Afzal Hossain is often called the evergreen actor. Him and actress Suborna are often considered the most popular pairing in television drama history in Bangladesh. Even after acting in a few films, the actor continues to be deeply in love with the art form.

Aside from his work on television, Afzal Hossain has also worked in theatre, as a painter and also as a director.

A man of many talents, he has also been active in the literary world for many years now, primarily writing poetry and prose. This year, his new book of poetry, "Amra Dhulokadar Amra Adarshalipir" made its way to the Ekushey Boi Mela.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Ekushey Padak-winning actor Afzal Hossain spoke to The Daily Star.

Your new book of poems has been published and even went to the Boi Mela. How did you enjoy this year's Boi Mela?

People's love for books has been around for a long time. Once upon a time, many people would come to Boi Mela to buy books. Sometimes they would even visit just to smell the books. Now, in addition to buying books, a lot of people also come to visit and enjoy the fair. All in all, there is a need for such book fairs in the country. Such melas are needed to create even more readers in the country. I have also noticed that many people take an interest in the Ekushey Boi Mela. What could be a better environment than this?

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Were you able to properly observe this year's Boi Mela?

I was not able to visit all the stalls from the different publications as I did not get the chance to do so. My book only made its way to the mela a few days ago. I only went to Boi Mela after my book of poems arrived. Then, I went for two more days. I have seen a lot of crowds, but I have primarily stayed in the stall. For a bit, I did venture out to visit the other stalls and then I went on to unveil the cover of my book. From what I was able to see, I really enjoyed the environment.

Do you regularly write books nowadays?

I write regularly. Sometimes I write when I am feeling good, other times I am writing daily. While everything I write might not be published for the world to see, I do still enjoy writing. As much as I like to paint, I also love to write. My new book of poems is my fifth poetry book. Whenever people buy books— whether it is mine or someone else's—and read it with interest, I am overjoyed.

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Could you tell us about your first book?

My first book was a great experience for me. Imdadul Haq Milan and I go way back. A book, written by the two of us, was published many years ago. This was my first book and it was named "Jubokdoy". In the book, there was one story from Milan and another from me. At that time, we would spend a lot of time with our friends. The experience of writing a book was very different at that time. "Jubokdoy" was well received by readers when it was published in 1978.