Every new project won’t be ‘Karagar’, says Nayeem

Bangladeshi filmmaker Syed Ahmed Shawki’s second web series ‘Karagar’ has awed Bengalis across the globe. A recent review of the seven-episode-long show published in the Times of India dubbed it “the best Bengali series till date”. Popular Bangladeshi model and actor FS Nayeem (who played the role of DB officer Ashfaq) has turned into a fan favourite character of the series and is being praised by fans across both Bengals. In a recent interview with The Business Post’s Siam Raihan, Nayeem talked about his experience with the joys and challenges behind the recent cross-border fame, thoughts on the web series, aspirations and plans

How do you enjoy the response of the audience to your performance in ‘Karagar’?

I’d first like to thank the Almighty as He blessed me with such an amazing opportunity that paved the way for me to get into so many people’s hearts. To be very honest, I never knew that my fan base is so huge. It is kind of unimaginable to me at this point. The excitement is hard to describe in words. But the challenge for me is how well the audience will receive my performance in upcoming projects. It is huge pressure for any performer.

How did you get on board ‘Karagar’?

The whole thing was around a five-month process. The project’s director Syed Ahmed Shawki communicated with me directly. And to my surprise, he and his team had a whole archive of my notable roles, some of which are not even available on YouTube. They studied me thoroughly before approaching me for the role of Ashfaq. During production, I felt like I am working with an international team. Not just me, every actor on set felt that. Film Noir (Shawki’s production company) is undoubtedly the best team in the country right now. Every crew member in each department is best at what they do. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, truly.  

What were your interesting experiences during shooting?

Well, the most interesting to me was I had to forget my identity as Naymeem during the entire production time. I was always Ashfaq. The director and his team kept me within the character of Ashfaq. It is a very difficult task for any production team to reach that level of efficiency and precision. Again, all the credit for that goes to the entire team.

Fans are praising your impeccable on-screen bromance with Intekhab Dinar in the series. How well do you two get along off-screen? 

Our off-screen relationship is like two brothers. I call him ‘Bhaijan’ and he calls me ‘Bhaiya.’ We have known each other for so many years. When I started my acting career Dinar Bhai (Jailer Mostak Ahmed) is already a superstar and an acclaimed TV actor. The best thing about Dinar Bhai is that he just does not outperform everyone else on set. He spreads his aura and brilliance to the entire cast. He gives space and assistance to his co-artists and pulls them to his level. Most importantly working with Dinar Bhai never feels like work. It always feels like I’m learning every second I get to spend with him on set.

How do you see the memes about ‘Ashfaq’ and trolls that have crossed into West Bengal now?

That is another unexpected thing to me that my ‘Ashfaq’ character somehow felt relatable to every Bengali across the globe who had the opportunity to watch the series on Hoichoi. Also, almost every popular film review content creator in West Bengal posted reviews on ‘Karagar’ and praised my character. Times of India gave us the title of best Bengali series ever. All of this is so overwhelming and again I thank the Almighty that we are receiving so much love from all across the globe. I am really surprised to see the massive increase in my international fanbase.

When can we expect the second season?

Well, we already shot the entire second season during the production of season one. I can’t disclose the release date as it is up to the director and Hoichoi officials. But the audience is up for a surprise.

Any interesting project you signed after the success of ‘Karagar’?

I have been approached for several projects. I will spend the next month reading the scripts. One project will go into production in mid-September. I can’t disclose the details right now. I will meet the entire team within the next few weeks. Though I have to clarify to fans that every new project won’t be ‘Karagar.’

Any director or actor who inspires you?

If we talk about directors then every Bangladeshi director I had the opportunity to work with are my favourite directors. More importantly, I focus on actors and the process they go through to prepare themselves for a role, feels far more interesting than directorial.

I have always loved the works and the acting process of Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Ashton Kutcher, Bradley Cooper, Patrick Dempsey, David Gandy and many more. They are very aware of their performance and process. Also, they push themselves into their characters and turn them as real as possible on screen. Their work and process have always inspired me. 

 Like Brad Pitt playing the role of ‘Achilles’ in ‘Troy,’ or Bradly Cooper’s role of ‘Phil’ in the ‘Hangover’ trilogy, you just cannot re-create those again. And that inspires me every single day. It is a complete team effort to create once-in-a-lifetime content like that.