Devotion is needed to practice art: Mosharraf Karim

Mosharraf Karim is a household name, having garnered respect amongst people of all age groups. His contribution to the Bangladeshi television and film industry is immense. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, the actor talks about the current standard of tele-fictions, actors, OTT platforms and so on.

Can you tell us how television fictions are faring today, compared to how they used to?

Bangladeshi television fictions have evolved with time. Improvements have been made in direction, acting, plot, camera, light and makeup to suit the needs of the present day. It will be unfair to say that all the projects of the past were great. In comparison to olden days, there are more channels, content, and tools at our disposal. Through my experience, I can say that quality television fictions only stand out at the end of the day, which makes me believe that good work is being done.

The audience of our country has been watching tele-fictions even before independence. Once upon a time, there were package dramas, and currently, we have OTT platforms. What is your perspective towards this new medium?

I have taken OTT platforms positively as I believe that change is inevitable. More emphasis is to be given to scripts, as audiences enjoy good stories. If there is a powerful story, people will watch it regardless of what medium it belongs to. We have to welcome what is new, because change is certain.

Many argue about the variation in quality found in OTT projects. How do you feel about that?

How is that any different from television? We need to give the platforms more time for its development and wait patiently. However, many wonderful series have been released till now, and the audience has accepted them. We have to keep in mind that the story must be ours to tell and thus, belong to our roots. Most importantly, a lot of money, time and dedication is being spent on creating these series, which will always attract an audience.

There is a strange urge for newcomers to become 'famous' by any means possible. Why do you think that is?

I wholeheartedly believe that devotion is needed to practice art. Acting is not an easy job. One needs to practice it for years before mastering. However, the matter of establishing oneself as a star is different. Some people want to gain instant popularity as an actor, but this does not suffice in the long run. An actor needs to nourish a said character within him before delivering his performance. The process also provides him enough joy. I do not understand why people feel the need to rise instantly. They must come out of it.

You are also known as a 'chameleon' actor. How do you adapt so well to any role?

I learn acting by observing my surroundings. When I go out, I observe the people around me. Similarly, I also make note of people in the fields, river banks and markets of villages during shooting. Their daily roles in life serve as lessons in acting.

Do you miss any aspect of your former life as an aspiring actor?

I miss much of the times I have already spent, especially in theatre. I reminisce about conversations with my comrades at Baily Road, and my work in Natya Kendra. I had spent quite a lot of my childhood at my village in Barishal, during which I used to ride on boats, get drenched in rain during the rainy season, visit the village market and bathe in the river after returning from school. Those are moments that I cherish.

Your recent work in the Ashfaque Nipun directorial, 'Mohanagar', has become the subject of discussion in both Bangladesh and West Bengal. How do you feel about that?

When any of my work is well-received by the audience, I like being a part of it. It thrills me that "Mohanagar" was instantly accepted. I was elated when Prosenjit Chatterjee himself called to congratulate me on it. Much of the credit goes to the director, Ashfaque Nipun, and the entire crew. Good work will always bear fruit.

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Translated by Farah Kabir