Illustration: Sadat

With decades of theatre experience behind him, Fazlur Rahman Babu embarked on a successful career in TV dramas. Equipped with his masterful acting skills, he also ventured into the world of films and collected a National Film award for his work in the movie “Shonkhonad”. His talents do not end there. Fazlur Rahman Babu has also captivated listeners in recent years with his singing. The multi-talented star recently came to DS Café to talk to his eager fans, on the phone.

Sabuj, Dhaka: Do you have plans to take on singing as a profession?

Babu: No, I never considered myself a singer. I am an actor and I intend to continue acting.

Rana, Rangpur: Does Fazlur Rahman Babu have another identity besides actor-singer?

Babu: I used to work at the Agrani Bank, but I ended that phase of my life a long time ago.

Munni, Savar: Did you always intend to work in TV plays?

Babu: No. I was involved with theatre for a long time and wanted to keep acting on stage for the rest of my life. I had no intention of shifting to TV.

Sagar Chowdhury, Sylhet: What qualities do one require to become an actor?

Babu: First of all, I think the skill of acting is God-gifted. Still, one has to practice and hone that skill by sticking to the craft for years. This is a form of art, and like all others, it doesn't jump in to your grasp so easily. A lot of dedication is required.

Karim, Comilla: Do you consider anyone a rival in your profession?

Babu: I never think of anyone as my rival. One has to survive in this industry with skills.

Shirin, Chittagong: Do you face diffculties when switching between roles?

Babu: Not always, although it is sometimes challenging -- especially in case of serious roles.

Jamal, Dhaka: What do you consider your greatest achievements as an artiste?

Babu: The love of people that I have been blessed with. I believe this is the greatest achievement of my life. I also consider the National Film Award as a big achievement.

Selim, Gazipur: Any advice for newbies?

Babu: You have to learn the craft first. It's not only applicable to acting, but for all professions. There is no alternative to learning.

The Daily Star (TDS): How do you manage to master the different dialects for TV dramas?

Babu: It is a challenge no doubt, but an actor has to accomplish that. During my years in the theatre circuit, I had to deliver dialogues in different dialects on stage. The Noakhali dialect is particularly difficult to master. It took a lot of effort to master the Pabna dialect as well, while the dialect of Chittagong is even tougher.

Apel, Tangail: When did people start recognising you as an actor?

Babu: A long time ago, I worked in a serial called “Itikotha”. My character was called Poran Majhi. “Itikotha” brought me wide recognition.

Jinnat, Dhaka: Would you say you are living your dream?

Babu: No artiste can realise all his dreams, and neither have I.

Tamanna, Sylhet: Is there any artiste you consciously try to emulate?

Babu: No, I don't blindly follow anyone. I believe in uniqueness.

TDS: It's no news that the glory days of Bangla cinema are behind us. What do you think can be done to bring it back?

Babu: We need a lot of multiplexes, instead of having just a couple. The existing cinema halls also need a facelift. Bengalis are always drawn to quality movies.

Jewel, Chittagong: Would we see you as a director in near future?

Babu: No. I want to keep on acting. I consider myself a “player”, not a “coach”.

Sheuly, Rangpur: Which was your first acting performance?

Babu: I first performed on stage in a drama called “Taleb Master-er Haalkhata”. It was staged in Faridpur.

Riya, Dhaka: Can you manage time for vacations?

Babu: I manage to squeeze out time from my work. I travel with my family during these breaks.

Transcribed by Shah Alam Shazu