories, novels and newspaper columns. As many as 22 books of mine have been published and I have plans to publish a book for the next book fair. I love writing. I'm now writing a regular column in Prothom Alo. It came about when Matiur Rahman, editor of the Bangla daily, invited me to write for the paper.

Do you enjoy TV direction?

Abul Hayat: I really love it though I began TV direction only recently. But one thing is for sure, I'm very serious about directing plays that win acclaim.