Three-time National Film Award winner, Ferdous has been acting over a decade. Besides Bangladesh, he maintains a hectic schedule
across the border in Kolkata.
The Daily Star spoke to the film star about his career and upcoming project.
What is your shooting schedule like in Kolkata?
Ferdous: It is a very packed schedule. I am acting in a movie “Samadhi” where Govinda and the heroine of India’s first Oscar-nominated film “Lagaan” Gracy Singh are my co-stars. I am doing another movie “KhaNcha”. Recently I packed up the shooting of “Parichay” where Prosenjit is my co-star. I am also busy shooting for some other movies.
What difference do you perceive in the professional climate of Bangladesh and India?
Ferdous: As artistes, producers and directors, we are yet to reach the status of professionalism. The dedication of filmmakers and stars in Kolkata is a study in contrast.
How about your experience working with Tollywood heartthrob Deb?
Ferdous: We worked together in a movie “Khoka Babu” which was a blockbuster. It took about one- and- a -half hours to reach the shooting spot from my house. Although the call time was seven o’clock I rushed to the spot at 5am. To my surprise Deb was there before me.
How come you have gone in for film production?
Ferdous: A film producer can truly entertain the audience. With that realisation, I produced the movie “Ek Cup Cha”. Since the film industry has given me a great deal, it is my turn to repay the debt.
How busy are you currently within the country?
Ferdous: I am also doing some movies here. I am acting in “Film My Love” and “Char Okkhorer Bhalobasa”. Recently I worked with Moushumi and Shabnur in “Kichhu Asha Kichhu Bhalobasha”. I am also performing in a movie based on National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Recently I worked in another movie “Brihonnala” directed by Murad Parvez.
What is your view about the future of our film industry?
Ferdous: Like many others, I think the industry is on the verge of collapse. You see, at present 30 to 35 movies are released a year instead of 100 as in the past, which gives a gloomy picture. There are only 450 cinema halls now as opposed to1100 before. While the film industry is prospering in the rest of the world, the number of our films is on the decline.
Can our industry go back its golden days?
Ferdous: Definitely. With a combined effort, the industry can be successful again. I am optimistic about that.
What is your reaction to winning the film award thrice over?
Ferdous: I won the National Film Award first for the movie “Hotath Brishti”. I was also awarded for “Gongajatra” and “Kusum Kusum Prem”. These are certainly great achievements in my life as it is difficult to attain such heights, despite putting in a lifetime in the industry.
What memories do you treasure of “Hotath Bristi”?
Ferdous: It gave me my first break. Before this, I worked with Bibi Russell. I was a student of Dhaka University then. Hero Ferdous was born from the womb of “Hotath Brishti”. So, the film will obviously remain firmly in my mind forever.
-With The Daily Star input
