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Zahid Hassan

Portrait of a busy actor-director

ERSHAD KAMOL
IN the early 90s seven artistes appeared on the small screen and caught the imagination of the audience. Almost two decades later, they are still reigning on the silver screen. All of them have emerged as directors of TV plays and are involved with the media. One of them is Zahid Hassan.
Appearing on the small-screen in 1989, Zahid received his big break with his performance in the play Samapti in 1991. Simultaneously his spontaneous performance in the stage play Bichchhu, a Natyachakra production, grabbed the attention of the directors, critics and audience. Zahid says, "My simultaneous success in the two plays--one on stage and the other on TV--hurtled me into the limelight. From then onwards I didn't have to look back. Gradually I received offers from the renowned directors of the country.
"After the introduction of the package drama in 1994, along with my contemporaries -- Shahi-duzzaman Selim, Tauqir Ahmed, Azizul Hakim, Afsana Mimi, Shomi Kaisar and Bipasha Hayat -- I got a lead in the electronic media. Fortunately, we have been able to maintain that popularity," adds Zahid.
Why don't we see actors from this generation attaining that kind of popularity? Zahid says, "I strongly believe that slow and steady wins the race. One must have firm commitment and dedication to one's work. Moreover, we have arrived at our pre-eminent position by dint of enormous struggle and long years of learning. Nowadays, appearing on the small screen is not so difficult. That is why I do not see much dedication and commitment in the contemporary artistes. True, a few of the young artistes have potential. Apparently, talent is not the only decisive factor any more. Actors with limited ability get by and sometimes become 'stars' because of their over-exposure in the media. As a result, these popular actors do not occupy a permanent position in the heart of the audience.
"Package drama has encouraged many artistes to opt for acting as a career. But, the whole industry of package drama is now in the mire of mismanagement. The overall climate is discouraging because of the involvement of corrupt middleman, the commercial approach of the producers and channels and the lack of commitment of the actors-directors."
What about the impact of satellite channels? Zahid says, "Ambitious programmes are being made after the successful introduction of the satellite channels. However, we have a limited ad market and this explains why we cannot make glitzy programmes like other countries. Moreover, the local satellite channels, taking a cue from foreign channels, want the directors to make similar programmes. As a result, the quality of most of the programmes in Bangladesh is not up to the mark. Moreover, during primetime (from 8 p.m. to 11p.m.) most of the channels air news and commercials. As a result, the viewers are often 'channel-surfing' during that period. This explains why viewers miss the few quality productions that are still launched on the channels."
At present Zahid is directing a mega-serial titled Lal Neel Beguni by Pantha Shahriar. Zahid says, "I am basically an actor. After my involvement of 15 years in drama, nowadays I am directing TV plays. Lal Neel Beguni is my first mega serial. I intend to touch the 200-episode landmark."
Besides acting and directing TV plays, Zahid has performed in cinema. He is now acting in the film Made in Bangladesh, directed by Mostafa Sarwar Faruqui. In future he plans to embark on film direction.