Interview
Tale of an all-round actor
Kausar Islam Ayon
He is an actor who loves his work, no matter what media it is; even role doesn't matter if it represents the society. What about script then, that has always been a point for others to ponder on? There also he has little objection: just give him a draft script, he will establish the character quite successfully, even by adding dialogues on his own, if necessary. Then what matters to ATM Shamsuzamman, the distinguished actor of our dilapidated film industry? Very choosy about his roles, he is actor of more than three hundred fifty films and many dramas.The beginning? I came to the industry with the hope of becoming a director. In 1961, I started my journey as an assistant to Udayan Sen in the film Bishkanya. In 1976, director Amzad Hossain offered me to act in his film Nayon-Moni in the role of a Morol (village headman). The film became a hit and the role of the Morol led my career towards becoming an actor. Far from the film I don't want to keep myself away from films as I love acting, but now there is little I can do in this polluted industry. That is why, for the last two years I have been out of films. At present Suchanda is making a film Hajar Bachhar Dhorey scripted by Zahir Raihan and after a long break I am working in the film as Makbul, the central character. A famous villain People in our country do not like the performers in negative roles but somehow they have accepted me well. It is perhaps because of my comic approach even when I am acting as a villain. Acting in the drama I was used to working fourteen to sixteen hours everyday. Suddenly when I left acting in the film, I became idle. It was at that time that I got an offer for acting in a drama. And I am lucky enough that I was again well accepted by the audience. Now two of my serials are being telecast. I am also working in some selected dramas. About the drama There is nothing extraordinary in the drama of the present time. It is no more a representation of our society. The standard and the making are almost like that of the films. We hope that some good productions will come and inspire others to bring back the golden days of television drama. Performance in your eyes I am still not satisfied with my work and must go through all the alleys of performing art to reach perfection. I believe that learning never ends. Your best I already said there is nothing called best for a performer. But of course I enjoyed working in Golapi Ekhon Trainey, Nayon-Moni, Ghar Jamai, Bishobrikkha, Biraho Byatha, Champa Dangar Bou and Dayee Ke. Awards Award is always pleasing and inspiring for better work. I won many awards but the most remarkable one is the National Film Award for best actor in 1987 for the film Dayee Ke. Future dreams I dream of making good films--two-thirds of my life has passed away but my dream still remains unfulfilled. I wish to write drama but not the typed or traditional ones. The problem is the channels are so commercial that they don't want to break the tradition due to sponsor problems. I have a desire to do something, which would keep me alive even after my death.
| 
