In conversation
"My priorities have changed" -- Shovon
Khalid-Bin-Habib
Zahid Hossein Shovon has had a long stint as an actor. Since embarking on his career nearly two decades ago, he has gained fame in a variety of films like Chander alo, Disco dancer, Priyo tum and Shesh khela, More recently, he has done drama serials such as Kachher Manush on ntv and Ek Jonomey, Tushar Rohoshya on ATN Bangla where he played an important character. He also started off with TV commercials such as Sunsilk, Tasmeri Hair Tonic, Bata Shoes, Pilot filter cigarette and many more. Currently, he is anchoring a film-based talk show, called Bioscope on Stv US channel. Talking about his acting career, he says "When I was young, I wanted to try my hand at everything and anything that came my way. In school and college, I used to participate in a number of plays by Dhaka Little Theatre Group. Later, I played some tough characters in stage plays Shat ghater kanakori, Bolod and King Lear. I loved the entire experience of being on stage. I acted in a drama serial Priyojon on BTV in 1993. It was a challenging role and showcased my acting talent. It got me a good amount of recognition too." He adds, "I have learnt a lot from my life in general as well as my career as an actor. While I would earlier act on instinct, I don't anymore. I did a lot of things when I was younger, that could have been done another way, and my mistakes have taught me a great deal. I have always had great respect for my directors. They have all helped me evolve as an actor and have taught and trained me. I value all the advice that they have given me." Talking about the key ingredients he looks for before committing to a film or a play, Shovon says, "With the passage of time, I guess my priorities have changed. Today I look for a lot more mature roles, with a lot of substance. I want to do different things, or rather -- things differently. "I always preferred films. Even today, my taste has not changed. I have refused a lot of work on television or silver screen, mainly for two reasons. One, I was too busy with my job in Thai Airways. Two, I never felt an urge to accept inconsequential roles. There is no dearth of work on television, but I always did work that stood out." The conversation veers to his philosophy . Explaining his modus operandi, he says, "I have reached somewhere, but I still have a long way to go. I have never salivated after money. I have always done good roles and that's the only reason I am still around. After completing my Master's degree from Film and Media department, Stamford University, I will also start directing in full swing. Given a TV serial and a film role to be shot on the same dates, I would first look at the film. But if the serial has a better role than the film, I would definitely sign for the serial."
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Zahid Hossein Shovon |
