<i>A prolific character actor</i>

Photo: STAR

Popular actor Tushar Khan has been working mostly in television at present. Four serials featuring the actor are on air now -- Dolls House, Amader Nurul Huda, Syed Barir Bou and Chor Kuthuri. Several others are set to air soon.
Tushar has been involved with the theatre troupe Aranyak Natya Dal for nearly 25 years. Since 1983, he has acted in many stage and street plays. On stage, he has worked mostly as a substitute actor until Aranyak Natya Dal's latest production Uporwala. The actor is a member of the regular cast in Uporwala.
“I work with Aranyak with the same passion and enthusiasm as I did in the beginning. It's true I've become busier with TV plays but that doesn't interfere with my work in theatre,” he says.
“While one has to accomplish his/her own designated responsibilities, it is the teamwork that is most important for a theatrical production. While performing at different places with Aranyak, I found that the audience appreciate any good performance; whether the performer is a star or not does not matter to them,” he adds.
Tushar attained popularity mainly for his comic roles in TV plays during the late '90s. Today, however, he performs in different types of roles with equal flair.
Some of the actor's much-loved roles include Abdullah in Iblish, a contractor in Obobahika, a police officer in the street play Neela and an impostor who pretends to be a freedom fighter in Ferari Nishan. Among the characters in TV plays Jamal in Itikotha and his roles in Shilpi, Shundori and Bondhon are his favourites. “Variation fascinates me. Any character that can engage an artiste becomes his/her favourite,” he says.
Tushar had been regular in movies up until 1998. After a long seclusion, he recently made a comeback in movies, though according to him, “the range of work has become limited.” He has appeared in over 50 films. His performances in movies such as Bikkhobh, Ajker Protibad, Wrong Number, Hridoyer Kotha, Taka, Shubha, Khude Joddha and others have been widely appreciated.
Tushar believes artistes need to be socially aware and sensitive enough to respond to different causes, “Artistes have the power to influence many. They need to be honest and empathetic. At least considering the love they receive from the people, they should always think of giving back to the society.”
“Acting is my passion. I consider myself fortunate that I can satiate my creative yearning through my profession and am not forced to do anything that I might not enjoy,” he says.