'I like watching movies alone'

Zahid Hasan's new movie 'Halda' directed by Tauquir Ahmed has hit the theatres today (Friday). In a conversation with Prothom Alo, he talked about his expectations about 'Halda', which has been released in 90 cinema halls across the country. The popular actor also shared his feelings about being one of the top tax payers in the industry.
What are your expectations about 'Halda'?
In the past, movies used to be promoted through advertisements on the television and the radio. But time has changed. A number of television channels, newspapers, online news portals, Facebook and other social media are used to promote a movie these days. Some of the most popular artistes of the present time -- Tisha, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Mosharraf Karim and Dilara Zaman -- are acting in 'Halda'. I hope the audience will appreciate this like Tauquir Ahmed's other movies.
You have worked with so many popular artistes in this movie. How was your experience during the shooting?
We were a little tensed while shooting the film. When we started for the shooting spot in the morning, thousands of fans were waiting to see us. When we returned at night, many were still there, to have a glimpse of us. The police were entrusted with the responsibility to ensure security, but many came with them as well. We finished the shooting with the help of political activists and volunteers in the end. We, the artistes of this film, have known one another for quite some time. We are like families. So, despite the tension, we had lots of fun at night, after the shooting was done for the day.
Will you watch the movie in the theatre?
I don't like going to the theatre to watch a movie I have acted in. It feels like the day an exam result is getting published. In fact, I like watching movies alone. I wanted to watch the movie with my wife, Mou, and the children. But it is not possible right now as my children's final exams are going on. We will watch the movie together, but a few days later.
How do you like Tauquir's direction?
I know Tauquir for 30 years. Although we have worked together in theatre and for TV plays, this is the first time we have worked together in a cinema. I have watched his films 'Oggatonama' and 'Jaijatra'. They are fantastic.
You have been named one of the top tax payers of the industry in the 2016-17 fiscal year. How do you feel about it?
If you do something good for your country you will always be rewarded. The National Board of Revenue (NPR) has taken a nice initiative and it is inspiring the other tax-payers. Getting such a recognition in my lifetime is a matter of pride. I am really honoured.