Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon

Mosharraf Karim is one of the most popular contemporary actors. Recently, The Daily Star talked to the celebrated actor on a lighter note.

Which book appealed to you at an early age?

Mosharaf: Penned by late litterateur Humayun Ahmed, novel “Aguner Poroshmoni” was published in the Eid-special issue of the weekly Bichitra. It was the first book that I read by Ahmed and it really moved me.

What was the first movie you saw?

Mosharaf: The first film that I watched was “Sutorang” in Gulistan movie theatre. Another movie I saw early on was “Matir Maya” with Faruk, Alamgir and Suchorita in the cast. I watched it at Jonaki hall along with my family in my younger days.

What period would you call the best days of your life?

Mosharaf: My childhood and adolescence, which I largely spent at my village home, still resonates in my mind. Apart from this, I miss my 15 years as a theatre artiste in the troupe Nattaykendra.

Tell us about your new film.

Mosharaf:  In “Jalaler Pitagon”, I play a negative role. It will take some more days to wrap up the shooting.

What kind of music keeps you company when you're sad?

Mosharaf: In such moments, I listen to many songs of Lalon and Rabindranath, which lift my spirits. I also feel very good listening to the track “Beni Madhob” by Lopamudra Mitra, although it is a sad song.

Do you often lose your temper?

Mosharaf: Firstly, I don't get angry easily. In my professional life, I am always in good humour though at a personal level I get angry with those who are close to me. There was a time when I used to break things when I was angry. But with time, I think that I am in control of my temper.

What was it like to see yourself on screen for the first time?

Mosharaf: It was a very bad experience. First time over in my life has always been very unpleasant. But the interesting thing is that those unsuccessful events brought a smile on the face of an unlucky man like me at a later stage. That's why I'm very happy. My first play was “Atithi” directed by Ferdous Hasan.

How often can you find time for friends and family?

Mosharaf: I have no free time at present. However, if I don't spend time with those close to me, I think I might fall ill. So, I go to hang out with Ark and Fazlul Kabir Tuhin among my other friends, no matter whatever the time of night.

What did you aspire to be in your young days?

Mosharaf: As I was almost a regular cinema-goer those days, I thought the ticket checker of the hall was a lucky person who could watch every show without a ticket. So, I dreamt of becoming a ticket checker then.

Is there any character of a book that you identify with in real life?

Mosharaf: Many such characters. For example, noted writer Sunil's book “Monishar Dui Premik” where I found a similarity with my personality. It narrated the story of the love affair of two men. Of them, one is very good looking while the other is ordinary, and I thought the second was quite similar to me. However, I could not connect with the love story that was portrayed in the book. Also, I think there are some similarities in my character and Humayun Ahmed's-- Himu. While I don't roam the streets wearing a yellow Punjabi like him, I believe that there's a part of every man that is like him.