By Ayman Anika
Shommo Jyoti is just getting started
Being surrounded by talented artistes inspires you to be like one of them and express your creativity freely, without any hesitation or restriction. And if originality and artistry run in one’s family, a person is sure to be immersed in inspiration. Shommo Jyoti, son of eminent writer and director Brindaban Das and actor Shahnaz Khushi, is one fine example of a genetic jackpot of charisma.
It would be unfair to simply chalk everything up to genetics, though. With his natural charm, easygoing nature, and that iconic fluffy hair, Shommo has already made his presence felt. Holding his own beside Afran Nisho in Kaiser, his performance was received warmly by HoiChoi viewers at home and across the border. With exciting new projects lined up ahead of him, up is the only way for him to go.
Braving the heavy traffic and sparing some time from his busy schedule, Shommo Jyoti talked to MWB about the ventures that are keeping him occupied and what he is planning to do next.
With four actors in the family, could you tell us a little bit about what childhood was like?
My childhood was rather fun and I still want to hold on to that feeling. And honestly, I don’t want to grow up. I grew up interacting with renowned media personalities such as Mosharraf Karim, Humayun Faridi – and my family has been like an institution for me where I received my first lessons in acting.
I used to visit the shooting sets with my parents and observed the environment and people. Even now, I relish the memories wholeheartedly.
Was there an ‘aha’ moment where you decided you also wanted to get into acting or was it always inevitable?
Frankly, I joined showbiz very unexpectedly, it wasn’t planned at all. As my family was already involved with acting, I grew up watching both the good and bad sides of media. So, becoming an actor wasn’t a pre-decided decision for me. One day, after finishing my O-level exams I went with my father to visit a shooting set and my father wrote in two small characters for me and my brother. Voila!Also, I acted as a child actor in a drama named Happy Family and it was appreciated by many people. So, after gradually taking up these small roles, both my brother Dibbo and I discovered our inner passion.
If you weren’t an actor, what would you be?
I would definitely be an army officer. Growing up, I had once entertained the idea of becoming a traffic police officer because I loved the fact that they can make the traffic stop just by a wave of their hands. But then I changed my mind and the life of military officers fascinated me.
What is your process for preparing for a role?
I don’t get bothered or tired by doing my work – whether that is taking retakes or getting four hours of sleep – it never troubles me that much. Rather, I enjoy it and the process itself.
To be honest, I always try to take my roles very seriously (no matter how small the role is) and read my scripts thoroughly. For instance, to prepare myself for one of my upcoming movies, I had locked myself in a room and read lots of dark things just to get into the character. And in the end, it was worth it. Moreover, I try to observe people a lot and take inspiration from my real life and feel my characters.
What kind of shows do you enjoy watching?
I am a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan and love to watch his movies. Honestly speaking, I have watched Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) at least 50-60 times.
Who’s a director you really want to work with?
I looking forward to working with Amitabh Reza Chowdhury and Syed Ahmed Shawki. My brother Dibbo has worked with them already and now, I also wish to work with these two brilliant directors. And when it comes to an international director, the name Christopher Nolan is on top of my list.
What’s a role you would never want to play?
To be very honest, there is not a single role that I would not want to play. As an actor, I want to do everything and this is the advantage of being an actor – you can get the taste of many roles through this one profession which is acting.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I have been blessed with such amazing parents who are always guiding me with their valuable advice. So, I can’t decide on any particular advice that has influenced me greatly; rather I am receiving inspirational advice and guidance from my parents constantly.
In the age of social media, when everything is online, how have you managed to keep a low profile?
Honestly speaking, I think I am still not mature enough to deal with social media. So, that’s why I have kept a low profile intentionally.
What’s next for Shommo Jyoti?
A web series of mine, titled Internsheep directed by Rezaur Rahman, is due to release on Chorki very soon and Kaiser Level 2 is in the pipeline. I am also very excited about my upcoming films Nakshi Kanthar Jomin (A Tale of Two Sisters) directed by Akram Khan and Tungi Parar Dusshahoshi Khoka directed by Mushfiqur Rahman Gulzar.
Fashion Direction & Styling: Mahmudul Hasan Mukul
Photographer: Farabi Tamal
Make-up & Hair: Ferdous Ahsan Orko
