The multi-faceted life of MORSHED MISHU
By Ayman Anika
Art can be a powerful tool for change, and cartoonist Morshed Mishu proves it well. A multifaceted artist, Mishu ventured into the world of art in quite an unusual manner – by transforming distressing images of war into illustrations of hope and joy. After that, there was no going back.
From proving his acting skill in the acclaimed webseries Pett Kata Shaw by Nuhash Humayun to traveling to remote corners of the country to help his fellow country people during the recent flooding, Mishu has dared to explore the purpose of life in myriad ways.
With MWB, the talented artist and devoted activist Morshed Mishu shares insights into his artistic journey, the motivations behind his impactful work, and his continuous exploration of art as a vehicle for social change.
What inspired you to start drawing? Did your childhood environment influence your passion for cartoons?
My inspiration to start drawing cartoons came from an unusual source: my failures. I had always dreamed of joining the defence forces – aspiring to be part of the Bangladesh Army or the Bangladesh Airforce. However, after facing rejections from both, I found myself grappling with frustration and a sense of loss. But, as time passed, these rejections shifted my perspective.
I realized that having no other dreams left me with nothing to lose. This realization was the catalyst for a new beginning in my life.
I started experimenting with various creative pursuits like writing stories and poems, photography, cinematography – and finally, drawing cartoons. Surprisingly, I found a unique solace and success in cartooning that eluded me in other areas. The important breakthrough came when Ahsan Habib, my boss and the editor of Unmad Magazine, gave me a chance to draw for them. This opportunity was transformative: it was Unmad Magazine that truly inspired me and boosted my confidence, helping me find my foothold as a cartoonist.
My initial steps in drawing began in childhood under the guidance of my elder brother, Mahin Abdullah, whom I consider my first true mentor. He brought home comic books and issues of Unmad Magazine.
We would spend hours reading them together, trying to imitate the drawings. Whenever I struggled, he was there to guide my hand. This continued practice laid the groundwork for my skills, long before anyone, including myself, imagined I could turn cartooning into a professional pursuit.
How did your involvement with Unmad magazine shape your style and approach to cartooning?
Unmad magazine has played an important role in my journey to becoming a cartoonist. It was the nurturing and continuous encouragement from my boss, Ahsan Habib, which truly made a difference. His support, along with the invaluable lessons I learned from my seniors – esteemed cartoonists like Mehedi Haque, Anik Khan, and Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy – shaped my artistic vision and honed my skills. These mentors provided me not only with technical guidance but also with the inspiration to see the world through a humorous and critical lens, which is essential in cartooning.
I also owe a debt of gratitude to my friend Nahian, who was instrumental in my career. It was Nahian who first introduced me to the
vibrant world of Unmad by taking me to their oce. That visit was a turning point, opening the door to an environment where creativity and satire flourished. It is there that I found my passion and the community that would support and guide me through the initial and challenging phases of my career.
What was the creative process behind transforming distressing war images into joyful illustrations for ‘The Global Happiness Challenge’?
Anxiety. Back in 2018, each time images of war victims appeared on my social media feed, I was overcome with unease. The stark reality of those heartbreaking moments weighed heavily on me, and I found myself trying to look away, wishing I didn’t have to confront such sorrow.
Despite my initial reaction to avoid these images, a persistent thought haunted me – I wished I could somehow add a smile to all those faces, to alter their stories from one of despair to one of hope and joy. This wish became the seed for my participation in “The Global Happiness Challenge.” Driven by the belief that experiencing happiness is a fundamental human right, I decided to take action through my art.
I began by carefully selecting images that particularly moved me. Instead of turning away, I embraced the challenge of reimagining these scenes. With each stroke of my pen, I transformed scenes of conflict and sorrow into moments of peace and happiness. I envisioned children who were caught in war playing joyfully in safe and serene environments, families reunited and smiling, and communities thriving in harmony – which should be, I believe, everyone’s basic right.
Being featured in Forbes 30 under 30 is an important achievement. How has this recognition influenced your career and
activism?
Being recognized as one of Forbes 30 under 30 in Asia was indeed an honor, and for me, it was more about the significance of the moment than the achievement itself.
I felt a deep sense of pride in being able to represent Bangladesh on such a prestigious global platform. It allowed me to highlight my country in a positive light, which was incredibly fulfilling. This recognition was an important moment that affirmed my efforts and the message I strive to convey through my work. However, I have always believed that my career and activism should not be driven by recognition or awards. I am committed to drawing for reasons that go beyond accolades – I draw for causes, for change, and to inspire. The true impact of my work is measured not by trophies or titles, but by its ability to reach and positively affect another human being.
In essence, while the Forbes recognition was a proud and joyful moment, it did not alter the core motivations behind my work. My focus remains steadfast on creating art that advocates for social change, influences public discourse, and promotes understanding. This internal drive is what continues to shape my career and activism, guiding me to contribute meaningfully to the world around me.
You have been featured in some well-known series such as Pett Kata Shaw and Internsheep. What encouraged you to venture into acting? Was it something you have been planning to do?
I’ve always been a curious soul, passionate about exploring and experiencing new things. This innate curiosity extends into my professional life as an artist, where I’ve ventured into various forms of art. Acting, for instance, emerged purely from this sense of exploration. Admittedly, I knew nothing about acting when I started, but the allure of trying something new was irresistible.
I’ve had the opportunity to perform in a few series, and any success I’ve achieved can largely be attributed to the incredible directors and their teams I’ve worked with. I’m truly honored to have collaborated with talented individuals like Nuhash, Rubayet Bhai, Reza Bhai, and Siddiq Bhai. They’ve guided and shaped my performances, compensating for my lack of experience. Conversely, whenever my performances fell short, that was entirely on me, reflecting my novice skills in acting.
Music also holds a special place in my heart. I often joke that if I could sing, I’d be a rockstar. Unfortunately, I’m utterly lacking in musical talent, with not a note of melody in my voice.
Interestingly, I’ve never been one to plan my life meticulously. Whether it was becoming a cartoonist, an artist, or an actor, none of it was planned. I prefer living in the moment, taking life one day at a time. This approach keeps my journey unpredictable and exciting.
As I continue to satisfy my curiosity by exploring as much as possible, everything I learn and experience enriches my work. This ongoing journey of discovery is reflected in my cartoons, illustrations, installations, and artworks. Each piece not only captures my artistic evolution but also echoes the varied paths I’ve wandered along the way.
“Khale Hobe” and “Felna Khelna Telna Deyal” (Wall of Used Toys) are innovative projects. What inspired these initiatives, and what impact did you hope to achieve with them?
“Khale Hobe” was more of a challenge than a project. The canal we targeted was neglected, dirty, and overlooked by authorities. Motivated by a desire to effect change, a group of us took it upon ourselves to tackle this issue. We rallied support through social media and joined forces with the cleaners from the Dhaka South City Corporation. Together, we managed to clean the entire canal in just two days, on amodest budget of only 84 thousand taka, which we raised through crowdfunding.
We aimed to send a clear message to the authorities: if a group of young people can clean this canal efficiently with limited resources, why can’t the authorities maintain its cleanliness with their substantial budgets and extensive vehicular support? The response was loud and clear, proving what a community-driven initiative can achieve.
On a smaller scale, “Felna Khelna Telna Deyal” was a community initiative that started in my local area of Ibrahimpur. The concept was straightforward – to create a wall where people could leave their old toys, and those in need could take them.
After the wall was established, the community actively participated by donating their old toys. The initiative even caught the attention of a toy company owner, Nahiyan Bhai, who generously donated two cartons of toys for the children.
While I did not have specific expectations for immediate impact, I believe that social impact is not something that can be measured after just one or two initiatives. It is a continuous process that requires ongoing efforts and combined actions.
All I can say is that through initiatives like these, we are contributing, even if in a small way, to the larger tapestry of social impact that will shape our future.
In your opinion, how has the role of art in activism changed in Bangladesh over the past few years, especially after the July movement?
The July movement serves as a quintessential example of how art can be a powerful tool in activism. During this period, Bangladeshi artists and cartoonists notably contributed through their works, including cartoons and graffiti, effectively voicing their perspectives and engaging the public. These creative expressions not only highlighted the issues at hand but also mobilized and inspired collective action, demonstrating the significant role that art can play in social movements.
However, it is still too early to precisely predict how art will evolve in the aftermath of the July movement. Historical precedents suggest that the forms and expressions of art typically undergo transformations following major social upheavals. The impact of such transformations is not immediately measurable, especially not just by observing the combined efforts of wall arts by the public and artists after the 5th of August.
As such, we must wait to see how art will continue to influence and shape post-July activism. Time, as always, will be the best indicator.
What advice would you give to young artists who aspire to use their talents for activism and social change?
For young artists aspiring to use their talents for activism and social change, my advice is simple: follow your heart and trust your instincts. Engage in work that you are passionate about and believe in.
However, it is vital to balance this by ensuring that your actions do not discredit or bring dishonor to your family, friends, or country. Strive to make a positive impact through your art, and remember that true change often starts with a single stroke of creativity.
Are there specific activities or routines you follow to unwind after a busy period of work?
Admittedly, my daily routine isn’t the healthiest, so it’s probably best I don’t delve into it too much – I wouldn’t want to lead anyone astray, especially the younger crowd.
However, there is one beneficial activity I make sure to incorporate: working out. Regular exercise is a crucial part of my routine that helps keep me grounded and healthy.
When it comes to relaxation or finding motivation through other media, I don’t stick to any particular books, movies, or music. I’m quite eclectic in my tastes – I’ll read just about anything that captures my interest, at least until it no longer does.
As for movies, I generally rely on recommendations before deciding what to watch. Music is a constant in my life, though. When a particular piece strikes a chord with me, I tend to listen to it on repeat, though currently, there’s nothing specific in my playlist that I’m looping.
Traveling, above all, is my go-to source of relaxation, motivation, and inspiration. There’s something about exploring new places and experiencing different cultures that refreshes my mind and sparks creativity. It’s where I find the most profound peace and renewed energy to fuel my passions.
What’s next for Morshed Mishu?
To see the next sunrise…
