A walk down the memory lane
Reminiscing Zahid Hasan’s journey
Eminent actor Zahid Hasan has been entertaining the audience with his remarkable performance for the last two decades. He was not only been a favourite face in the television industry but also has earned fame for his noteworthy apprearances in the film industry. Sharing his journey with The Daily Star, the actor walks down his memory lane, sharing his experiences and most cherished memories.
Hailing from Shirajganj, a significant portion of Zahid Hasan’s childhood memories reminisce how he grew up watching tele-fictions. “Collecting tickets for upcoming theater plays was also one of my prime tasks in those days. Though not much but at times, I had the opportunity to experience various Jaatra Pala performances in my hometown,” the actor recalls. “One instance that I still clearly remember is when a famous Jaatra Pala troupe from Dhaka was visiting Shirajganj. I even remember the ticket prices—BDT 20, 50, 100 and 500. That day, my father gave me 20 taka and told me to witness the great Anwar Hossain on stage.”
Zahid Hasan was involved with theatre since his college days and has acted in various plays. “Speaking of my first notable role, I appeared in the theatre Saath Purusher Rin which was aired live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on August 10, 1984. Later, I got my first acting opportunity in 1986 for the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka-Pakistan joint venture film Boloban,” he recalls. This opportunity gave way to the actor’s journey in the television industry with BTV which began as he passed listed actor in the channel in 1989. “Knowing that acting on television was not as easy, I was content that I at least made it to the list,” he laughs.
The 1990 proved to be a turning point for his career as he decided to continue acting in stage plays. “The theatre industry was in a very good shape during those days. Bearing that in mind, I joined Natyakendra. I got to the titular character in Tarek Anam Khan’s Bicchu. This brought me a lot of positive criticism,” he says. “Soon, I was offered an important role in the telefilm Jibon Jemon, produced by Alimuzzaman Dulu. From then on, there was no turning back for me.”
With every passing day, irrespective of what happens, I rejoice all these memories as I look back into my journey. As my life takes new turns, every old milestone reincarnates in my mind and remembering such memories gives me great joy.