Ferdous Wahid: One mic, many talents
Ferdous Wahid, a legendary figure in Bangladeshi music, now brings his artistic flair to television as the host of ‘Chena Mukh Dukhho Shukh’, blending creativity, experience, and charisma in a new role
Ferdous Wahid is an artiste, through and through. When he speaks, even regular conversations begin to sound lyrical. So, it only makes sense that when Wahid decided to expand his horizons, he would take up the role of a television host.
Longtime fans can now see their favourite musician, Wahid, as the host of the program, 'Chena Mukh Dukhho Shukh', where he welcomes a variety of artistes such as Habib Wahid, Agun, and Hyder Husyn
Produced by Punom Priom, the show will be aired on Channel i, and three out of the 16 episodes have already been recorded. Recently, Ferdous Wahid discussed this new experience, his thoughts on the industry, and his motivation to keep creating as an artiste.
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"I am always looking for something new, always driven to create something fresh. Hosting is just a continuation of that," Ferdous said, sharing his thought process behind this decision.
In musical programmes, hosts play a key role by sharing insights about the artistes' music and personal journeys, helping audiences connect more deeply. When a host's presentation aligns with the show's theme, it enhances the overall experience. In Bangladesh, however, only a few skilled hosts manage to truly engage viewers.
"Being an artiste should come first. Stardom can be sweet, but it brings its own set of challenges. One shouldn't be seen as a star until they've genuinely grown and matured as an artiste."
Ferdous Wahid is one such figure, known for his strong presence and ability to make a show his own with his unique style. He further believes hosting has the potential to grow as a respected profession in the country.
"In other countries, hosting is taken seriously and treated with respect. Here, it's often just a hobby. But I believe it will soon be seen as a strong, professional career," he said.
In the '80s and '90s, a few singers dominated Dhaka's music scene with modern music, and Ferdous Wahid was one of them. Many of his contemporaries have faded away, and some have passed on. But Wahid remains actively involved in music.
When asked how he managed to sustain his long musical journey, he replied straightforwardly, "Willpower, effort, and a lifelong love for the arts. And above all, it's God's will that I am still able to work."
Ferdous didn't just limit himself to music; his creativity led him to pursue directing. He opened his own production company and produced several dramas, even venturing into filmmaking. One of his notable films was 'Kushumpurer Golpo'.
"While keeping my artistic spirit alive, I always search for something new. That's how I got into directing. When I don't feel like singing, I turn my attention to creating something instead," Wahid shared on his passion for directing.
Many artistes tend to withdraw from the public eye after achieving fame through just a few popular songs. This tendency to step back often results in them disappearing from the mainstream, regardless of their talent. When asked whether it's more important to be an artist or a star, Ferdous' response was clear.
"Being an artiste should come first. Stardom can be sweet, but it brings its own set of challenges. One shouldn't be seen as a star until they've genuinely grown and matured as an artiste," he concluded.
