National Award-winning actor Mosharraf Karim is one of the most sought-after figures in the industry. After the recent announcement of the National Awards, he was selected as the Best Actor in a Comic Role for his part in the film Komola Rocket, an inclusion which sparked much debate regarding whether his role was ‘comical’ at all. Having recently returned from abroad, he is gearing up for the shoot of the serial, Chatamghor. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, Mosharraf Karim opens up about the industry, his latest endeavours, and more.

You were the centre of the discussions all over the country, after the declaration of the National Awards. What do you have to say about the matter?

I have already expressed my opinion on this matter on social media. I don’t hold grudges against anyone. However, I have a question to the jury board of The National Awards. My character in the film Komola Rocket was not a comic role, so, why was it nominated in this category? I obviously play comic roles in many projects, but my character in this film was not comic. Hence, I would like to request the jury boards to be more cautious while taking these decisions.

Tell us about your latest projects.

The tele-fiction I am currently working on is Chatamghor, directed by Shamim Zaman. It has been a popular show on BanglaVision for a long time. We have recently finished shooting for the last slot of the programme.

It is rumoured that you are going to work in an Indian Bangla film. How authentic are the reports?

Nothing has been finalised. We are supposed to have a meeting about this project. I will come aboard if I am satisfied with the story and character that I am offered.

You have come a long way, from theatre to television, then to cinema. What initially inspired you to act?

I have nurtured the passion for acting since I was a child. I was very good in mimicking people. At the same time, I took part in many plays in my school days.

A lot of television productions are being made in recent times. What do you think about the quality of the works?

Our television productions have improved a lot. Amidst the vast quantity, there are many good quality productions, great makers and talented artistes, that the industry has found. We cannot ignore that. People are smart enough to identify the good productions, and appreciate them.