Face to face with Bangladeshi Actor ( Zahid Hasan )

Leading actor Zahid Hasan has been hugely successful in TV plays. He has won the most Meril Prothom Alo awards for his performances in TV drama. He received a National Film Award for his stellar performance on the silver screen as well. Not just that, Zahid Hasan is now a regular in TV play direction -- currently working on a serial called “Toto Company”
Are you currently busy with shooting?
Zahid Hasan: Yes, I'm shooting in Sirajganj. This is my hometown; I was born and brought up here. I'm directing a new serial called “Toto Company”, written by Ashraful Chanchal.
What is the story about?
Zahid Hasan: It's about life in a small town -- the reason why I chose my own district town to shoot the drama. I hope the audience will enjoy the serial, as well as receive its message.
Are you acting in the serial?
Zahid Hasan: Yes. I play the role of a journalist.
Is it difficult to direct and act at the same time?
Zahid Hasan: I am known as an actor. I'm more comfortable when I'm
acting. You could say that a kind of yearning to accomplish more brought me to direction. My intention is to create something good, and I'm working to meet that end. I have no trouble in doing both at the same time.
What is the biggest challenge while directing?
Zahid Hasan: The selling price of TV dramas has not gone up, but every other production cost has increased. Actor's remuneration, rent for shooting houses, cameraman's wages -- everything is on the rise, except for the selling price of TV plays. This is the biggest problem right now.
Which play brought you recognition as a director?
Zahid Hasan: Definitely “Lal Neel Beguni”. I've directed many other dramas since then that have become popular, but the success of “Lal Neel Beguni” remains unmatched.
The audience is turning away from lengthy serials because of their stale stories. What is your opinion on this?
Zahid Hasan: I believe that one has to outline the entire plot before starting the project. We have to remember that we make the dramas for the audience. If the audience themselves move away from the stories, then what is the point in making dramas? Whenever I direct, I lay out the entire storyline. I try to make sure that the viewers do not get bored.
In what new dramas are you acting?
Zahid Hasan: I'm acting in Aranya Anwar's serial “Korta Kahini”, where I play three characters simultaneously. I've worked with Aranya before and consider him a great director. I believe this serial will create a stir.
Your new serial “Joynal Jadukor” has started airing…
Zahid Hasan: It's a great drama. I play the titular role. The audience would love watching this serial, directed by Himu Akram. Ekushey Television is airing the drama. Meanwhile, ATN Bangla is telecasting another serial featuring me -- “Poush Phaguner Pala”.
Many dramas are being made; how many of them are good?
Zahid Hasan: Both good and bad dramas are being made. Many fresh faces on the direction front are gifting us with exceptionally good dramas. The young directors have taken their jobs as challenges. The good always prevails; the bad dramas will not survive. I did not become Zahid Hasan in a single day. I was in theatre for many years.