Prominent fashion designer Emdad Hoque doesn't want to be pigeon-holed. Though he embarked on his career as a talented journalist and has made it big as a designer, he has now taken on the persona of television play director. Hoque spoke to The Daily Star about his new ventures:

How did the idea of TV play direction strike you?

Emdad: I started writing in my college days. My professional life began with journalism. So, I used to write for dailies and magazines like The Daily Janakantha, Bichitra, Shaptahik 2000 and Canvas. I just couldn't stop writing. My friends liked my writings and encouraged me, but I never took them seriously. However, recently a friend of mine died and I felt like writing her story; eventually it developed into a play called “Ebong Tarpor”.

Tell us about your plays?

Emdad: After writing my first play, “Ebong Tarpor”, I wrote another play “Bhalobashar Asroye”. This story centres on a couple whose marriage is thrown in turmoil when the wife becomes suspicious of her husband. 

The miserable husband falls in love with another woman. Now, I am writing a play about the life of courtesan whose self respect does not diminish despite advancing years. Actress Champa has expressed her interest in my new venture.

At what stage is “Ebong Tarpor”?

Emdad: Well, “Ebong Tarpor” will be aired this upcoming Eid or the next, and the production of the other two will begin after the festival. In “Ebong Tarpor” you will see Mou, Riaz and Sajal as the lead characters. Besides, Laila Hasan, Chaity, Sujon and little Zara play some important roles.

What's your experience of direction?

Emdad: I believe TV plays should reflect on life, not just a story. I do not go for plays that start and end in a room. So I have lent authenticity to every segment of my play in terms of ambiance, sound, costumes and makeup. I have incorporated sounds and musical tracks that fuse with the scenes. I tried my level best not to go overboard. Another plus is that the original soundtrack too is written by me and sung by Tanveer Alam Shawjeeb. I hope it will go down well with viewers as I have fully stretched myself to bring it about.