On the other end of the cameras

Several popular faces on the small screen have now taken to TV and film direction.  Some success stories:

Among the current crop of actors, Salauddin Lavlu is the most successful TV director. As the package drama trend neared a close, his mega serial “Ranger Manush” emerged as the country's most popular play. Encouraged by the positive response to his rural life -based series he has taken to the direction of TV plays in a big way.

“Lal Nil Beguni”, the directorial debut of renowned actor Zahid Hasan, also won him fame. Besides direction, he played a key role in the series featuring film artiste Purnima and others. The directorial project was a turning point in his career.

Popular actress Afsana Mimi ventured into direction much earlier and won many hearts. Under her direction, drama serials “Grihogolpo” and “Bondhon” were aired on Ekushey TV. She later directed “Kachher Manush”, based on a novel by Suchitra Bhattayacharcha that aired on ntv. The serial became very popular. Afterwards, she directed two mega TV series “Doll's House” and “Poush Faguner Pala”.

Talented TV actor, Tauquir Ahmed has been directing plays for a long time. His notable directorial projects are drama serials “Jyotsnakal”, “Sankhabas” and “Jolpori”. Besides, he has directed one-hour plays and tele-films. He also won the Nation Film Award as a director, for his Liberation War-based film “Joyjatra”.

Mahfuz Ahmed is now a household name on the small screen. The leading actor has been directing TV plays for the last few years. He came into the spotlight with his directorial project “Choita Pagol”. He also played the titular role in the series. He later co-directed “Amader Nurul Huda” with Araynna Anwar. Under his direction, “Mago Tomar Jonno” is being aired on ATN Bangla.

Shahiduzzaman Selim appeared on the small screen after staging plays for Dhaka Theatre for long. Later, he started his career as a TV director. “Kornet” was one of his remarkable drama serials.

A model, TV actress and film artiste, Tania Ahmed has directed plays, drama serials and tele-films. She recently ventured into film direction with “Good Morning London”.

For the last few years, actor Mir Sabbir has been directing plays. His directorial debut “Barisal Bonam Noakhali” was critically acclaimed. Apart from the one-hour play, the drama serial “Makbul” earned the actor-turned-director immense fame.

Actors Sahariar Nazim Joy and Naznin Hasan Chumki, among others, have been involved in direction. Renowned TV face Apurbo recently directed tele-film “Backdated”.