Shamim Zaman tries his hand at singing
Shamim Zaman has become a familiar face on television, stage and the silver screen. The talented actor has ventured into music by launching his first solo album. The artiste came over to The Daily Star (TDS) office recently, and we had an opportunity to catch up.
TDS: How did your initiation in acting happen?
Shamim: Truth be told, it was watching jatrapala avidly in my teen years that pulled me towards acting. At that time I felt that jatra (folk theatre) is the true medium of acting. I joined Aranyak Natya Dol in 1989 and have been with the troupe ever since. Apart from that, I also began working in TV plays.
TDS: As a member of Aranyak, which performances do you consider as your most significant ones?
Shamim: I have worked in almost 15 stage productions with Aranyak. The ones worth mentioning are “Shongkranti”, “Iblis”, “Rarang”, “Khela Khela”, “Pathor”, “Jai Jayanti”, “Prakritojonkotha”, “Moyur Shinghashon”, “Ghumer Manush”, “Panta Akali”.
TDS: Which one was your first TV play? And which was the most significant?
Shamim: “Droho Nibash”, directed by Abdullah Al Mamun, was my first work aired on television. “Jowar Bhata”, “Shadhinota Tomar Jonno”, “Jibon Jekhane Jemon”, “Goru Chor”, “Kagojer Phool”, “Ek Jonome”, “Bhober Haat”, “Ghor Kutum”, “Sakin Sharishuri”, “Alta Shundori”, “Jamai Mela”, “The New Shobuj Opera”, “Doyaganj” are some of my favorite works. I took on challenging roles in many of these plays — playing a woman in “Alta Shundori” and portraying a hunchback in “Jamai Mela”.
TDS: You’ve also worked in films?
Shamim: My first film was “Adhiar”, directed by Saidul Anam Tutul. I’ve also acted in children’s films — “Bangla Maa-er Damal Chhele” and “Chhana O Muktijuddho”.
TDS: Whom would you acknowledge for assisting your career?
Shamim: I’m grateful to my mentor Mamunur Rashid. Whatever I’ve learned, it came from Aranyak. Salahuddin Lavlu should also be acknowledged, as I’ve been working with him a lot.
TDS: Which stage performance have fetched you the most acclaim?
Shamim: The character Aju in the play “Shongkranti” deserves to be at the top. I went to Tangail to get a better glimpse at the lives of clowns. I received much critical praise for my performance and gained self-satisfaction as an artiste.
TDS: The roles you enact on TV are very diverse…
Shamim: I don’t believe in the concept of ‘hero’, as popular in mainstream TV plays and cinema. Anyone can be a ‘hero’ by acting brilliantly in even one scene. I always strive to become a better artiste, and so I challenge my own skills, trying to portray roles such as a cattle thief, a hawker, a domestic help, a lover or a teacher. I’m drawn to challenging roles.
TDS: Your first solo audio album was recently released. Since when have you been singing?
Shamim: I’ve been singing since childhood. After joining Aranyak, that practice continued but I never thought of bringing out an album. About a year ago I recorded for a mixed album, titled “Poran Bondhure”. But this time I went solo with “Ekta Chithhi” — a Laser Vision production that has 9 songs composed by Amit.
TDS: How many plays did you work on for Eid?
Shamim: Salahuddin Lavlu’s special six-episode serials “Kotha Dilam Toh” and “Hero” are among my works aired this Eid. I also acted in one-hour plays “Cholachol” and “Lekhok Sri Narayan Chandra Das” — also directed by Lavlu bhai.
TDS: Any new serials you are working on?
Shamim: I’ve been working on a serial called “Haar Kipta”, which is taking up most of my time. The serial has been written by Brindabon Das and directed by Salahuddin Lavlu.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
