A Memorable Journey

I have been involved with dramas since 1978. I came to Dhaka after completing my Higher Secondary exam and then joined my Guru, prominent dramatist Mamunur Rashid's theatre troupe Aranyak. That was the beginning of my career as an actor. Apart from acting and directing, I have always voluntarily performed all the tasks of a rounded theatre worker with ease. My first television drama was aired on BTV back in 1981. My first directorial venture was a TV package drama called Koitob. However, before that, I had worked as a freelance videographer in many ventures. After my debut directorial venture, I started working as a professional videographer.

Life Offstage

I grew up in a large family, with four siblings. Our parents were very liberal minded, and they always encouraged us to pursue our interests. When I was in class nine, my parents enrolled me in a singing class. However, since singing was not my interest, I did not learn much even after two years of singing lessons. Later, when I came to Dhaka and got involved with the theatre, my parents only encouraged me to follow my dreams. I never had the time or inclination to think about what I might have chosen to become had I not become an artist. I was so deeply and emotionally invested in the theatre that I never could think of anything else that might have interested me, and all my dreams were wrapped up around my passion for the theatre. However, over time I had to shift from theatre to mainstream media. And in order to stay true to my passion for the arts, I had to move gradually towards more financially sustainable artistic options.

Reflections on the Current State of Affairs

Drama is one of our key post Liberation War achievements in the field of arts and culture. Our pursuits both on the stage and on TV have led to remarkable artistic creations. However, over time, our dramas have lost their old glory. These days, although we are better equipped with technological support, we have not been able to hold on to the quality of our works, because of other factors, including the quality of scripts, directors and artists. Plus, we have bowed down to commercial pressures, and in the pursuit of commercial success, we have forgotten to make the quality of our works the priority. As a result, many artists are nowadays losing interest in the field of drama.

Mastering the Arts

From my knowledge and the experience that I have gathered so far, to be an artist one must be good natured, benevolent and ethical. Besides, the wisdom to understand their society, country and the lives of the people around them is also needed.

Guiding Light

My first and foremost inspiration is my Guru Mamunur Rashid. His teachings have formed the foundation of my career. Today, I am Salauddin Lavlu because of him.  After him I must not forget my parents and my wife. I am forever grateful to my wife for the love, admiration and support that she has given me throughout my career.  Finally, everyone I have met or worked with in my career has been a great source of inspiration.

Incomplete Dreams

There will always be a lingering sense of unfulfillment, no matter what we do. I still want to continue my work but my age has become a barrier. I lack the stamina of a young, passionate heart. Before, I could take up a new project on the spur of the moment, but now even with strong willpower, I have to hold back. I also have to think about financial aspects which I never had to worry about back then. My greatest anguish in life at this point is my lack of physical and financial strength, which has hindered my drive to continue doing better works. This discontent and regret of not being able to work like before will always bother me.

Restless Warrior

I have no leisure time because sitting idle or spending time doing nothing are agonizing for me, although there are times, when I feel that I deserve some rest from all my works. But when I start relaxing I get restless. Besides shooting, I spend time with my family. To be honest the definition of leisure was never quite applicable for me and I really do not want a pause or break in life.

Living in the Moment

I never plan ahead. Living in the present and making it beautiful is what I believe in, as it determines how fruitful our past was and memorable our future will be. I do not want to waste a blissful moment in the present by preparing for what I will be doing after two to five years.

Interviewed by Akhand Jahid

Transcribed by Joana Nomrata Mazumder