Rafi Hossain: Selim Bhai, how has the pandemic affected your work?
Rafi Hossain: How did you get associated with the Tower Hamlet’s Season of Bangla Drama?
I can’t describe myself in just three words. But, I would say I’m emotional, sensitive, full of life and moody.
This is a very special film. I was able to see life from a different perspective through it. A chance to play such an amazing character doesn’t come often, so I consider this as a big achievement.
Rafi Hossain: Thank you for giving us time, Mim. Are you currently very busy with the promotion of your film, ‘Shapludu’?
Tell us something about yourself. The answer to that is very complicated. I would say I’m just someone searching for something. I don’t know what that thing is though, as of now.
Rafi Hossain: Rafiqun Nabi sir, can you share your thoughts on the current state of art culture in our country?
People are always curious about the personal lives of famous celebrities. Regular updates are easily available on TV and social media. But people want more; they want to pry into the darkest corners of the lives of celebrities to find out more about them and shows like Sense of Humor satiate these innate curiosities of the people.
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.
I'm usually very picky about my work, and I only do a project when the script is to my liking. A recent production that we did was Tragedy Polashbari, which is really being appreciated by the audience. An advertisement that I did in tribute to International Mother Language day really could touch the heart of people countrywide and I am grateful for that. Last year, I was in a short film named Story of Golapi, and that was very well-received too. Besides these, I am working as a drama teacher in Scholastica.
It is obviously a huge honor for me, but there is always a “but”. Not all the accolades in a person's life are the same. From the time I started my career, I did not think of anything except films, and I gave my all to my work.
To be honest, I had zero expectations because a Bangladeshi is not eligible to win the award in the first place! This is why even though the song itself was nominated in 6 categories, I did not attend the award-giving ceremony. My song with Nachiketa won the award for “Best Modern Bangla Song”, which is given to the singer, songwriter and the composer. I had done his entire album Benche Thakar Mane the
Thank you very much! RTV showed a special documentary on me, and I became very emotional during that. They even found my childhood photos with my mother, and I must admit that I became a bit emotional after that. My daughter Armeen (Armeen Musa) gave me a treat. Channel i had an elaborate celebration complete with a huge cake, and they have been doing this since the past 10 years. My friends and family have also been visiting or sending their good wishes throughout the day. I am truly grateful for everything.
I am currently working on a single called “Rajkumar”. I am done making the song and shooting for the music video as well. I am sure that the audience will like it very much.
About a year ago, actually. Years back I had read the novel Dheu Ashe Dheu Jay by Suchitra Bhattacharya and was enthralled at how perfect the story was for a joint venture film.
'Haldaa', the fifth film directed by renowned actor/director Tauquir Ahmed, released on 1st December 2017. His previous film 'Oggatonama' was a huge success and was appreciated globally. He shared his thoughts on this new movie with the Editor of Star Showbiz, Rafi Hossain.