“View Trade Has Ruined Us,” Says Mamunur Rashid at Cultural Seminar
Veteran actor Mamunur Rashid has remarked that the rise of “view trade” has caused serious damage to the creative industry. “View trade has ruined us. We are now trapped in that very destruction,” he said.
Highlighting the crisis of “view trade” alongside broader artistic challenges, the eminent theatre personality added, “On one hand, we are facing a crisis in our art, and on the other, there is also a political crisis. We are unable to create anything truly good. We are going through a time devoid of inspiration.”
The remarks came during a seminar titled “Our Culture and the Responsibility of Artists”, held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital on Saturday, April 19, at 11:30 am, marking the 60th birthday of popular actor and director Tauquir Ahmed.
Recalling Tauquir Ahmed’s formative years, Mamunur Rashid said, “After democratic development, artists in many countries can express themselves freely. This is evident if we look at neighboring India or the developed world. But that freedom has not fully come into our lives. Within these limitations, Tauquir has grown, as have countless other artists. Not just Tauquir—his contemporaries have also struggled greatly to reach where they are today.”
Addressing common perceptions about artists, he said, “Many think artists are bohemian or frivolous. Others believe there is a lack of intellect among them. But the more people like Tauquir we have, the more the dignity of our field will increase.”
Throughout the day, prominent figures from the country’s theatre, film, and cultural arena spoke about Tauquir Ahmed’s work and personality. Among those present were Abul Hayat, Afzal Hossain, Azizul Hakim, Gazi Rakayet, Azad Abul Kalam, Dipa Khandakar, Kochi Khandakar, and Mahfuz Ahmed, among others.
While reminiscing about Tauquir Ahmed, theatre personalities highlighted his discipline, dedication to work, and various aspects of his personality. The producer of his first play “Firiye Dao Aranya,” K M Harun, recalled being impressed by Tauquir’s talent at a young age. He also shared memories of meeting Tauquir as a student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Narrating the story of 22-year-old Tauquir, he said, “Abdullah Al Mamun Bhai once told me about a young man—that young man was Tauquir! I thought a lot about whether to cast him in a play. I went to BUET to meet him. Then I felt, alright. We rehearsed the play for a month. What happened after it went on air is known to everyone.”
DBTech/BN/EK/OR
