Shoyeb: “I don't consider acting to be my profession”

photo courtesy: tuhin hossain

Shoyeb is one of the more popular actors on television these days, with roles in TV plays, alongside modelling. He has also worked as the protagonist against Moushumi in a movie, and gained acclaim from a TV commercial with Joya Ahsan. Shoyeb started off as a theatre artiste, and is still involved with the group Desh Natok. The actor recently spoke to The Daily Star.
How did you come into the world of acting?
Shoyeb: When I was a student at Jagannath University, someone encouraged me to go watch a play, and then persuaded me to join Theatre Art Center. It gradually became a passion. I then joined Desh Natok, and I'm still working with them.
Which Desh Natok productions have you been part of?
Shoyeb: I have played roles in a number of plays, including “Dorpone Shorot Shoshi” and “Birosha Kabyo”. To be frank, it was theatre that has taught me acting, and helped me overcome my shortcomings. The stage plays a great role in the development of an actor.
You've also worked in the film “Matir Moina”…
Shoyeb: Yes. Near the end of 1997, Tareque Masud was preparing for his film “Matir Moina”, and was looking for an actor for the role of Milon. I auditioned for the role, and got it. That was my first work in cinema.
You've worked in a film with Moushumi. But you did not continue doing films. Why?
Shoyeb: That film with Moushumi was the last one that I did. It was named “Dui Purush”, and was directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam. Frankly, I haven't received good scripts after that. The impact of TV plays is not long lasting in this age of satellite channels, but the impact of a film lasts forever. From that point of view, I also want to work in films, but I must find the film interesting. However, digital films are being made in the country now, so that increases the scope and possibility to work in films.
Many actors are getting involved in direction and production. What's your take on that?
Shoyeb: I congratulate all those who are doing it, but I will never move into direction, or production of TV dramas. Acting is my passion, and I want to do that with all my heart.
Are you working on any new commercial?
Shoyeb: I just did a TV Commercial for PHP Aluminium, directed by Tariq Anam Khan. It's being telecast on all the channels.
You've worked in commercials before as well…
Shoyeb: Yes. Like Teer Flour, Fresh Sugar, Arku Spices. All the commercials were well received, especially the Fresh and Arku ads. As a matter fact, all my commercials involved acting, and that was in my comfort zone.
Would you consider acting as your profession?
Shoyeb: No, not at all. I consider acting to be my passion, and I will never take it as an occupation. I am an entrepreneur by profession, but acting is something that I hold close to my heart.
Have you always been focused on taking the lead roles of conventional 'heroes'?
Shoyeb: Not at all. I have never taken up acting to become a 'hero', and nor do I want to. I want to work in roles where there is scope and challenge. 'Heroes' don't live forever, but artistes do. I have always wanted to be an artiste.
Which TV plays are you working on currently?
Shoyeb: I am doing mostly mega-serials. One of them is “Agneepath”, being telecast on Boishakhi TV. I'm working on a similar project named “Jononi”, which is being aired on Gazi TV, and another series called “Kamini” on Ekushey TV.