Published on 12:00 AM, November 05, 2011

Mir Sabbir @DS CAFÉ


With a career spanning over a decade, Mir Sabbir has over hundreds of TV plays, tele-films and serials under his belt. Appearances on the silver screen have also spelled success for the talented artiste. The actor, who has also tried his hand at direction, recently came to DS Cafe and caught up with his fans.

Parvin, Rangpur: How are you? Which TV plays are you directing for this Eid?
Sabbir:
I'm doing fine, thanks. I directed two Eid-special dramas. One is titled “Sumon Mohan Rajon”, and the other “Kuddus Pagla”.
Lonny, Banani, Dhaka: Which was your first TV play? How much does your wife Chumki encourage your work?
Sabbir:
My TV debut was in the 1999 play “Putro”. My wife continues to support me. It's impossible for a husband to continue without his wife's encouragement.
Amit Raj, Naryanganj: I watch all of your TV plays. Tell me about the most memorable moment of your life?
Sabbir:
Thanks for watching my plays. The best moment of my life was when I saw the face of my child for the first time.
TDS (The Daily Star): Are you satisfied with your career?
Sabbir:
I'm very pleased with what I gained. I had to struggle in the beginning -- grabbing any role I could find. Slowly I established myself in the industry. I gradually worked with all the good directors of our time. So I have no regret.
Aditi, Dhaka: I liked your performance in “Moqbul”. Where is your ancestral home?
Sabbir:
My village home is in Barguna. I'm glad that you liked me in “Moqbul”. I had to work very hard for the play.
Porshi, Gazipur: Why did you choose acting as a profession?
Sabbir:
I made that choice out of my love for acting. I've always been passionate about plays and movies. I watched films whenever I got the chance.
TDS: What do you consider as the turning point of your career?
Sabbir:
The play “Bishkata” was one of the most crucial turning points in my career. Ananta Hira was the playwright and the director of the production. I earned wide recognition for my portrayal of Akkas.
Sagar Chowdhury, Syhlet: Many actors have become regular faces on the screen. But how much sincerity goes into acting?
Sabbir:
I can't speak for others, but when I act, I get immersed in the character. It's in my blood and I love it like my child.
Raju, Kushtia: Do you try to emulate any great actor? What qualities should an actor have?
Sabbir:
No, I don't follow anyone. An actor needs to be a good person. If this single quality is present, there is no need for anything else.
Kobita, Dhanmondi: How did the idea for the play “Ghorsawar” come to you?
Sabbir:
One day I was leaving FDC, when I saw a person who works as a horse supplier. He provides horses for movies. The idea came from that.
Jahangir, Dhaka: Have you worked in films?
Sabbir:
Yes. It is titled “Ki Jadu Korila”.
Taslima, Jessore: I'm a huge fan. What do you do in your leisure?
Sabbir:
I hardly get any time for myself. But whenever I get a break, I spend time with my wife and child. If I get a long break, I try to travel.
TDS: What do you do during breaks while shooting?
Sabbir:
I get into an adda (chat). We have loads of fun during the breaks. All the artistes are like a big family.
Kalam, Savar: What are your hobbies?
Sabbir:
I like travelling.
TDS: What differentiates local and Indian TV plays/serials?
Sabbir:
Our dramas are closer to life. They speak about what actually happens in our lives. Indian dramas seem to highlight aristocracy, affairs and glamour.
Amirul, Dhaka: Do you ever get angry?
Sabbir:
I get mad when someone lies point blank.
Tondra, Syhlet: What do you like to eat?
Sabbir:
My taste buds prefer food that is native to our country.
Shafiq, Tangail: You are my favourite actor. Do you think that artistes should be more involved in social development?
Sabbir:
Definitely. I also have this wish and am trying to be involved in small social welfare programmes. I do have a responsibility to do something for my countrymen.
Mahbubur Rahman, Brahmanbaria: Many channels are regularly airing your dramas. Which is your favourite TV play?
Sabbir:
It's not possible to single out a favourite. I like all the works.
TDS: Any recurring dream?
Sabbir:
I always dream of positive things. I wish for a beautiful Bangladesh.
TDS: What would you ask for if you are granted three wishes?
Sabbir:
The first would be the happiness of my child. The second wish will be for peace and I will want a solution to traffic congestion for the third.

Transcribed by Shah Alam Shazu