Azizul Hakim - once active on theatre with Aranyak - began his journey on television with a small role in the 80s. He earned bigger roles as his career grew more dynamic, dominating the TV screen throughout the 90s. After all these years, Azizul Hakim continues to perform both on TV and the silver screen, along with stints as a director. The veteran artiste recently chatted with The Daily Star (TDS) and his fans at DS Cafe.
TDS: You were once a good football player. Would you choose a career in sports if you did not become an actor?
Azizul Hakim: I had such plans, while it was also my father's dream. He was a football player himself and he always patronized my footballing ambitions. I played football for my school and college as well as taking it to the professional stage by playing for Victoria Sporting Club in Dhaka First Division football. Undoubtedly, I would become a professional football player if I didn't enter the world of acting.
Fardin, Dhaka: Was becoming an actor your childhood dream?
Azizul Hakim: I always had an aspiration of becoming an actor. Cinema was a major source of entertainment at that time, and watching the favorite stars on the screen always inspired me. Anyway, the chance to work on the stage came to me while I was playing football. I joined Arannyak in 1977. Thanks Fardin for your question.
TDS: Does it cause you pain that cricket is more popular than football now?
Azizul Hakim: No there is no such regret. We also had a glorious past in football when players like Salahuddin and Gazi bhai played on the field. They were the star footballers of that time. Football used to be the most popular sport in our country. Cricket earned its place gradually. Hockey also used to be a popular choice before. But I think patronization is a crucial thing in sports. Cricket started drawing more patrons than football at one point. When our cricket team claimed its spot in the international arena, we leaned further towards the game. Football, however is yet to make a major leap. Our football in the global arena has gone stale.
TDS: Are you involved in any social welfare projects?
Azizul Hakim: I'm not directly involved, but I participate whenever I get the chance. Whenever there is a natural disaster, we artistes collect funds for those affected. We collected donations for the Sidr victims.
Lonny, Dhaka: Do you read novels? How would you feel if you had the chance to portray a character from a book?
Azizul Hakim: Reading books is my hobby. I always carry a book with me at shootings. Whenever I get a break, I indulge in the pages of a book. For your information, I've already played roles from a book. I would love to do it again in the future.
Sagar Chowdhury, Sylhet: From a veteran's perspective, how much respect do you think the young actors have for each other?
Azizul Hakim: I feel that the rookies and the veterans in the acting world have a very friendly relationship. Mutual respect is greater in the theaters, as it is the place which teaches the basics of acting.
Towhid, Comilla: Nowadays TV dramas use a mutated form of language like "khaichho, gechho". What is your opinion on this?
Azizul Hakim: I want the use of proper language to be practiced on the dramas and am against the practice of colloquial tones. I strongly believe this practice will not last, as viewers will always want the proper form of language.
Mahbubur Rahman Khan, Brahmanbaria: Do you remember your performance on the drama 'Shomoy Oshomoy"?
Azizul Hakim: Definitely. Thank you for mentioning the play. I played the role of Haradhon in the play - which was written by Mamunur Rashid. Raisul Islam Asad, Hanif Sangket and Chompa acted with me in the drama.
Riaz Khan, Dhaka: You always manage to blend in with the character you play. How is it possible?
Azizul Hakim: Acting is my passion and profession. I always try to blend in with the character and think of nothing else during acting. Thanks for your observation.
TDS: You and Zinat both work in the same field. Does it create any friction?
Azizul Hakim: No it helps us instead. We have a better understanding of each other.
Asif, Rangpur: You were once active with the theatre. Did you go abroad to perform?
Azizul Hakim: I began my journey with Theatre Group Arannyak and I am still a member. I visited England, USA and many other countries to perform on stage.
Ripon, Jagannath University: Where is your native home?
Azizul Hakim: I hail from Comilla.
Tithi, Dhaka: Do you go to the Ekushey book fair?
Azizul Hakim: There was a time when I regularly visited the fair. This year I plan on going even if I just manage a single day for it.
Polly, Barisal: Class Six to Ten, or Intermediate to University, which life do you prefer?
Azizul Hakim: I prefer the former. The time of pure youth and teenage spirit. Those were wonderful times. I often wish of going back to those days. The teenage years are the golden period in a person's life.
Tuli, Rajshahi: How much of a friend can parents be for a child?
Azizul Hakim: Anyone can see their parents as complete friends. Friendly relations with parents is always a good thing. All sons and daughters should remember that there is no one as close to them as their parents.
Kamrul Islam Mamun, Dhaka: Our rivers and environment are under threat. What ways are there to escape the impending dangers?
Azizul Hakim: Thank you for asking such an important question. I'm as concerned as you are about the decaying state of our rivers. The environment is also being polluted for many reasons. However, we can be optimistic regarding the works of some pro-environment organisations. But the fact remains that we all have to be aware and cautious on the issue - for protecting the environment.
Sharmin Sultana, Patuakhali: Is acting your passion or profession?
Azizul Hakim: It is both.
Nazmul Ahmed, Uttara, Dhaka: What is your definition of love?
Azizul Hakim: Everyone has their own definition. The pain of not getting what you want is love.
TDS: What do you do in leisure hours?
Azizul Hakim: I hardly get any time off. The little I get, I choose to spend at home. I give time to my children and wife. I like to watch movies and listen to music. Sometimes I also get the chance to travel.
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