Perfect takes

Photo Courtesy: Tuhin Hossain

Jitu Ahsan arrived in the acting arena following the footsteps of his father – the eminent actor Syed Ahsan Ali Sydney – and since then has carved a niche for himself with his spontaneous acting prowess. Beginning his journey in his childhood, Ahsan's love for acting grew as time passed and prompted him to choose acting as a profession.
Legendary actor Humayun Faridee termed Ahsan as the best and the most talented of the contemporary actors. The skilful Jitu Ahsan has always picked his acting roles carefully and never stopped challenging himself with fresh takes on characters. Recently, he met this correspondent for an interview.
Which projects keep you busy these days?
Jitu Ahsan: I'm acting in several serials at the moment, along with one-hour-dramas. Among the serials – Badrul Anam Soud's “Gronthik Gon Kohe”, Rulin Rahman's “Chhayanari Kayanari”, Sajjad Sumon's “Dokkhinayoner Din”, Jewel Mahmud's “Chup Adalot Cholchhe” are being aired by different channels.
What characters do you play in the ongoing dramas?
Jitu Ahsan: In “Gronthik Gon Kohe” I'm playing a Jatra artiste, while in “Chup Adalot Cholchhe” I am playing a barrister. For “Chhayanari Kayanari” I am playing the role of an urban youth, whose visit to a village gives rise to many incidents. “Dokkhinayoner Din” is an adaptation of the famous novel of the same name by Shawkat Ali. I'm also playing an important role there.
Is “Gronthik Gon Kohe” a remake?
Jitu Ahsan: Yes. Originally it was made for BTV, with the script written by Dr Selim Al Deen. However, it did not have so many episodes then. The role of Shah Kamal – which I am playing - was originally played by Pijush Bandapaddhay. Top actors of the time acted in the drama back then – which was widely acclaimed. Although the budget is limited this time around, the shooting is being carried out with much importance and a wide variety of props. I watched “Gronthik Gon Kohe” when I was a child, and getting the chance to act in its remake feels great.
When did you begin to take acting seriously?
Jitu Ahsan: During my childhood, I watched my father act. I knew all the actors through my father. I went to the BTV office with him. These visits eventually landed me performances as a child artiste. I continued sporadic works as an actor, but never considered taking acting seriously. However, I pursued acting as a career from 2000 onwards.
To what extent do you feel the lack of your father?
Jitu Ahsan: I miss him beyond measure. He once told me that he desired to act with me, but his physical condition did not permit him to do so. The people of the country know the versatility of my father's skills as an actor. I only wish to uphold the ideals taught by my father and be honest throughout my life.
You appeared in all plays directed by the popular actor Humayun Faridee?
Jitu Ahsan: Humayun Faridee was an actor with magic in him. I was blessed with his affection. He advised me to not chase after money, but to be humble in my ways no matter how famous I turned out to be. I learned a lot from him. I talked to him even on the day before he died. It is my good fortune that he cast me in all his TV plays. I consider myself very lucky to have worked under great directors of the country like Abdullah Al Mamun and others.
Do you have any plan to direct dramas?
Jitu Ahsan: I am yet to learn the tricks and trades of direction and have no immediate plans of directing a play. Acting draws me more. I've never even done any modeling.
Any regrets about being in the media?
Jitu Ahsan: Sometimes we have to shoot under adverse conditions. Often there is no ceiling fan while shooting during sultry summer. Work has to go on even in freezing temperatures. Although we do get paid, the hard work is all for the audience. However it hurts me when I see that my expressions being cut off by TVC’s.
What is your opinion about TV plays being aired without any commercial breaks?
Jitu Ahsan: Commercials are important no doubt, but there should be a limit to airing these. If we lose viewers due to overwhelming advertisements, we will be the ones to blame. The audience want uninterrupted entertained. There should be a regulation for airing commercials. The viewer’s preference should be given important.