Published on 12:00 AM, February 29, 2020

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Adnan Faruque Hillol

Adnan Faruque Hillol is a renowned actor who acted in several dramas, but soon transitioned to the world of ‘YouTube’. He has his own channel where he makes food and travel vlogs. In this interview with Star Showbiz, he talks about his shift from acting to ‘YouTube’, and about his videos.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

How did your journey in acting begin?

I started my acting journey through theatre back in 1995. I made my first television appearance in 1997 with a television series, called Biprotip, which used to air on Ekushey Television. However, it was in 2004 that I made my official onscreen debut with the television series, Sporsher Baire. I began my career as an actor after that.

What inspired you to start a 'YouTube' channel?

In the last four or five years, whenever I had a public appearance, it seemed that I never got much response for the dramas that I did. I also was very interested in technology, so I had a deep love for streaming platforms and online content. I knew that as a performer, I have to create an online identity to remain relevant to the newer generation. I realised that I should start a YouTube channel. And since I was passionate about exploring new places and trying out different kinds of foods, I started making videos of those. That's how my YouTube journey began.

Do you plan on focusing more on travel vlogs rather than food vlogging?

I opened a new channel, called Adnan Faruque Vlog, where I focus on my travelling. I recently made a vlog about my travels from Dhaka to New York, and that video garnered a lot of attention in just a few days. My plan is that since I will be travelling to different places to make videos about different kinds of food, I will also make travel videos of those places.

What is your favourite work-related memory?

During the last few months, I have travelled to many different places to do food vlogs. But, what surprises me is that whenever I go to a city, many people recognise me for my videos. I have had people from many different countries telling me that they enjoy my videos, and whenever that happens, I feel so happy.

What is the life of a Bangladeshi 'YouTuber' like?

There are not many good content creators in Bangladesh, and that may be a reason people don't consider YouTube as an actual entertainment platform. But, I think that YouTube has the potential to become a major platform in Bangladesh. I feel that in a few years' time, if the Bangladeshi YouTubers work properly, they can break through to the mainstream and make a name for themselves.

From all the places that you vlogged, which was your favourite?

I would have to say Bangladesh and Kolkata. I love vlogging about Bangladeshi food because even though it is very spicy, it is still very delicious. I also loved the food in Kolkata and even Delhi.

Do you have any parting message for the readers?

I would ask everyone to support the good content creators. If you support them, they will create more good content in the future.