Package TV plays have evolved into an industry in Bangladesh. Many directors, playwrights, actors and technical hands have taken it as their sole profession. Last year, a good number of mega serials, drama serials, tele-films and single-episode plays were aired on several TV channels, including BTV, Channel-i, ATN Bangla, ntv and the newcomer, Rtv. This year three more TV channels such as Channel-1, Banglavision and Baishakhi will begin regular transmission.

To gauge several artistes' expectations from these TV channels in the new year, The Daily Star engaged them in a conversation. Here's what they had to say:

Ferdaus Hasan: Playwright-director Ferdaus Hasan is a popular name in TV-plays. Hasan's mega serials such as Sheola, Shompurna Rangin, and Hartoner Bibi, aired in different channels in 2005, have won plaudits from the viewers.

On the eve of new year Hasan says, “I'm making several tele-films and mega serials for different TV channels in 2006. Rtv has aired the tele-film Aporichita, directed by me, as part of the official launching programme on December 26. I have made tele-films for the coming Eid-especial arrangements of BTV, Channel-1 and ntv. I intend to give a spectacular finish to the ongoing serials-- Shompurna Rangin and Hartoner Bibi. I believe it is the key requisite of a maker to maintain both quality and quantity.”

“I hope that the newly established TV channels will create more opportunities for the talented artistes to prove their potential,” adds Hasan.

Afsana Mimi: She is a popular actor-director of TV plays. Her on going mega serial Kachher Manush, aired on ntv, has received wide accolades. Moreover she is making programmes, including TV plays, talk shows and fashion shows for different TV channels.

On the new year's eve Mimi hopes that the satellite channels will play a vital role in shaping the package TV play industry. In her words, “I hope that the TV channels opt for professional directors rather than occasional ones, during selection of programmes. If they proceed with their current policies, it will be harmful for the growing package TV play industry, which is the bread and butter to many people. I also visualise the satellite channels jointly establishing an institute to train actors, directors and technical hands to improve the standard of TV programmes.”

Shahiduzzaman Selim: Besides being a noted actor, Shahiduzzaman Selim is also one of the most popular TV play directors of recent times. His production Rangchhut was one of the most talked about mega serials in 2005. On his plans for next year, Selim says that he is making three mega serials for three newly formed TV channels: Aaguntuk for Rtv, Gauro Chandrika for upcoming TV channel Banglavision and Nakol Poshak for the forthcoming Channel-1. Moreover he is planning to make tele-films and singleepisode plays throughout the year.

He says, “I hope that the new TV channels will provide quality technical facilities which will encourage directors to make cutting edge productions.”