Sharif Siraj: ‘My students' appreciation serves as a tremendous motivation for my acting’

'Virus', a new web series that was recently released on Chorki last month, has already started making waves across social media platforms. The series is directed by Anam Biswas and features performances by Shamol Mawla, Tariq Anam Khan, Sharif Siraj and Rashed Mamun Apu in the lead roles.

Sharif Siraj, the actor who portrayed the character of 'Neta Habib' in the series, sat down with The Business Standard in a recent interview. He discussed his journey and shared his experience working with the Virus team.

Growing up in his village home, rural programmes such as jatra pala and Baul sangeet nights used to entice a young Sharif. It was in these cultural environments that tiny sparks of his fascination for acting started igniting. 

"Later, when I joined Dhaka University, I saw the opportunity to engage in theatre, and that's when my real acting journey began," he said.

From 2004 to 2015, Siraj worked with Gana Natyakendra. In between, he completed his graduation in 2011, focusing intensely on his academic studies.

"Due to political unrest, our graduation and post-graduation took much longer," he said.

After completing his post-graduation, Siraj started teaching in the Bangla Department at Dhaka City College. In 2013, he began teaching at Jagannath University, which remains his primary occupation to this day.

"While I'm passionate about acting, I never pursued it or intended for it to be my main profession. However, by participating in theatre, I gradually realised that acting was a possibility for me."

When it comes to managing both professions, Siraj said, "Juggling acting alongside full-time teaching is undeniably challenging. However, with the support of my colleagues, I manage quite well." In fact, Sirah added, "My students' appreciation for my acting serves as a tremendous motivation. Alongside acting, I intend to continue teaching."

After his time at Gana Natyakendra, Siraj started performing in plays at various venues, especially at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. His reputation grew steadily from there. He gained prominence, particularly by playing a leading role in the drama 'Jibon O Rajnoitik Bastobota,' directed by Syed Jamil Ahmed.

"After 'Jibon Ebong Rajnoitik Bastobota,' I started receiving audition offers from different places. In 2019, I was invited to audition for the role of Sheikh Jamal in the biopic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," Siraj recounted.

Subsequently, he acted in approximately a dozen web series and movies, including titles like Mercules, Overtrump, Muntasir, Punorjonmo 3, Shuklopokkho, Ei Muhurte, Refugee, Hawa and Guti.

Regarding the story of the Virus web series, Sharif says that it is remarkably visionary. 

"If we allow injustice around us to persist, it will eventually consume us like a potent virus in the future. Recognising the depth of this storyline, I agreed to participate in this project," Sharif concluded.