Acclaimed director and actor Tauquir Ahmed returned to Bangladesh, after staying in the US, just two weeks back. After returning, he completed the shooting for an upcoming web-series.

In a conversation with The Daily Star, Tauquir gave some insight into his recent ventures and much more. 

How do you perceive your deep attachment with the arts? 

It's a great pleasure to live and work in the arts. I never ran after money, and I never will. Art is the path I have chosen to take, I will always walk in this path.

Life becomes much easier and more beautiful when are surrounded by art. However, there is another side to it.  The imperfection of art is painful, it hurts. The dissatisfaction that it creates is also agonising. Every time I create or make something new, I feel like I have to improve on it and make it better.

It has only been two weeks since you returned to Bangladesh. Have you already started working?

After coming back, I worked in a web-series directed by Gautam Kairi. In the series, I got to share the screen with Zahid Hasan, Tanvin Sweety and Tanzika Amin. I have played a negative role in this project, and I think the audience will find that my character is rather complex. After a break, getting in front of the camera and acting was quite a difficult task.

Your film "Beauty Circus" was released recently. Have you had the chance to watch it?
I watched it right after returning to the country. In "Beauty Circus", I played the role of a chairman of the village and I was able to experiment with my character.

Usually I don't play this type of character. Although, it would have been better if it had been released earlier. Honestly, finishing a movie and releasing it is almost like a battle. Those who are involved in the industry know this very well.

How successful do you think you have been as a director?

I cannot tell you the answer to this question. The audience, critics and journalists are the ones who can give the answer. I just feel accomplished and happy when I see that the audience still watch my film "Joyjatra" on the month of victory.

Even now, during Eid, people watch "Daruchini Dwip" on television or on YouTube. At the same time, people appreciate me for my films like "Oggatonama" and "Haldaa". This fills my heart with a sense of joy. 

How did you spend your time in the US?

I spent my time by writing scripts for dramas and films. Simultaneously, I also got to spend some quality time with my children. 

What are you looking forward to in the future?

I hope to start working on my new films from next year.