An actor is the only thing I can be-- Faruk Ahmed

A  popular face on the small screen,  Faruk Ahmed 's talent as an actor is well acknowledged, Long time actor with Dhaka Theatre, Ahmed embarked on his eventful journey in  theatre as a  student of Geography at Jahangirnagar University (JU). He made a name for himself through a number of TV plays of Humayun Ahmed, and continues to entertain the TV audience. The Daily Star recently caught up with the actor with a big smile. Excerpts:

When and how did you get involved with Dhaka Theatre?

Faruk: I joined JU in 1979, and eventually became the theatre secretary of the university's Mir Mosharraf Hall. I also directed stage plays. I can say with pride that we introduced the culture of stage plays at Muktomancha on the university premises. In 1983 I joined Dhaka Theatre to further explore it, and have been with them since.

Which play of Dhaka Theatre has had the biggest impact on you?

Faruk: Almost all the stage plays were great on their own, but “Keramot Mondol”, where I played the titular role, was my best work. The audience received the play warmly.

But you are not active with the troupe anymore?

Faruk: As much as I wanted to, I couldn't, due to a busy shooting schedule. But I recently acted in “Joiboti Konya'r Mon”, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Dhaka Theatre, along with many other alumni.  

You have also worked in Graam Theatre?

Faruk: I had been involved with the group for a long time. We travelled across the country with our plays. It was a great learning experience.

When did you develop an interest for acting?

Faruk: As a child. I dreamt of becoming so well known that I didn't need to show my visiting card to others when I was introduced to them.

Where does acting stand in your life?

Faruk: It is my passion and I am completely dedicated to it. An actor is the only thing I can be.

Which TV play earned you fame in the early days?

Faruk: “Baro Rokomer Manush” that aired on BTV. I played the negative role of Rasik Lal in the drama. The character got me noticed.

How did you get involved in the plays of Humayun Ahmed?

Faruk: One day Sheikh Reaz Uddin Badsha from BTV asked me to play the role of a loquacious refugee in the play “Achin Brikkho”. Later, I was offered a role in Humayun Ahmed's play “Matiro Pinjirar Majhe Bondi Hoia Roilam Re”, and did many subsequent works with him.

What's your most striking memory of him?

Faruk: Humayun Ahmed was very affectionate towards me till his last days.  He always called on me to play roles in nearly every play of his. I've many fond memories of Nuhash Palli. I still recall him distinctly.

You also released a recitation album?

Faruk: As a university student, I received many awards for recitation. Later, I took a long break from the art. But early this year, I released a recitation album dedicated to Humayun Ahmed. He had also dedicated his novel “Lilua Batash” to me.

Any regrets on the professional front?

Faruk: I'm hardly seen in serious dramas, though I played a serious role in the movie “Tarkata”. Soon, I'll act in Animesh Aich's movie “Jid”. It really hurts me when our country's serious viewers brand comedy plays as low-quality works. But many don't understand how difficult it is to do a comic role.