A walk down the memory lane: Shahiduzzaman Selim reminisces his roots

National Film Award winning actor-director Shahiduzzaman Selim is a prominent artiste in the theatre, television and films. Since 1983, Selim has been a part of Dhaka Theatre. The actor, along with some of his peers, formed Jahangirnagar Theatre, which is active to this day. In an interview with The Daily Star, the multi-talented personality shared the memories of his early days in the industry.

After getting admission in Jahangirnagar University (JU) in 1983, Selim and his friends went on a rehearsal for a stage show, which was led by Humayun Faridi. Faridi was the secretary of drama in the Chhatro Sangsad of JU at that time. "As he was rehearsing for Abar Baul Aibo Fira, when I entered in the room," shares Selim, "He kept telling me to read a dialogue, without even looking at me! Interestingly, he did not know who I was. However, when I read the line, he instantly cast me as the protagonist for that play," says a nostalgic Selim. His journey in acting started at that point.

Shahiduzzaman Selim was the first among his peers to get the opportunity to act in Dhaka Theatre. "I would come to TSC (Teacher-Student Centre) every day from JU for rehearsals. Those days were very exciting," he recalls.

After completing his studies, Selim came back to Dhaka and started a day job. Due to the job, he had to keep himself away from acting for some time. "A few days before Keramot Mongol' was about to be staged, the protagonist fell sick," he shares. "However, I was called to be the proxy, and this is how I came back to acting." The actor amazed everyone with his performance, and kept working with the group.

The actor-director attributes 1987 as one of the most significant years of his life. "This was the year when I started to be cast as the protagonist, instead of just a backup," he states.

While working on the play Haat Hodai (Seven types of groceries), by Dhaka Theatre, Selim was called for the auditions arranged by Bangladesh Television (BTV), where he was selected. "Besides theatre, I worked in the mega serial Jonaki Jole, telecasted on BTV, which brought me a lot of popularity at that time," recalls the artiste.

Shahiduzzaman Selim, in his life, let many opportunities go, for his passion in acting. The diligent actor told The Daily Star that wants to keep working in this field for the rest of his life, with the appreciation and support from his fans and well-wishers.