Since the 2000s, the Bangladeshi film and television audience was hungry for fresh new faces. There were no talented male newcomers to the industry for quite some time.  Although there was always one or two new female faces sprouting up in shows on television, the same was not true for male performers. Amongst the few male lead actors that did find their way to the limelight, the name that stands out is Ziaul Faruque Apurba, commonly known as Apurba. And despite an unplanned break in his career, Apurba stands tall as one of the most popular male lead actors today, and he is set to take the next step in his career this year. He started his work in the media with ramp modelling, and won the 'You Got the Look' which led to him being cast in television commercials. Eventually he found his way to television drama – the first one being 'Biyer Golpo', directed by Gazi Rakayet in 2006. But it wasn't until he acted in Shihab Shahin's 'Romizer Ayna' (also 2006) that people really took notice of his acting talent. And since then, Apurba has never needed to turn back. Recently, Star Showbiz had the opportunity to learn about his beginning, his journey as an actor, and where he is headed now as an actor.
YOU GOT THE LOOK
I never thought I would be an actor. When people initially approached me for acting gigs, I did not respond positively. I was comfortable as an actor. Then I found an advertisement for the 'You Got the Look' contest which was hunting down male models in 2004 – and I applied. I had applied without really thinking it through, but believed in my modelling skills – and seems that the judges thought the same because I won the competition that year. This helped me become visible, and I caught the eye of Amitabh Reza, who cast me in a television commercial. And my career as a TVC model began.
 

A Reluctant Actor?
I started getting a lot of offers for television acting. But at the time, I was sure that I did not want to be an actor, so I refused. Then Gazi Rakayet approached me for his drama 'Biyer Golpo', and he seemed convinced that I would do well as a television actor. As my mind was set, I refused in the beginning. But Rakayet bhai would not give up! He kept approaching me and used many tactics to make me believe that this would be the right career choice for me – looking back, I must admit that he was right. Now, there is nothing more I enjoy than acting. Thanks to my popularity, I get to pick my choice of roles and enjoy a lot of creative freedom on set. I must say I am grateful – I feel blessed. I am enjoying acting – playing different roles every other week keeps my life interesting.
Why don't we see more models entering the world of acting?
I don't think this is true - I know 10-12 models that are waiting right now for the right roles to launch their acting careers. But I think models need to think about their move to acting carefully. The transition from modelling to acting is not easy – the networks are different, the people involved are different, and of course, you can't just sit still and look pretty – you need to learn acting. So, yes, many models find that transition difficult. Secondly, not everyone has the patience – it takes time to build oneself as an actor. If a model expects make big bucks as an actor from day one, then his acting career will never grow.
Television or film?
I've recently completed my work on a new film “Gangster Returns”, directed by Ashiqur Rahman. The movie is expected to be released in May 2014. This was my first film – so I am yet to find out how successful I can be as a film actor. I have received a few other film offers, and I am considering them. I am yet to decide what my future holds – I don't know if I will solely concentrate on films or continue both – I guess the audience will make that decision for me. I am a very happy person – and I have no specific future plans, I think as long as I keep doing what I enjoy and love, I will be happy.
Awards or Critics?
Its' difficult to simply choose which one is more important – nothing is that black or white. But to me, personally, there is no greater award than the love and acceptance of viewers. Whenever people appreciate me, ask for my autographs, ask to take pictures with me – each of these people is an award to be cherished.
APURBA'S CHARACTERISTICS
1. Positive thinker (but can also be short-tempered at times)
2. Understanding (but stubborn when it comes to things he really wants!)
3. Stays away from unnecessary back biting (but is vindictive when it comes to those who has harmed him)
4. Straightforward and honest (even if this causes some people who cannot stomach the truth to get hurt)
5. Helpful to real friends (but cannot maintain fake relationships with fake friends)

Special thanks to Golden Recipe