Photo : Collected
Ferdous Ahmed, the winner of the National Film Award of Bangladesh, is very popular in the Dhallywood and West Bengal film industries simultaneously. Beginning his career as a model, he eventually became a full-fledged actor on both small and big screens. Several of his movies have recently been cleared by the censor board and are awaiting release. Wednesday (7 June) is also the actor's birthday. In an exclusive interview with Nisha Mahmuda of The Daily Messenger, he shared insights about his recent and future projects. Here are some excerpts from the interview:
The Daily Messenger (TDM): You have recently completed a liberation war-based movie titled 'Dampara'. Did you need extra preparation for this movie?
Ferdous: Of course, I had to take some extra preparations to portray my character appropriately. Since it is a movie based on the true story of the heroism and sacrifice of Police Superintendent M Shamsul Haque, it required extra preparation. Luckily, the family of M Shamsul Haque is my neighbour. It was easy for me to meet with them to get to know M Shamsul Haque properly. After meeting with his wife and daughter and seeing his photo album, I got a clear idea about him. Then we sat down with the script. I have never played such a character based on real life. This is going to be my first real-life character.
TDM: How many liberation war-based movies have you worked on so far?
Ferdous: I think the number will be 10 to 12. Among the movies, 'Guerrilla', 'Khoma Nei', 'Post Master 71', and 'Shovoner Shadinota' are well-known. Besides, my other liberation war-based movie '1971 Seisob Din' will be released soon.
TDM: What about two of your new movies 'Dokhin Duar' and 'Mir Jafar: Chapter Two'?
Ferdous: The shooting of 'Dokhin Duar' is almost done, but we hope it will be finished very soon. And the shooting of 'Mir Jafar' has not started yet due to the scorching heat. This script demands the winter season for shooting.
TDM: As we know, you are going to act in a bunch of new films. Do you have any updates about those films?
Ferdous: I was supposed to do a lot of work, but the number of off-track movies is now more. Most of the film shootings are finished. '1971 Seisob Dinguli', 'Dampara', 'Ahare Jibon', 'Mike', 'Maniker Lal Kakra', 'Sujan Majhi', 'Jam', 'Gangchil', 'Kathgoray Sarat Chandra', and 'Russeler Jonno Opekkha' are awaiting release. After the release of all these movies, I may think about new movies. We, the artistes, can only do our part in the movies, but we can do nothing about the release, which is very frustrating for us.
TDM: You have produced a movie titled 'Hajar Bochorer Shrestho Bangali.' What types of stories do you prefer as a producer?
Ferdous: I want to work on contemporary life events. I don't want a typical story. I want to focus on literature-based stories, stories related to life, and children's stories. Additionally, I would like to work on Bangladesh's biggest historical event, which is our liberation war. I believe there could be a thousand more movies made about our liberation war. There are still many stories to be told about this significant event.
TDM: Actor Omar Sani wants you to consider contesting the by-election for the Dhaka-17 constituency, which is now vacant after the demise of the legendary actor Farooque. Your name is also being mentioned for the polls of the Comilla-2 constituency. Will we see you in politics?
Ferdous: No one can replace someone's void. Actor Omar Sani might have said this out of love for me. However, I cannot comment on the election at the moment. It all depends on our honourable Prime Minister. I am ready to do whatever she suggests. The important thing is whether I participate in the election or not, I will always support the Bangladesh Awami League. My entire political career depends on the will of the Prime Minister. I will do what she believes is best for me.
TDM/SD
