Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon

Omer Ayaz Ony, the actor who came to limelight with a Grameenphone TV commercial and went on to star in multiple national-award winning film “Guerrilla”, has been missing from the circuit for a while. However, the actor is back from his stay abroad, and is getting busy with work again. The Daily Star recently caught up with the artiste.

What is it like to be back to the scene?

Ony: I'm actually very excited to be back, because I have a film releasing very soon (today, September 27). I worked in it from late 2011 to early 2012, but the release was somehow delayed. “Putro Jokhon Poyshawala”, directed by Nargis Akhter and also starring Farah Ruma and Bobita, is a quintessential Bangla entertainment film, and I am looking forward to the response.

The previous film you did was “Guerrilla”, which was highly acclaimed, critically. Why did you choose your next film to be a commercial film?

Ony: Honestly, just to touch all bases. I have worked in advertisements, TV plays, documentaries, radio, even with Sisimpur (the Bangla adaptation of Sesame Street), but I had never done the typical FDC film. I just wanted that experience, and to see how well I do there.

You've stayed abroad for a while. Did you do any work there?

Ony: Yes, I've been in Australia for over a year, and I've actually signed up for a film by Bangladeshi director Golam Mostafa, based in Australia. The film, which has a working title “Leena”, will be done in Australia next year, and the producers have plans of international releases.

What have you been up to since you've been back?

Ony: I have worked on some single-episode TV plays, for the upcoming Eid, and for Victory Day. I was also offered roles in TV serials, but I prefer single episode plays better.

Despite having your career launched quite some time back, you don't have a large volume of work. Why?

Ony: If I become a professional actor and must work 30 days to earn my living, I cannot afford to be very picky. I might have to do things to support my career that my artistic self doesn't appeal to. Acting is my passion, and I don't want it to be my profession because I don't want to compromise. I am always looking for characters that I would really want to do, and the more of them I get, the more I will work.