Indian cinema which began silently at the turn of the last century has over the years made its presence felt in the world with a loud bang. Crossing borders and the Arabian Sea, it has created ripples even in Middle Eastern countries.
Indian cinema and artists have proved that they know no borders and culture is no barrier. Artists such as Shahrukh Khan are icons in a region where Indian culture is the opposite of Arab culture. Even the language is nowhere near to being understood. One such artist who has proved that he can transcend borders and culture barriers is Ferdous Ahmed. He has made the critics of Bangladeshi cinema both at home and abroad take a back seat.
With a Masters in mass communication and journalism and being a trainee pilot, Ferdous has given much-needed class to Bangladeshi cinema. He was picked up from the ramps by veteran Bangladeshi dancer, Amir Hossain Babu. A national award winner with more than 40 films released both in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.
Ferdous has achieved a commendable success. “I am working in India successfully. Earlier they thought that we were not up to the mark. I think I have changed that. I believe that in the near future many more of the new breed of Bangladeshi artists will work abroad,” Ferdous Ahmed proudly declared to Arab News.
Modesty and simplicity are Ferdous’s trademarks. He uses this combination in selecting his roles. This is one of the reasons that have gained him international popularity in both Bangla and other films on both sides of the border.
Not only has Ferdous worked with the famous director Iqbal Burrani from Indian Cinema (Bollywood) in “Mitti” but has been offered a role in the Canadian film “Floating Stones.” The Pakistani film industry has also approached him.
Among Ferdous’s films “Hatath Brishti” (Sudden Rain), directed by Basu Chatterjee, is his favorite. That role won him the national award for best actor and also the ‘Vjala Anondodok’ award from Calcutta for the same film.
A typical song and aerobic dancing scene shot was being prepared when I met Ferdous. Asked about the current standing of Bangladeshi films and its present state, Ferdous replied, “It is improving day by day. We need modern equipment such as cameras and other tools. Also the environment of cinema halls in Bangladesh should be changed so that more families can come to watch the films.” Actors in Pakistan’s cinema have similar complaints. However, Ferdous is hopeful for the future of Bangladeshi films with young men and women from educated and ‘cultured’ families beginning to work in the film industry in Bangladesh. “I think this habit should increase; only then will our industry improve.”
Ferdous is truly a man of substance as far as the celluloid world is concerned. His favorite actors include Tom Cruise and Uttam Kumar. He wants to contribute more by doing some ‘memorable roles’. “I want to do selective movies. I also want to direct and produce more movies in the near future.” His latest release will come out next month, “Prem Toto Jala” (Love is A Pain). His current film is “Bachelor” which had been running for the seventh consecutive week all over Bangladesh when this interview was conducted. The story revolves around four young bachelors. It tells the story of these young men’s difficulties when trying to make new girl friends. It is a typical comic reflection of Bangladeshi youth in an urban environment.
