Mamunur Rashid is a bona-fide legend in the country's theatre and television industry. After fighting for Bangladesh in our Liberation War, he went on to establish his mark on Bangladeshi art and culture, winning the coveted Ekushey Padak and the Bangla Academy Literary Award.

However, his statement on the 'famine of taste', reflecting on how the audience's taste was losing its integrity, giving way to cheap content to plague social media, has been a hotly debated topic. "The advent of the likes of Hero Alom is a testament to our famine in taste", he had said.

"It is completely fine to debate my statement," said the eminent thespian to The Daily Star. "I believe in democracy, and people are well within their rights to do so. However, some are also bringing in class divide in their arguments, without ever reading the full interview. My words are being twisted."

The artiste, with utmost humility, said that he is only a cultural worker who has always strived for the betterment of the society. "Why would someone assume that the social status of a person was being discussed? I am merely a cultural worker, but there are greats like Kazi Nazrul Islam, who do not come from a wealthy background. So why is that coming in to the discussion?". He pointed out that despite his background, he educated and enlightened himself, reaching the pinnacle of his craft.

"I do not know the person in question," said Mamunur Rashid about his controversial statement, "I only used his name as a general example. I have never seen his work. Some have asked why I only took his name, and not anyone else's – and to that I will say that many more names could have come up, but that was not the point." He also mentioned that he knows that not all entertainment is tasteful, and he does not expect it to be. However, for the artiste, education is always important, regardless of the medium.

"Some learn from schools, colleges and other institutions, and some from their gurus. There is always the opportunity if one is really dedicated."

Rashid urged everyone to feel free to debate his and any other statements, but after knowing the context and with logic. "I have always felt obligated to talk about injustice. When a girl was raped and killed in Tangail's Madhupur, I raised my voice. I regularly write about the rampant inflation, which puts my fellow countrymen in harsh circumstances. Where are the naysayers then? Do they not see it?"

The thespian has recently been honoured with the "Jibankriti Lifetime Achievement Award" in Kolkata, and the special honour on World Theatre Day. "I have spent my life in service of the arts. I have struggled a lot, but never once thought of leaving this path. To be recognised for my service is always humbling," he concluded.

Translated by Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz