FAROOQUE AHMED

Farooque Ahmed joined Asiatic Events Marketing Limited in 1983 (almost 31 years now) as a Communications Executive (back then it was East Asian Market Limited). During his 22-23 years there, he had subsequently worked in client service, and was appointed Production Manager. At present he is the General Manager at Asiatic Marketing & Communications Ltd., and the Organizing Secretary at Nagorik Natya Sampradaya.
Although initially involved in the Liberation War, he didn't continue in it for a long time – but, Farooque Ahmed has been Involved with Natto Chokro since the war. He later moved on to Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, a leading theatre group of Bangladesh. Farooque Ahmed is a passionate actor. He is mainly involved in moncho natok and makes relatively few television appearances, among which are the recent serial “Khonika” being aired on Maasranga Television, and 3 episodes of the thriller “Aw er Golpo” being aired on Banglavision.

His Early Years
I used to enthusiastically watch moncho natok that started in Dhaka after liberation. From involvement with Nagorik, my interest in drama, plays and films were intensified. I studied in a music college for some time during 1973, where I enrolled following my interest in classical music. I passed my i-music (Intermediate level) but didn't continue after that. After graduating from Notre Dame College in Dhaka, I enjoyed being affiliated with theatre/stage plays rather than the television – I always prefer to be connected to a live audience. However, my involvement has been moderately low because of my career in marketing.

Present condition of the media and theatrical arts in Bangladesh
The condition was a little weak for some time but is better again. Mohila Samity was the main guide-house and theatre for plays; after it was closed, those involved in the theatre lost their torch bearer. Then the scene moved to Shilpakala, which has bigger space and better resources, hence the scene has been revived again; plays take place almost every day. I have played some roles in Dewan Gazer Kessa, Galileo, etc, just to name a few. The abundance of TV channels nowadays is alarming. I come across so many productions and wonder how they found a way to be televised despite such low quality and standards. I know the main problem is low budget, which has created a system which allows amateur directors to pass off mediocre scripts. Even at times, actors/actresses are provided no script at all but just the gist of the scene, which they act out of their own accord! The theatre scene a few years back was further paused by the stoppage of filming in 35mm and shut-down of cinema halls across the city. But now young people and digital technology are reviving things again. Moncho Natok has basically a fixed audience. University students are definitely amongst it, plus some middle-income group families too. However, I feel that it is mostly the young generation who construct a large part of the audience.

Stance on colloquial dialect used in TV dramas today
I have some reservations in this regard. I believe if there were particular contexts built into the story which called for the specific dialect (e.g. village scenes) then it would be justifiable. The dialect used in most TV dramas today is not village dialect nor proper, but an unpleasant blend from which the audience stands to gain nothing educational or pleasant – that's the way I see it!

Icons
Among my several notable icons in the theatre, are Aly Zaker and Sara Zaker.

Inspiration
Since my involvement in Nagorik, I have been inspired by the work of Aly Zaker, Sara Zaker, Asaduzzaman Noor etc., and by whatever activities they're doing for society as well. I've been a part of the Asiatic family for over three decades and these people have played a defining role in my life. After work I often spend time with my theatre folks; they are my second family.

Philosophy
We basically live for ourselves, but whatever we can do for others on the side, brings joy to me. I do what I can, but nothing significant I'll say. Inherently we are all selfish, but it feels good if we can come out of that and do something for the benefit of others.

Favourite books/music/authors
Music: Rabindra Sangeet, Indian classical.
Books/Writers: Syed Shamsul Haque, Sunil Gangopadhyay and Humayun Ahmed.
Poet: Syed Shamsul Haque