Renowned actor and thespian Masud Ali Khan started his acting journey back in 1956 with theatre. He is amongst the most prominent members of Drama Circle, the first theatre troupe of Bangladesh. His immense presence in films, tele-fictions, theatre plays, and radio dramas, had become a household name in the industry.

After gracing the acting industry for over five decades, the ninety-three-year-old acting legend has retired from the front stage, spending his time mostly at his residence.

In a candid chat with The Daily Star, the artiste shares unspoken experiences from his journey so far.

You have always been passionately active in your career but now you have decided to keep away from the limelight. Does this change upset you?

It really hurts that I cannot act anymore. I really miss those familiar places. The sound of someone saying "camera-action" still rings in my ears and I miss acting unit members. I acting is my life and love.

I have been doing it with all the zeal and love for a long time. Being away from it now hurts me.

Due to my age, I cannot continue acting even if I want to. Now, I spend my time at home. However, I still feel the desire to stand before the camera, to go out, but health does not permit me.

How do spend your time now?

I usually read newspapers, watch television, or listen to music to spend my time. I want to read books but my eyes are not as supportive as they used to be. As for songs, I like to listen to Rabindra Sangeet.

After breaking my waist eight years ago in an accident, I have been grounded at home. I had appeared in a tele-fiction for Hanif Sanket after the injury but that was the last time I visited shooting sets.

Masud Ali Khan and A T M Shamsuzzaman together on Ityadi. Photo: Collected

Would you share a bit about acting during your time and now?

 I watch the current generation of television dramas. They lack a sense of care, and I feel that acting needs to be handled with much care. Most importantly, you have to love acting.

Now, everyone focusing on quantity more than quality but that during my time, a radio drama recording took three days rehearsals and tele-fictions took several days.

By that time, the dialogues were automatically memorised and the character was fully explored. As a result, the television dramas gave off a sense of completeness which I find missing these days.

 Tell us a bit about the start of your acting journey with the theatre stage?

I first took to the stage at Manikganj during my school days. Afterwards, I visited Kolkata and was admitted to a school in Cumilla after I returned. I kept performing on the stage in school functions and that developed my liking towards this art form. 

I entered Jagannath University to pursue higher academics but my love for acting did not fade.

Drama Circle, the first theatre troupe of Bangladesh, was founded back in 1956. Since then, acting became a part of my regular life. Radio and tele-dramas came in much later but theatre was my acting school.

Do you want to share a memorable moment with us?

There are many memories keep coming back to me when I think about my good old days. Back in our Drama Circle days, we would usually hang out in front of poet Hasan Hafizur Rahman's house in the old town. Those were the best times of my life.

Is there a childhood memory you want to share with your fans?

I was really mischievous back then. I loved eating luscious ripe mangoes while sitting on tree branches with my friends during summer. We have lost touch but I still wonder where they are right now and how has life been to them.

I remember riding the palanquin with my mother to visit my grandparents who lived almost 6 miles away from us. I miss the Dhaleshwari River that we had to cross to meet my grandparents.

I still miss my father, his strictness and also how he showered us with love and affection. He used to be employed in Kolkata and came home during the summer and puja vacations. Simple, happy old days – that's what I miss the most now.

As an artiste, do you have any regrets?

I acted in numerous plays and received much love from the audience. I have no regrets in life and am happy with what I achieved.