"Stage is my place of worship" -- Masum Aziz

Renowned thespian Masum Aziz started his journey as an actor in 1972. Alongside commendable stage performances, he has been honoured with a National Film Award for his performance in Ghani (2006). He is one of the founding members of Dhaka Padatik, one of the most prolific treatre troupes in the country. Among other passions, his strong liking for music has also surfaced over the years. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, Masum Aziz talks about his recent activities, career highlights and more.

It has been a while since we last caught up with you. How have you been?

Not too well. I often fall ill, and was even hospitalised a few weeks ago. It's been a while since I have been suffering from heart problems. I have to visit the doctor often and am taking medications as per his advice. However, I am doing much better now and hope to come back to my regular routine soon.

How are you spending your time at home these days?

I have been in complete bed rest after coming back from the hospital. However, to make this time productive, I started working on some scripts that I plan to launch soon. Reading books, and speaking to my old friends and colleagues also keep me motivated and optimistic these days.

Why did you choose acting as your profession?

I was always drawn towards acting and decided to chase my passion soon after Bangladesh's liberation. Throughout my career, I have worked in over 400 television plays, alongside theatrical productions. With time, I gradually started directing and script writing.

Share your experiences of working with Humayun Ahmed.

I still remember my days with him from the shoot of the tele-fiction Ure Jai Bok Pokkhi. I also had the privilege of working with him in numerous other ventures. His skill and precision never ceased to amaze me, especially his dialogue writing and directorial expertise.

What kind of roles do you enjoy the most?

I like to play positive characters. However, it's not always possible to only play the kind of roles I like, as actors are judged by their versatility. As an actor, stage is my place of worship and I long to return to it. My last production was Trial of Surya Sen, staged by Dhaka Padatik, but I plan to return to the stage as soon as the circumstances improve.