“To create art, you must contain it in your heart” —Tauquir Ahmed

National Film Award winning director Tauquir Ahmed has won the National Film award five times. For Joyjatra, he won the National Film award three times. Tauquir recently bagged Best Director Award for Fagun Haway in Sixth Rajasthan International Film Fest in India. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, the talented director opens up about his works and achievements.

Recently, you achieved Best director award for Fagun Haway in Rajasthan. Tell us more about it.

I was honoured with Best Director award in the foreign film category at the Sixth Rajasthan International Film Fest this year. Fagun Haway was screened at the fest on January 22. The audience along with the jury board highly praised the film. This film won awards at SAARC and at London Rainbow Film fest as well. The film was praised in Shanghai Film fest too.

Is Fagun Haway being showcased at any other festival?

Fagun Haway will be showcased at Chennai Independent Film festival soon. The film will also be showcased at Delhi Raipur Film festival.

You won the National Film award five times, and are acclaimed internationally for your direction. How do these experiences inspire you?

Winning the biggest national award for film is certainly a very inspiring experience. These achievements give me a lot of inspiration. When I go abroad with my films, I get to interact with film enthusiasts and internationally acclaimed directors, which affect me profoundly. 

What are you currently busy with?

I am working on a new web series, Ghor. I am also working on a new television drama titled Rupali Jotsnay for Channel i. The first lot shooting was finished recently.

In your opinion, how much impact do books, films and music have on a creative person?

There is no alternative to reading. I believe that if you read 50 pages, then you can write one page. The films should have something that attracts people to the theatres. To create something meaningful, you need to know a lot. I acquire knowledge from books. Books, good films and good music all these are necessary for creativity. I believe, to create art, you must contain it in your heart.