Renowned TV and theatre personality Tariq Anam Khan has already become a distinguished name in Bangladesh’s entertainment arena. This experienced and prudent persona has been caught up in an exclusive interview with New Age where he shared his observations, experiences and thoughts on current situation of TV plays and theatre productions.
While some seniors observe that current television plays do not fit with the country’s culture and heritage, Tariq, however, possesses a liberal view on this matter. ‘Culture is ever changing and it has to adopt new things constantly unless the nation falls behind. We can’t be fixed with Ayurvedik while Allopathic is a better treatment method. We must hold on the uniqueness of our culture but simultaneously we must possess the mentality to adopt new things as well.’
About the popular TV serial Gulshan Avenue, which many consider as an imitation of Indian daily soaps, Tariq, who performs as a leading role in the show, said, ‘It is not an imitation rather an attempt to drag the audiences’ attention towards native channels. These kinds of serials are purely entertainment efforts and people like to watch them because of some features. Furthermore, in this commercial era, we also have to consider the demand of the advertisement providers.’
The prominent theatre personality is the chief of theatre troupe Natya Kendra also. Through the performances of Natya Kendra, the audiences are getting the chance to be acquainted with foreign plays. Tariq, on this topic, said, ‘Sometimes adaptation is needed to make the theme of the play more explicable to the audiences. So I present the plays in the context of our society.’ Other than, Tariq also directly translates some foreign plays. ‘I translated Arther Miler’s Crucible as I thought the plot of the play was so strong that adaptation would only make it inane,’ added Tariq.
As a meticulous artiste, Tariq is always selective. ‘I select those plays which are witty as well dramatic and the characters offer strong acting skill.’
Besides acting, Tariq is also the General Secretary of Television Program producers’ Association, which, along with Directors Guild and Abhinoy Shilpi Shongho, is working for the overall betterment of the industry. ‘We are trying to bring professionalism in our entertainment arena by introducing discipline, appropriate working environment, scheduled payment and some other facilities in the TV arena, ’claimed Tariq Anam Khan.
-With New Age input
