Mabrur Rashid Bannah: I try to create stories for all types of viewers

Mabrur Rashid Bannah is one of the most talked-about TV drama directors of the time. The Business Standard has recently interviewed the director about his work.

Tell us about your experience of Eid season during covid-19 crisis?

We had to work under a lot of risks this season. We can say that we successfully pulled it off because we had taken the health and safety measures for our entire team with the utmost priority. That is why I can breathe a sigh of relief.  

Which were the most successful dramas? 

We were blown away by the response we received for the romantic-comedy drama 'A better love story,' featuring Tahsan and Safa Kabir, which was aired on both TV and YouTube. It was also ranked fourth in the TRP list. Feedback for drama 'Benjonborno', starring Mosharraf Karim and Shayla Sabi came as soon as it hit the TV channels. It topped the TRP list. I worked with Allen Shubhro after seven years in 'Amar Oporadh Ki?', starring Marjuk Russell. Viewers also gave their humble feedback for 'Maa, I Miss You', starring' Tahsan and Monira Mithu. 'Date Room', starring Jovan and Nabila was also praised and loved by the audience. 

Most dramas are not talked about when they are released on TV but they become hot topics the moment they are released in YouTube. Does it mean that dramas are leaning towards the online platforms more now? 

'Benjonborno' was on top of the TRP list. This is truly hopeful news. It is undeniable that TV has much more approval no matter how much we talk about online platforms.  At the same time, we cannot deny the importance of TV. Despite all of this, dramas are indeed getting more and more online-centric for the last couple of years. 

Some viewers have raised questions about the quality of a few of your works and said that they do not go with the standards you have created for yourself. What's you say on this?

There is a wide range of viewers of my works. Some of them might not like my work because it might go as per their taste. 
You always tend to give break to new and upcoming artistes. What is your mindset behind it?

I don't want to see that there is a crisis of good artistes. I want to see variations in the works done by everyone. That is why we need to explore and give platform to newcomers.  
When can we see you behind the camera again?

I have decided not to work for two months after Eid and more than one month has already passed. I took a lot of risks while working this season after staying at home for 114 days. I have a family to look after and for them, I took the decision to not work for now.