Hridi Huq takes her passion for theatre beyond borders

Detailed summary

For actress and theatre director Hridi Huq, theatre has been a lifelong pursuit. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the performing arts, she has continued to explore the stage…

For actress and theatre director Hridi Huq, theatre has been a lifelong pursuit. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the performing arts, she has continued to explore the stage even after moving to the United States, where her latest directorial venture has brought together theatre practitioners from different countries.

Huq recently spoke to The Daily Star about her artistic journey, her family’s influence and her experience directing “Andhar Joy” in Texas.

The daughter of late actor, playwright and academic Dr Enamul Haque and theatre personality Lucky Enam, Huq grew up surrounded by theatre. She recalled developing an interest in acting by watching her parents and observing the artistic environment around her.

Her childhood also brought her into contact with some of Bangladesh’s most prominent theatre figures, including Aly Zaker, Asaduzzaman Noor and Abul Hayat, who worked alongside her father at Nagorik Natya Sampradaya.

Huq said she gradually found opportunities to work on stage, learning and developing her skills along the way rather than entering the profession overnight.

Among her early directorial ventures was “Gohor Badsha O Banesa Pori”, staged under her own theatre group. She has also adapted several works for the stage, including “Meherjaan”, while her acting credits include the acclaimed production “Pragaitihashik”, in which she completed her 100th performance.

Beyond theatre, Huq made her feature-film directorial debut with “1971 Shei Shob Din”, which received considerable attention. She also earned recognition for playing Juliet in a stage production of “Romeo and Juliet”. Recalling the selection process, she said around 3,000 candidates had auditioned for the role before she was chosen.

Her work has extended to television as well. She presented Bangla Vision’s entertainment programme “Media Bhubon” for several years and wrote the popular television serial “Amader Ananda Bari”.

Now based in the United States, Huq has continued her engagement with theatre.

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Daily Star. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.