If you are honest about your work, success will follow: Zahid Hasan

Zahid Hasan began his career on the theatre stage before embarking on the field of television. He is also known for his versatile performances in movies like "Srabon Megher Din", "Haldaa", "Shaap Ludo", "Amar Ache Jol", and many others. He has also directed popular shows like "Lal Neel Beguni" for television. On his birthday today, the National Film Award-winning star opened up about  his dedication to his craft, and more in a candid conversation. 

We wish you a very happy birthday. What are your plans for the occasion? 

Thank you. I would have different plans if it was not for the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. I will spend time with my wife and kids. People always convey their love and best wishes for me on my birthday, and I genuinely appreciate them. 

Starting from the 90s till date, you are one of the most prolific actors in the business. What inspires you to keep working so consistently? 

Before getting in front of the camera, I brush off 'Zahid Hasan the celebrity' and just focus on being the actor. Starting from a police officer, a threatening person, a lover, and a vagabond, I have played different types of characters till date. Embodying a character is important for any artiste, as that comes off on the screen wonderfully.

What do you believe is your biggest strength as an actor?

I have always been sincere towards acting. I love to work hard, and that is my main strength. That being said, it is very difficult to assess oneself. People who watch my movies, journalists and critics, will be able to judge my acting better. I will only say that I want to spent the rest of my life doing what I do. I really love acting. I don't want to be anything else other than an actor. From the beginning of my career to this day, I feel the need to be honest. If you are honest about your work, success will follow.

How do you regard being one of the most beloved actors on television? 

I thank my fans for the all the love and appreciation. Their love always inspires me to keep working. I am grateful to the Almighty, as well as my fellow actors, directors, and other crew members. When we're shooting a film, there are many people in one unit. I owe a lot to them. People's love made me who I am today. I view this recognition with respect. 

You used to work regularly in Humayun Ahmed's tele-fictions and movies. How was your experience of collaborating with him? 

Humayun Ahmed's fictions always initiated a widely positive response. Popular authors and directors like him are hard to come by in our country. He understood the minds of his audience.

The language of his movies was also different. It was a positive experience for me to work with him, although there were times when we didn't see eye to eye on matters. Yet, we always reconciled pretty quickly. I will never forget him. 

Could you take us through your struggles as an actor, when you started out? 

I began acting in theatre plays in my hometown, Sirajganj, when I was a student. With time, I moved to Dhaka for further studies, and had to struggle a lot before I got a good acting job.  

One day, Nattokendro offered me the  main role in the play "Bichhoo", which was the turning point in my career. From then on, I didn't have to look back. I started acting in tele-fictions eventually, and my life changed for the better. 

What do you believe is your social responsibility as an artiste? 

Artistes belong to their entire nation, and so, they have a lot of responsibilities. Millions of people love and follow them. As a result, whatever artistes say and do are held in high regard. If I speak for myself, I am always responsible towards my country. Above all, I love my country and its people. I never wanted to leave Bangladesh, and settle abroad.

Translated by Shaniz Chowdhury