Mejbaur Rahman

With his new film, ‘Hawa’ on the making, the versatile artist and talented director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon has been pursuing different forms of art for more than a decade now. His directorial debut in television was with ‘Ami Arupar Kache Jachhi’ back in 2006. Even though he does not make dramas anymore, he is behind many commercials which are aired on television regularly. In this week’s interview with Star Showbiz, he talks about what inspired him to start direction and what qualities he thinks are necessary for upcoming directors.

Tell us something about yourself.

Up until 2010, I made fictions for television. Then onwards, I’ve been making television commercials. I’ve always had a dream of making films, so I’m also doing that now. Aside from working in television, I also have a band, called Meghdol. I am a person that really loves all forms of art, be it television dramas, commercials or even music.

Can you tell us about your journey into directing?

Since my childhood, I’ve always loved drawing. I also studied in Charukola Institute of Dhaka University. I used to write more or less regularly. At one point, I thought of transitioning to visuals, which I started after completing my Honours. Drawing is a form of visual art, so I think that it was quite a logical progression to have started working with visuals.

Who were your inspirations?

It’s quite difficult to pinpoint a single person that inspired me as I have been inspired by many different people. Inspiration comes from everywhere; Lalon, Kabir Sumon, Salvadore Dali, Van Gogh, among several other painters, singers and filmmakers worldwide are my inspiration. Even now, if I meet a new artist anywhere, they become my inspiration for different aspects of my life. Also, when I was young, I used to paint a lot. Studying at Charukola Institute helped me further hone my art. While painting, I would think how I could make these paintings into visuals for dramas or even films. Thinking like that also inspired me a lot.

Do you have a favourite work related memory?

It’s quite impossible to name one as there are many good memories related to every project.

What are the qualities required for an aspiring director?

There are certain qualities essential in every single profession, not just direction. One must be well-educated in that field. For directors, they must also have strong storytelling abilities and good taste. These, combined with other factors, are what will aid them in getting their message across the screen to the audience.

Do you have any upcoming project that the fans should look forward to?

I am currently working on the shooting of Hawa. Besides, I make commercials two to three times a month. So, I’m constantly working on new projects.