Sharmin Joya

Solaiman Khoka has been a writer, producer and actor at Bangladesh Betar since 1972. He has written and produced numerous radio programmes over the years, and acted in several shows as well. He also works on television. Recently, he was lauded for his performance in the Ashfaque Nipun directorial Eid special short film, Aujantrik. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, Solaiman Khoka shared how he came across Aujantrik and more.

How did you land the lead role in‘Aujantrik’?

It is an interesting story. Ashfaque Nipun noticed me in Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s telefilm Ayesha recently, on YouTube. After that, he got in touch with me, and approached me for Aujantrik. Initially, I was worried that today’s generation will not be able to connect with the lead character, as he is an old man. However, the positive reactions took me by surprise. I am really grateful that the director had complete faith in me. I am overwhelmed by the audience’s acceptance.

You are still working at Bangladesh Betar. Tell us about your productions.

I joined Chattogram Betar a year after Liberation War. I also completed my degree that year. I did many programmes for Dhaka Betar as well. Dorpon was one of my longest magazine shows on radio, which I produced for ten years. One of my productions, Joddha, featuring Bulbul Ahmed, was dedicated to 25 years of the Liberation War. Another one of my shows, Amader Satkahon, completed 100 episodes this February.

You were also active on the theatre stage. How did your journey begin in that field?

I did numerous plays during my school days. After the Liberation War, I wrote Rokter Binimoye, which was staged on January 29, 1972, in Chattogram. It was based on the riots before the war. The show did well, and I received many offers after it. I was an active theatre artiste till 1992. I worked with tropes like Samakal and Oboshor. Later, I got busy with writing and producing for the radio, which I continue to do till date.

PHOTO: Collected