UNFAZED BY ARTISTIC CHALLENGES

Leading actor Touqir Ahmed is admired by thousands for his performance in TV plays like “Rupnagar”, “Firiye Dao Arannya” and, “Joto Dure Jai” as well as several appearances on the silver screen. He is also a successful director for both television and cinema. Taking on artistic challenges comes naturally to Ahmed, and he aspires to be on the go for the rest of his life.
The artiste recently had a chat with The Daily Star on his busy career.
You have been successful both as an actor and director. What progress have you made on your latest TV serial?
Touqir Ahmed: Preparations are still on. A new serial by Bipasha Hayat, the title of which is yet to be fixed, will be shot this year. I am hoping that the serial will be a lengthy one, as I haven't done a mega serial since “Jyotsnakaal”. I also did the serials “Jolpori” and “Chondromogno”, but this time around the preparation is for a grander serial.
Was there any particular reason for keeping away from mega TV serials?
Touqir Ahmed: Yes definitely. For the last two years, I had been very busy with my shooting house in Kapashia 'Nokkhotro-bari'. The place was overhauled, with the inclusion of a cottage. The place also has a conference hall, living spaces, restaurants and all modern amenities. This project kept me busy. So I was able only to do a bit of direction and acting work. So far you have directed three movies.
When is the next one due?
Touqir Ahmed: You require a huge budget and much planning before making a movie. I have contemplated directing a new film for a while. A script on the Language Movement is complete, and now I plan to start shooting this year.
Why a film on the Language Movement?
Touqir Ahmed: It is a matter of great concern that there are hardly any movies based on our Language Movement. If you exclude Zahir Raihan's “Jibon Theke Neya”, you won't find any other notable movies on the movement. I believe the film community needs to focus more on the Language Movement. It has an archival value, while the new generation needs to get better informed about this historic movement.
What keeps you busy these days?
Touqir Ahmed: I'm acting in several serials. One of them is by director Murad Parvez , titled “Ondho Tirondaj”. I'm also working on Komol Chakma's “Choragoli” and Saiful Islam Mannu's “Chaar Deyaler Kabbyo”, along with several other one-hour-plays.
Tell us about the three movies you've directed so far.
Touqir Ahmed: All three had different plots. “Rupkothar Golpo” focused on contemporary angst. “Joyjatra” was about the Liberation War, while“Daruchini Dwip” was about our inner dreams . “Joyjatra” is still popular among viewers, while “Rupkothar Golpo” has a hard hitting story.
Which is your favourite mediumacting, directing TV dramas or making movies?
Touqir Ahmed: It is hard to say. My goal is to keep directing movies. But there is no point in a denial of the actor in of me. I'm also working on writing screenplays. Overall, I would like to stay involved in the world of art.