“I believe that young directors can bring change”

National Film Award winning artiste Tariq Anam Khan, an actor and a director, has been a prominent face in the industry for many years. He has been working in theatre for over four decades, and has been a part of numerous tele-fictions and films. He is the founder of Natyokendro, a theatre company established in 1990. Actors like Zahid Hasan, Tauquir Ahmed and Mosharraf Karim achieved notable recognitions through working in his theatre troupe. He talks with The Daily Star about his experiences of working with young actors and directors.

How do you feel about working with young directors?

I believe that young directors can bring change. I absolutely enjoy working with them. They are very dedicated and passionate about their work. They love taking challenges, and are brave enough to experiment with new ideas and plots. Whether it is television or cinema, I believe that we are in need of innovative stories and good work ethic, which the youngsters are aware of.

You are a veteran on screen and the stage. How do you make new actors comfortable, when they work with you?

I have worked with quite a few new actors in both tele-fictions and films. I always try to befriend them with humour and an approachable nature.

How would you compare the past and current timelines in the industry?

The difference is technology, which has  developed immensely in recent times. As far as my work is concerned, I always try to stay updated. Also, the camerawork has improved. When we worked in Bangladesh Television, we had our work cut out. Thankfully, it has become a lot more pragmatic.

How do you manage to act so naturally?

There is no mystery behind this; it is a long process. While working on a character, I always try to create a real image in my mind. I keep the situations and the character in mind and try to follow the tone accordingly. Working in theatre for so many years has helped me a lot to come this far.