Shaju Khadem had his first taste of stage acting in 1997, when he started working with Nagorik Natyangon. He worked in several productions, learning all the tricks of the trade from the theatre troupe. He also directed a drama with the group, titled “Super Glue”.
Khadem terms his involvement with the stage as a turning point in his career. As his learning curve continued in the theatre, he received an offer to act in a TV drama in 1999. The offer was for “Bholar Diary” by Shaer Khan Kallol, which turned out to be a very popular serial among viewers. Khadem played the title role in the serial.
On “Bholar Diary”, Khadem says he received much appreciation for his debut work for television. Everyone used to call him by the name “Bhola” when the drama became popular on Ekushey Television, he adds. The actor also expresses his gratitude towards the director Shaer Khan Kallol for his support during the making of “Bholar Diary”.
Following its success, Khadem received a flood of new offers. With every new project, Khadem gradually strengthened his reputation as a versatile, confident actor.
His portrayal of a psychologically troubled man in “Krishnopokkho” brought him much critical appreciation. Khadem says the ntv drama, directed by Sohel Arman, rotated around the main character.
“Briddho Ebong Abdul Majid”, directed by Badrul Anam Saud, was another notable work featuring Khadem. He played the role of Abdul Majid, acting opposite Subarna Mustafa. The actor remembers that his role was very challenging.
Khadem developed a passion for acting when he was a student at the Institute of Fine Arts (IFA). Although working in theatre was just an interesting aspect at the beginning, the stage gradually became embedded in his life and eventually acting became his career. Khadem admits that he wouldn’t have become an actor, if he hadn’t studied at the IFA.
Other notable works by Khadem include mega serials like “Doll’s House”, “Gohine”, “Poush Faguner Pala”, “Besto Doctor” and “Alok Nagar”. But he has many other popular one-hour-dramas under his belt as well.
Khadem used to be an art director for Banglavision. There, he planned and directed a popular show titled “Raat Biraate”.
The talented actor also starred in the movie “Common Gender”, playing the role of a hermaphrodite. The movie about the marginalised Hijra community was released earlier this year. Khadem says that he visited a movie theatre to see the film. It brought tears to his eyes, he adds.
TV dramas keep Khadem busy these days. He was a frequent face during the Eid specials, while he is also working on new dramas for Eid-ul-Adha. But his appointment book is mostly filled with serials.
He is currently working on “Kobiraj Golap Shah”, “Oloshpur”, “Poush Faguner Pala”, “Chor Kabyo” and “Gronthikgon Kohe”. The serials are being aired on different channels. Khadem claims that he was successful in keeping his vow to never be confined in a single type of role. His admirers can back the claim of his versatility, Khadem asserts.
Among his new projects, are the serial: “Ponchom” by Omlan Bishwash, “Mombasa” by Shihab Shaheen and two more dramas titled “Iti Dulabhai” and “Facebook”.
The fans will get to see new facets of Khadem in the upcoming dramas. Both the stories and the characters are unique to the dramas, claims Khadem.
-With The Daily Star input
