At a Glance Symon

Why did you want to be an actor?

Actually, I never wanted to be an actor. Everything was made possible by the renowned director, Zakir Hossain Raju sir. It all began in 2006, when I was standing in the Shewra bus stand. I bumped into Raju sir, who told me to try out acting in films. I said no at first, as at that time the state of the film industry was not ideal. To be honest, I did not recognize him at first so when he told me the names of the films he directed, I was astonished. The Symon you are seeing right now would not have been existent without Raju sir, I am eternally grateful.

What is your turning point in cinema?

That would definitely be Poramon. Many still remember me by this film, and it has given me a lot. 

What about your other films? Are they not remembered anymore?

It's not that. I am an actor, and I have to go by whatever the director says. Maybe in some films, the directors haven't been able to portray me as I would have liked and that might have been the reasons why my characters haven't been discussed that much. I cannot really do anything if the cinema's script or story is not up to the mark. 

From all the successful films that you have done, which ones are your favorites? 

It would have to be Poramon, Black Money, Pure Jay Mon, Ji Hujur and Shopno Chowa. 

What do you think needs to change in the current film industry?

First of all, we need to fix our cinema halls and that is an absolute must. If the halls are in a bad state, no one would want to go and watch a movie there. We also need to work on better scripts for our films. 

Whom do you idolize in acting?

I don't personally idolize anyone. However, I loved the work of Salman Shah and Manna bhai. For me, the script and screenplay of a film are what makes them successful. 

Among the new actors, who do you think have the most potential?

I like Bappy and Arefin Shuvo among the new actors. But we need many more male actors for a thriving industry. I like many actresses as well, but I feel that they need more dedication. Pori Moni, Mahi and Bobby are all doing well at the moment.

Any upcoming movies releasing in the near future? 

My movie "Mayabini" is going to be released on 3rd February. Irin is the lead actress in it. It is a horror film and I am sure the audience will genuinely like it.

Interviewed by Zahid Akbar