Ferdous Bappy

Could you tell us about your current projects on television?

I am currently working on my regular show Quiz Quiz on BTV. I have been a part of this show for about a decade now, and it is very popular among the people of the country. On BanglaVision, I host a program called Shokal Belar Roddur, which is a celebrity talk-show. I also do a lot of musical programs on different TV channels.

You have been known to be an avid fan of music. Is that why you like anchoring musical shows?

I have been a regular listener of music since my childhood, and I am indeed a huge fan. I used to sing myself at one point in time, but what I love to do now is to promote younger artists.

Would you say that you like working with younger artists more?

Definitely. There are a lot of artists in the country who often go unnoticed or underappreciated. I always wanted to put the spotlight on them and help them on their way to become stars. I used to do a program on NTV called Kotha o Gaan e Kichukkhon and I used to regularly feature younger artists. 

Who would you say are your favourite young singers?

It would have to be Priyanka Gope, Shagor Baul and Mofizur Rahman. They are excellent in their own genres of music and I see a very illustrious career ahead of them.

The industry is changing in the sense that people are turning away from television and towards social media and the internet. What is your take on that?

Look, I take it very positively because more artists are getting the opportunity to express themselves due to the advent of the internet and social media. Now, more artists can be themselves and cater to very specific tastes rather than worrying about what the television channel wants.

You have hosted a lot of television shows over the years. Have you ever thought about starting a YouTube show?

Funny that you mentioned it, I have been planning exactly that. A YouTube musical show is in the works, where I will be inviting young musicians from all over the country to sing. Besides music, there will also be the back-stories to the songs that will be performed, so that the audience can have a deeper connection to the music.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

I just want to say one thing – I am grateful. I am grateful that so many people have watched and appreciated my shows over the years, and I will continue doing it for the audience that loves me so much!

Interviewed by Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz