“My father always instilled a sense of independence” --Iresh Zaker

I think it was during the launch of “Mohobrihi” in 1988, I was 12 then but it was during that time I realized how big a star my father was. Of course in the theatre and stages he had his own presence and admiration and he would take me to his shows since I was a year old. But back then I didn't realize how huge a public and national figure he was. During a trip to Chittagong, we couldn't get off the car because so many people recognized him and crowded the car.

My father believes in providing a sense of freedom to his loved ones, he will love you and stay with you but like other parents he didn't believe in holding hands and guide you. Which was both good and bad. Not to say he wasn't a loving parent, but he always instilled a sense of independence. As I got older I appreciated the fact we are such close friends. One thing that I and father have in common is our passion about the little things, whether it is cricket or politics, we both have strong opinions. Which is why we sometimes argue and one such argument was about the cricketer Mehrab Hussain Opi, dad's favorite.  Opi was a senior at my school and I had played with him before, back then I didn't think much of him. Dad and I would argue about him so much, but as we got older we realized that it is just game and each player is good in their own rights and that we can't really change some ones opinion. I am grateful to my father for showing me how to enjoy the little things in life.

As a personality and as an actor it may look like that we both have the same view, but truthfully we are completely different. As a son I have struggled to come to terms with it. I am not a trained actor, I have been fortunate to make some kind of name as an actor. Of course until I have experienced the same journey as my father, through theatre and effort until that we are not the same. It's like he is Picasso and I am a cartoon drawing. I would say that I am sincere as an actor. It took me a while, well at the age of 38 to realize that I cannot compare myself to my father and I shouldn't, he is a legend. He has never needed help but he has been the one to help me and I am really lucky to have been born in the right circumstance. I am a product of my background but he is the one that provided the circumstances in which I found my calling. But I am not like him. Everyone has their own journey to follow. As a son and professional the lesson I have learned from my father and take to heart is do what you love and enjoy.