Hasan Masood @ DS Café

Journalist-turned-actor Hasan Masood made his career breakthrough on the silver screen and won many hearts in the process. He later shifted towards television appearances which only gave him a firmer niche among viewers.

The much-loved star recently came to the DS Cafe to chat with his admirers.

Rana, Dhaka: How did you enter the media world?

Hasan Masood: It was out of the blue. I have experience from working at different places -- the Bangladesh Army, BBC and even The Daily Star. During my time at the newspaper, Mostafa Sarwar Forooki offered me a role in his film “Bachelor”. Later, I also went on to do his drama “69”. After a while, I left journalism to pursue acting full time.

Mohsin, Dhaka: You sing quite well. Did you take lessons in singing?

Hasan Masood: I was a student of Chhayanaut when I was in class eight or nine. While I was studying for my intermediate exams, I was recruited in the army. I was in my 5th year in Chhayanaut when I had to leave. That is the extent of my music lessons.

Shanto, Chittagong: Were you ever involved with theatre?

Hasan Masood: Never. I only took a small course at Shilpakala.

Imran, Savar: Do you follow in the footsteps of anyone as an actor?

Hasan Masood: No, I don't follow or imitate anyone in my acting. I prefer to express my role very naturally.

Sohel, Dhaka: Do you feel that the quality of TV plays is going downhill?

Hasan Masood: It is natural for the quality to drop. Even the third assistant directors are sitting in the director's seat nowadays. Everyday, more and more TV plays are being aired on the burgeoning channels. Everyone is trying to make plays with whatever label they can get hold of. The supply is inadequate compared to the demand. As a result, below-par productions are being passed as supplies to the demand group. These are the reasons why the quality is downhill.

Lonny, Dhaka: How do you act so brilliantly?

Hasan Masood: I try my best to ensure that the work is good. Maybe it's the determination that gets the job done.

Sagar Chowdhury, Sylhet: What does one need to do to become a good actor?

Hasan Masood: They have to act with all their heart and learn the tricks of the trade. One also has to have seriousness and a love for acting. All of these are not possible to achieve in a day. Prospective actors have to hold on to their passion of act.

Shafiq, Tangail: Name your favorite drama.

Hasan Masood: Till date my favourite play is “Taxi Driver”.

How many films have you done so far?

Hasan Masood: Four. Following my debut in “Bachelor”, I did “Made in Bangladesh”. Later, I did two more films. Talks are on for future projects.

Runa, Sylhet: I know about your passion for photography. Do you have any plan to organise an exhibition of your images?

Hasan Masood: I do have plans to hold an exhibition.

Bijli, Gulshan: Can you share a funny anecdote with us?

Hasan Masood: When the movie “Bachelor” was released, I was working in BBC. A Bengali family in London invited me over to their house for dinner with the impression that I was a bachelor in real life. Suddenly my wife called me on the phone and while I talked to her, they realised their mistake. At one point, I wanted to speak to my child. My phone conversation made them speechless. It was a funny experience!

Transcribed by Shah Alam Shazu