Manoj Pramanik: Actor, Teacher, Dreamer
Manoj Pramanik has the ability to leave a mark amongst the audiences with the smallest of roles. He donned up several characters, one different from another over the years, making his acting portfolio stronger with time. The web projects that he starred in, including "Redrum" (directed by Vicky Zahed), "Nishiddho Bashor" (Nurul Alam Atique), and the recently released "Muntasir" (directed by Iffat Jahan Momo), are all testaments to his talent.
He also earned accolades for his silver screen appearance in "Operation Sundarban" (directed by Dipankar Dipon). He will also be seen in the film "Birkonna Pritilata" (directed by Pradip Ghosh), which awaits release.
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The actor is also serving as the Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies department, at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh.
You're usually seen portraying diverse characters. What is your script selection process?
I have been selective about the television projects in the recent times. Also, I am thankful to the OTT platforms for opening up a new avenue, where there is scope to tell stories in different ways. As a result, we are able to experiment and audience are appreciating this variation.
How was your experience of working in 'Muntasir'?
To tell you the truth, this project has a different approach. We are used to watching the projects related to abuse, primarily focused on women. Somehow, we ignore or miss the stories that are regularly occurring with boys, especially as a child or in their adolescence. I myself have heard a lot of stories about men being abused, which are easily overlooked.
I played the titular role in this project, and Muntasir is a victim of abuse from his childhood. While donning up the role, I felt the character and it really moved me emotionally. Putting up such kind of stories on the screen is commendable and needs to be focused on.
Your upcoming release is 'Birkonna Pritilata'. Tell us more about it.
It is a periodic film, where Nusrat Imrose Tisha played the titular role. I played Ramkrishna Biswas, who is the inspiration of Pritilata Waddedar. Many are ignorant about this information. It was challenging to build the character and portray him on the screen. We shot a portion in central jail, the place itself is the witness of this history.
The film was supposed to release on November 25. However, it has been now postponed...
Yes, due to some technical issues the film's release has been postponed. As soon as the post production is over, the release date will be announced. It may take a week.
You have been teaching at the Department of Film and Media Studies for six years now. What is your opinion about film departments in our country?
Even a few years ago, filmmaking was not a 'serious' job, it did not have any social acceptance as career. Film and Media Studies is now an accepted subject in the educational institutes, which is a great deal for us. I can see many emerging filmmakers are doing great things in the industry after they are done with their studies from the department.
Some of my students have also worked for the industry, including works like the series "7 Dugune 14", which aired on Bioscope produced by Alpha i. Another project was released on victory day (December 16) last year titled "Gaibo Bijoyer Gaan", which was also appreciated.
Golam Muntakim, one of my students also directed the webfilm "Ekjon Telapoka" for Chorki. As a teacher, it feels amazing!
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