Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 980 Sat. March 03, 2007  
   
Culture


Sazu Khadem: An actor turned art director


Sazu Khadem is an actor turned art director on the small screen and theatre. He has designed stages for several TV shows, creating the appropriate ambience and he also does interior decoration. His acting skills too have won a warm reception from viewers and critics.

Khadem embarked on his acting career with drama serial Bholar Diary on ETV in 2000. It was a challenging role and showcased his histrionic talent. It also gave him considerable recognition. He has gained fame in a variety of single episode TV plays and serials such as Outdoor, Joba Kushum, Choitali Jochhonai, Bura Voot, Biyer Phool, Ashi Noshi Moshi , Double Century and many others aired on different TV channels.

More recently, he is working with a late night TV show titled Raat Biratey, which is currently running on Banglavision. He is the art director of some popular TV shows such as Amar Ami, Agamir Kontho, Article 39 and Apnar Ki Bolar Achhey. He is the director, scriptwriter and choreographer of the stage drama Super Glue and displayed excellence in most of these sections. His professional work as an art director began from the launch of the channel Banglavision in 2006.

When asked on his motivation in donning the mantle of an art director, "I used to do have many hobbies even as a kid. I enjoy this madness. I feel I am living it up every minute. I like the challenges in life. My career bloomed with theatre group Nagorik Nattayangon where I was also asked to do some costumes, work on the sets and before I knew it I had turned art director. My main advantage was that I had done my Master's of Fine Arts (MFA) from the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University. "

Talking about the challenges that confront him, he said, "The role of an art director is akin to that of a race driver. There is a risk factor; I have to win. I have to be on the move to achieve my goals. My advantage, I think, is that I have simple solutions for major problems. I have no expectations; I only know what I am capable of and I do my best with available resources. That is how I have survived everywhere. The only thing I can say is that it is different from anything that I have done. I have used simple materials to optimise my output."

Explaining an art director's role, he said, "There is a tremendous change in the concept of art direction and that change has come about because the requirements and demands of the public have changed. They are exposed to better programmes, better filmmaking and this affects art direction too. I am expected to live up to the challenge offered by the programme. Personally, it has helped me grow. I can deliver what I am capable of only when there is a demand for it."

When asked about his transition from art direction to direction, he said, "I don't believe that anything is tough because I constantly prepare myself for the big chance that may come my way in time. I take everything in my stride. Personally, I am a man who believes in today and I believe in doing it well and on time. I put my whole heart into my work."

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