After a long hibernation, Moula has recently returned to the mainstream films in the role of a villain. In this work he enacts the role of a treacherous teacher in Humayun Ahmed's much talked about novel Nandito Noroke. "The character has been developed vividly. Hopefully, it will leave an impression among the viewers," says Moula. The film is in its final stage of editing.

Another contemporary film, Molla Barir Meye, directed by Salauddin Lavlu, will be released soon, says Moula. Here, Moula dons the role of a spiritual healer.

Incidentally, Moula has been consistently chosen to play negative roles in numerous memorable films. For instance, in the feature film, Shurjo Dighol Bari, produced years back, he essays the role of Karim Baksh, a mischievous peasant. The struggle for existence of the landless has been depicted explicitly in the film. "Dolly Anwar, my co-actress, depicts the ill-fated wife, who has to leave her young son and husband in search of food and clothing. She did a marvellous job in the film," adds Moula.

"To give it a realistic touch, while shooting for the film, we had to sit on a dingy for two whole days till it finally rained. Nowadays, it is next to impossible for artistes to spend so much time for that one perfect shot."

"People often inquire why I portray characters that hardly resemble my real self. Well that's what quality actors are meant to do," states a smiling Moula.

How did it all begin? I ask. "While still a student of college we arranged a play at our local Shantinagar Club. Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin was the president of the club then. The play was titled Bharatey Chai (Tenant Wanted). I directed as well as acted in the play," reminisces Moula.

After graduating from the Institute Of Fine Arts, Moula joined the design section (of the then PTV) as staff artist and retired recently as the Controller of Designs from the BTV.

He recalls taking part in the second play telecast on BTV, which was sometime around 1964. Eminent playwright Nurul Momen wrote the play. However, as Moula puts it, "I hardly remember the name of the play since it happened ages ago."

A unique blend of a painter and an actor, Moula is involved with the group Theatre (Natak Sarani). Charidikey Judhdho, Onek Tarar Hath Chani, Jamidar Darpan, Dui Bon, Rakhkhushi, are a few of his notable theatrical works. Surjo Dighol Bari directed by Mohiuddin Shaker and Sheikh Neyamat Ali, Padma Nadir Majhi a joint venture film with India, directed by Gautam Ghosh, Tanvir Mokammel's Nadir Naam Modhumoti, Rajlokhkhi Srikant are a few of his memorable films.

Moula is the vice-president of the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, ex-vice -president of Charushilpi Sangstha, executive member of Theatre and the vice-president of Wari Club.

Explaining his philosophy, Moula says, "I have never tried to run away from life; rather I have tried to confront it with a positive attitude. I have found out that instead of running after particular events or precious moments it is preferable to seek happiness from life itself. Life gives you immensely but takes away most of it if you are negligent.

"The fundamental qualities of an actor should be to have an open mind towards society at large, so that one can depict the roles that are required. Actors must have dedication, intellect and most importantly be in touch with reality.

"An actor must observe society through a magnifying glass so that he is able to portray the roles with ease," concludes Moula.