Films are larger than life

Entering the film arena as an assistant director, Shahed Ali has doubled up as an actor. A theatre actor associated with theatre troupe Prachyanat, Shahed has done a good number of films over the last couple of years, and received much acclaim for his roles. The Daily Star recently caught up with him. Here's how the conversation went:   

How did you venture into direction?
Shahed Ali: Aside from continuing theatre, I worked as an assistant director for a long time before foraying into television and film acting. I assisted Goutam Ghose in “Moner Manush” and other documentaries, Giasuddin Selim in “Monpura” and in other films. From there on I developed good equations with directors. 

Tell us about your films. 
Shahed Ali: I have done seven films, including the recently released “Shankhachil”. Goutam Ghose wanted to rope me in as an assistant director but I didn't have enough time for that. So, he offered me a small role instead. It was an offer I couldn't refuse because it gave me an opportunity to work with a director  of great stature. Another film, Touquir Ahmed's “Oggyatonama” awaits release. The film will premiere at Marques de Film at Festival de Cannes 2016.  Also I played a key role in “Kaler Putul” which will air soon.

What roles do you go for?
Shahed Ali: I prefer roles that are opposite my real persona-- unusual negative roles.
Which medium--film or television-- has greater impact?
Shahed Ali:  Television is my profession, but films have more influence than television.  Films are larger than life. 

What do you aspire for?
Sahed Ali: I want to grow as an actor and be an established film actor. At the same time I am interesting in filmmaking, and film direction holds a special appeal for me.

What is the present scene in the film industry? 
Shahed Ali: It is in a chaotic state. The situation will improve if the government take initiatives to revive the film industry. If one wants to promote a cinema hall, one has to think about the huge taxes involved. But if the government waives taxes on cinema halls, there will be many takers and audience will go to halls as well. There is sizable audience  for films but we do not have sufficient halls to accommodate them.