AMIT HASSAN
Amit Hasan is a well-known actor in the Bangladeshi film industry. His acting prowess was not only limited to playing the protagonist but he also graced the screen by taking on negative roles. ‘Jyoti’, ‘Aamor Shongi’, ‘Bhalobashar Rong’ are some of his notable works. In this interview with Star Showbiz, Amit talks about his experiences as an actor.
ACTOR’S PRELUDE
I started my career with a talent hunt Notun Mukher Sondhane organized by BFDC. The number of participants who applied was around 14,000 and amongst all the submissions only 14 people were selected for the show. And I was selected among them. My debut film was Chetona under the direction of Chotku Ahmed in 1990.
GOING BACK IN TIME
In my professional life I have weaved countless fond memories and I really enjoy reminiscing them. Among them I can never forget my debut film experience. It was my first film and I was an amateur actor with very limited knowledge about the camera. I had a fighting sequence in the film where I had to fight a chauffeur with whom the antagonist was escaping. I got too excited for that scene and hit him for real. He was badly hurt and we had to put a halt to the shooting for two days. I still burst into laughter when I recall this moment. There is this other funny story. I was shooting for a movie with actor Moushumi in Cox’s Bazar, Inani. We had a scene where we were handcuffed to each other and after the shot was complete when it was time for us to get the handcuff off we realized that the lock was broken. We had to stay chained to each other the entire day and later at night we had to call a locksmith to break us open.
EMERGED FROM PASSION
I was a regular theatre dramatist when I lived in Tangail and this is why I was always inclined towards acting. At the very beginning of my career my family was not very supportive, but as I gradually started to gain recognition they began to acknowledge my work. However, I would say I did not have anyone in particular who inspired me to get into this profession. It was always my desire and passion that helped me grow as an actor.
TREASURED HEROES
I really loved Zafar Iqbal’s style of work and acting. Even before entering the entertainment industry, I used to personify the characters he used to play and imagine myself in his place. I also appreciated and loved Razzak and Ilias Kanchan’s acting proficiency.
PERSONAL TIME
I spend most of my leisure time with my family. My mother lives in Tangail, so whenever I get the opportunity I try to spend time with her. I also enjoy chatting with my friends. We have a film club, which I visit frequently, to chat up with my friends from the film fraternity.
FAVOURITE WRITERS
I love reading the books of Humayun Ahmed. I also like reading the books of Rabindrnath Tagore. The protagonist’s name in Tagore’s Shesher Kobita is also Amit. My actual name is Khandar Saifur Rahman, but my screen name Amit Hasan has been inspired by Shesher Kabita’s Amit. I also used to be a fan of Masud Rana. These days however, I don’t get much time to indulge in reading.
ASPIRATION
I want to build a hospital someday, because as a child I wanted to become a doctor to help people in need. Although I have chosen a different profession, I still want to realize my dream. If I am able to build a hospital, I will be able to stand beside the masses and help them during their illness.
UNFULFILLED DREAM
By the grace of Almighty Allah, I have gained a lot in life. However, certain dreams are meant to remain unfulfilled. The human heart is designed to nurture the feeling of unfulfillment, no matter how much one has achieved. I have worked in more than 600 movies; still sometimes I feel that I am yet to come across the character that will define me. I still feel that I have a lot to learn.