Shatabdi Wadud talks "Guerilla" and more

Photo: ABUTAHER AAKASH

Shatabdi Wadud is an actor's exemplar. Using his experience of the theatre, he has enriched the world of cinema and television serials with his outstanding acting skills. His exceptional performance in “Guerilla” still lingers in the memory.
In a recent interview with The Daily Star, he recounted stories about his entry into filmdom, his current projects, career and many other subjects.
TDS: How did you begin your acting career?
Shatabdi: It all started with theatre. It was around 1985. I joined a drama club called Artonad. After a few days, I remember taking a very long break. I joined Theatre Centre in the year 1992. In 1997, I became a member of Prachyanat. My first TV performance was in “Shonkito Podojatra”, aired on BTV.
TDS: Which was your breakthrough performance on TV?
Shatabdi: I feel that the audience started to notice me in the serial “Grihogolpo”, where I played the role of Shobhon. I remember being called Shobhon by people. Apart from this, “Sharey Tin Tola”, “Kanone Kushum Koli” and “Tomar Doa-e Bhalo Achhi Ma” fetched me recognition as well.
TDS: What are you busy with at the moment?
Shatabdi: I'm currently working in “Allrounder”, directed by Dipankar Dipon, “Agnirath”, “Gohine” and some more daily soaps.
TDS: How did “Guerilla” happen?
Shatabdi: I worked in this serial titled “Bishshash”, produced by BBC. Its casting director was Esha Yusuf, who apparently was also the casting director and executive producer of the movie “Guerilla”. So I got to know about “Guerilla” from her. She had asked me to meet Nasiruddin Yousuff in this regard. I was nervous about meeting him though. However, the casting was confirmed after the meeting.
TDS: Which other movies did you work in?
Shatabdi: I first acted in a movie called “Phulkumari”. It was not released in our country, but was screened at an international festival. Apart from this, I acted in “Rupantar” by Abu Sayeed and also in “Meherjaan”.
TDS: What is the first thing you consider before taking up a role?
Shatabdi: That would definitely be the storyline of the movie and also the director. I do not usually worry about the character, since I'm willing to play all sorts of characters. Versatility is what proves an artist's skills.
TDS: Did you have to make any sacrifice for “Guerilla”?
Shatabdi: Firstly, I had to get a crew cut. Since the shooting was done between the two Eids that year, I could not act in any Eid-special TV plays. I had to learn the mannerisms of an army officer from a colonel for two months. I almost forgot that I was an actor after a while.
TDS: What about the achievements?
Shatabdi: The achievements definitely weigh more than the sacrifices. I was involved in a movie on the Liberation War. What could be a bigger achievement than that?