The Bangladeshi film actor, whose film was nominated for an Oscar in the recent past, performed live at a sprawling picnic spot in Riyadh that was filled with hundreds of fans, mainly Bangladeshi men, women and children.
Blessed with fair boyish good looks and acting skills that helped him to work in one of Tom Cruise's films, Riaz today stands tall on the silver screen, while saying “I have done 150 films so far.” His latest film titled “Shirin Farhad” will be released possibly on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr this year. Riaz pointed out that Shirin Farhad is based on the famous Persian tragic love story in which a leading female star, Shabnur, is working with him.
Shabnur, who makes a perfect pair with Riaz, gave several blockbusters to the Bangladesh film industry. Riaz also had the distinction to work with India's famous film actor-director Mahesh Manjrekar and actress Sushmita Sen in an English language film called “It was raining that night.” Riaz co-stars in this film with Riya Sen, Victor Banerjee, Atit Shah and many other Bollywood celebrities. Most of the scenes for the film were shot in the United States and India.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News at Riyadh Palace Hotel, this most revered hero in Bengali cinema spoke about his country’s film industry and his passion to work in the Arab film industry. He said that he had signed some of the films, but he was very selective now. While recalling the major awards he had received as a film hero, Riaz said he had got three national awards and a number of other awards and commendations.
The superstar, who has made forays in modeling, television drama as well as art house production, said that he fondly remembered some of the major films in which he acted, like Praner Cheye Priyo, Hridoyer Aina, Prithibi Tomar Amar and Bhalobasi Tomake.
His film Shyamol Chhaya, which was written and directed by popular poet and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed, was nominated for an Oscar in 2006. The film reflects a story of the Bangladesh War of Independence of 1971. He said he had also acted in a Bengali TV serial in the past. Some of his films have been dubbed into English, whose prints are available in different countries around the world.
Asked about the sources of his inspiration and ideals in the film industry, Riaz said he had several favorite actors and directors in the Asian film industry. He, however, said he was a great fan of the Indian film hero Shahrukh Khan. “I have been learning from my juniors as well as my seniors in the industry,” said a humble Riaz, while referring to the skills and talents that abound in that part of the world.
Asked about his childhood and how he chose a career in film industry, Riaz said, “I was born in a place called Kamlapur in Faridpur district. My father worked in the Faridpur judge court, so we lived in government staff quarters. Most of my childhood and adolescence was spent there, from where I joined the air force after high school, and it was not until 1994 that I moved to Dhaka eventually to land as film hero.”
Riaz said he started his career in Bangladesh Air Force as a pilot, but joined the film industry in 1995. “My first picture got released in 1996,” said the superstar, adding that he has had the privilege to work with the top film directors of Asia.
“My debut film was Dewan Nazrul’s Banglar Nayok, and I must say I enjoyed acting in all 150 films I have done so far,” said Riaz. “I can express myself being an actor and convey what I feel to be the truth,” he smiled and said.
The versatile actor, who is now promoting a major real estate company called Ashiyan Group, said he would still act, but only in selected films, when asked about his future plans. “Now I want to work in some films that send messages of good value, peace and humanity across the society,” said Riaz, adding that he had worked in all kinds of films in the last 15 years. “I have matured now, and I would like to work in some highly educative films.”
He, however, pointed out that the Bangladesh film industry is not in good shape, as it is also facing increased competition from foreign films, satellite TV, home video, and other sources. He said there are more than 800 cinema houses currently in Bangladesh, but the viewership of Bangladeshi films has dropped and the industry has been criticized for producing low-quality films whose only appeal is that of sex, violence, or melodrama.