I could have chosen any other profession, but I chose acting: Faruque Ahmed
Acclaimed actor Faruque Ahmed became a household name playing the role of 'Moti' in Humayun Ahmed's famed television series, "Aaj Robibar".
The artist has been featured in various roles in most of Humayun Ahmed's works. As a theatre artist, Faruque Ahmed has also made name for himself through his marveled performance in the theatre play "Keramotmongol" as well.
In a candid chat with The Daily Star, the artist shares his experience of working in the film and television industry.
As a veteran actor, you have been a part of many great projects. Why do you think that the current films and dramas, are declining in popularity compared to before?
The are many factors are involved. First of all, the budget, which plays a big role, has been drastically reduced. I remember that we used to shoot an hour-long drama in three to four days.
Now similar projects have to be completed in just a couple of days. These kinds of restrictions definitely affect the quality.
Secondly, there are not many new scriptwriters entering the industry. The same few people who are already there end up writing all the tele-fictions and dramas that you see on television.
Finally, I will say that there is a crisis of good stories. There are definitely some good actors, but they're not paired with good scripts. Even so, we are still producing good dramas. One of the main reasons why dramas are not as popular as before is budget. If we can solve the budget problems, then many productions can be done beautifully.
What drives you as an actor?
I love acting from the bottom of my heart. As a graduate of Jahangirnagar University, I could have chosen any other profession. I have even worked at a big organization before. However, I still chose acting as my profession.
Rather than money, acting is closer to my heart. I crave acting intensely and have worked on the theatre stage year after year. It brings me a sense of self-satisfaction.
You have worked in most of Humayun Ahmed's directorials. Tell us a bit about your experience with him?
I have worked with Humayun Ahmed for more than two decades. He used to call me 'Moti' after my character in "Aaj Robiber".
He was an excellent storyteller – a magician of storytelling. Very few could narrate stories like him. Alhough he was not involved with theatre, his knowledge about theatre was impeccable.
After playing a character, have you ever felt that the character has an impact on your real life?
The roles no longer affect my mind much. I do embody the character while acting, however now, I am used to it. After playing a role, I tend to forget the character. That is because I cannot play a new role, unless I forget the previous one.
You have spent a long time with Dhaka Theatre. Do you still miss your theatre days?
I miss my theatre days a lot, and Dhaka theatre is still my most favourate place. I have made many sweet memories working with Nasir Uddin Yousuff, Selim Al Deen, Shimul Yousuf, Afzal Hossain, Humayun Faridi, Suborna Mustafa, and many more.
Nasir Uddin Yousuff has contributed a lot in making me the actor I am today. I still remember playing the role of Ishaq Chowdhury at the theatre play "Joiboti Konnyar Mon" while Suborna Mustafa played the role of 'Pori', a Jatra artist.
It was one of my biggest achievements. I even remember the character Basir from the play 'Kirtonkhola'.
Would you share some of your most memorable moments in your career?
I still remember my first theatre performance in the play "Shakuntala".
We staged it on the open stage of Jahangirnagar University. I was also the drama coordinator of Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall, Jahangirnagar University, back then. Just like how the Greeks used to stage theatre their plays, we also staged the "Shakuntala" at 4 am in the morning. I
I was playing the first scene, and I will never forget the excitement of audience when they saw us.
Translated by Akhlakur Rahman
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