Maznun Mizan’s acting career began 15 years ago, with Dhaka Theatre. Regular stage appearance eventually brought him to the world of TV plays. Although he took on humble roles in the beginning, his popularity grew with TV commercials. His success in the media landed him important roles in TV plays and made him a known face among the viewers.
Recently Mizan had a chat with The Daily Star (TDS). Excerpts:
When did you join Dhaka Theatre?
Mizan: January 16, 1996. I also enrolled at Jahangirnagar University as a student during that time. Studies and acting both went on side by side. Truth be told, the doors to all dreams opened for me when I joined Dhaka Theatre. I learned many things, which I would not have unless I joined theatre.
Which Dhaka Theatre productions did you work in?
Mizan: I acted in “Bonpangshul”, “Merchant of Venice”, “Joiboti Konyar Mon”, “Mrityu Shongbad” and “Prachya”. These plays set the ground for my career. Theatre is the best school for acting.
How long did you stay with Dhaka Theatre?
Mizan: I worked for eight years straight. I still work with them when old plays are staged. I want to continue working on stage.
What are your recent projects?
Mizan: I am immersed in projects. I’m doing several serials at the moment. “Motijheel Commercial Area”, “Hawai Mithhai”, “Sorol Satya”, “Boyra Poribar”, “Taal Bahana”, “Shoshur Bari Private Limited” are currently being aired. A serial titled “Shobuj Nokkhotro” recently concluded its airing. Meanwhile, several new ones — “Prohelika”, “Kacher Ghor”, “Prem Dao” — will start their telecasts.
Are you working on any one-hour-play or telefilm?
Mizan: Special one-hour-dramas, featuring me, were aired on Independence Day and Valentine’s Day. I recently worked on a drama called “Kuhu”, where I star opposite Sadia Islam Mou. I also finished work on a drama titled “Mon, Shorir, Mon” and will soon be working on four more dramas.
What was your first aired TV play?
Mizan: It was “Kash Bon-er Konya”, directed by Shahidul Haq Khan. My career in TV began with a minor character.
To what extent did you have to struggle to arrive where you are at now?
Mizan: I struggled a lot. I had no connection/contact in the media. Whatever my achievements are, I earned them on my own. Maybe it was my experience in theatre that helped me along the way. Besides, my patience and determination also made it possible.
Any regret?
Mizan: At the beginning of my career in TV, I used to get only small roles. I was never discouraged, but thought that hard work will eventually earn me better results. However, my father was concerned as to why I got minor roles in plays. By the time I started getting more prominent roles in plays, my father passed away before being able to see my success. This is a matter of great regret for me.
What are the most significant plays of your career?
Mizan: The serials “Baba” by Abdullah Al Mamun, “Nokshi Parer Manushera” by Giasuddin Selim and “Lohar Churi” by Mohammad Hossain Jamie. Other works that deserve mention are “Tomar Doa-e Bhalo Achhi Ma”, “Mohona”, “Ekta Kinle Ekta Free”, ”Journey by Boat” and “Choita Pagol”. Besides I worked in serials and one-hour-plays by Humayun Ahmed, which I consider some of my best works.
You are also a host?
Mizan: Sometimes I host programmes. I hosted almost 200 episodes of Banglavision’s “Raat Birate”. I want to continue my work as a host, but not by neglecting my acting career.
Tell us about your dreams regarding acting?
Mizan: Many TV plays are being made nowadays, but there is a lack of quality. Production standards are on a downward spiral. I want more quality works — from both the makers and the actors.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
