Adnan Al Rajeev

Tell us something about yourself.

I consider myself a happy and lucky person. I’m happy because I really don’t expect much from life; I’m quite content with what I have, and lucky to be working on a platform I enjoy. I live by the hope of creating something new everyday. I don’t do it because I want to leave my footprint when I die or something; being remembered for years to come isn’t what I’m heading for. I do it simply because I’m passionate about what I do.

What was your first project?

My first project was a fiction, named Bhoot Bole Kichu Nei. It was a satire about the believability of ghost in villages, where some people are very naïve and impressionable. It was not aired on TV because every frame was shaking as I had shot it hand held. The TV channels assumed that I didn’t have the budget for a tripod, and failed to understand the visual style.

What inspired you to start direction?

I never wanted to be a director. I started out working with Mostofa Sarwar Farooki because I needed a source of income, so I had to work. By doing so, I began loving what I was doing, and later found directing to be the love of my life.

Did you have a mentor?

Yes. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, himself is my mentor. I am very thankful to him for all that he’s done for me.

Tell us about the struggles you’ve had to face in your career.

I was the youngest in the industry when I started working independently. Back then, nobody trusted me on my skills, believing that I’m too young to deal with all the nuances of directing. I had to prove myself very early on, and with a lot of persistence and hard work, I am where I am today.

Do you prefer directing TV commercials or TV dramas?

It doesn’t matter to me whether it is a TV drama or commercial. I just love shooting, be it commercials or dramas because it gives me the power to create what I imagine. The power of being able to bring to life what you thought of is the happiest thing for me.

Which project did you enjoy doing the most?

I don’t recall any specific project which I enjoyed the most, but I can tell you one which I absolutely hated. It was shooting a commercial for a detergent powder. It had nothing in the script, and I was only doing it for the money. I was mentally traumatised, and took a break for two months straight afterwards to get over it.

Do you have any upcoming project?

Yes. I’m currently shooting some commercials for Grameenphone, Robi and SMC . These will be aired soon. I look forward to the audience’s reactions.

What is your dream project?

I don’t have a dream project. I believe in instinct, and I want to enjoy whatever comes my way, and make the best of it. I think that it’s very important to go with the flow, but we have to make sure that we keep things under control.

Any message for the readers?

I would like to ask the readers not worry too much about things. Everything’s going to fall into place when it’s supposed to. So, just let it be, and stick to your beliefs. Things will come around eventually.