‘I burst into tears when I heard I won the Ekushey Padak’

How do you feel about receiving the Ekushey Padak?

The joy I feel cannot be described in words. I burst into tears when I heard that I won the Ekushey Padak. I do not know if I am worthy of such a great award. I do not know if I have contributed enough to the field of acting, but this is the biggest achievement for me.

I am grateful to the government,  journalists, and my colleagues. 

As an actor, do you have any regrets? 

I am an actor because I love acting. I focus on my craft, without being sidetracked. Countless people love me for my work. I am immensely grateful to them. 

Do I even need anything else? I have gained people's love and respect, there is not anything more I could ask for.

What is acting to you?

 Acting is devotion to me. I have spent the last five decades in this field. Acting has become a part of my identity. It brings me immense satisfaction. 

 Do you feel a sense of responsibility as an artiste? 

An artiste should always have a responsibility towards society, and I do feel it. Artistes never just belong to their own selves. They belong to the society and the state. 

Translated by Akhlakur Rahman