Bringing an extinct musical tradition to big screen

Humayun Ahmed is perhaps the most celebrated contemporary Bangladeshi fiction writer. His immense contribution to the Bangladeshi literature over the last three decades has earned him international acclaim as well. The author has explored the film industry and TV as a director as well. His first film, “Aguner Parashmoni”, based on the Liberation War, received critical acclaim and won eight National Film Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The Daily Star (TDS) recently caught up with Ahmed to find out his plans for the upcoming Eid. Excerpts from the conversation:
TDS: How many plays are you planning to direct this Eid?
Ahmed: I cannot say for sure, but two plays -- “Noshto Bashor” and “Shada Bari” -- are complete. “Noshto Bashor” is a story of a single night, while “Shada Bari” conveys a message, which should encourage people to pay taxes.
TDS: Who are the cast and crew for the plays?
Ahmed: “Noshto Bashor” features Jayanto Chattopadhyay, Tomalika Karmakar, Naznin Naz and Masud Akhand. Asaduzzaman Noor, Faruk
Ahmed, Shamim Shahed, Majnun Mizan, Masud Akhand and Kuddus Boyati will be seen in “Shada Bari”.
TDS: Memorable experiences while writing your latest plays?
Ahmed: “Noshto Bashor” is very close to my heart. My eyes watered while writing a particular scene. When the script was finished, I was content. This was a special experience for me.
TDS: Shooting for your latest film “Ghetu-putro Komola” was scheduled to begin a few months ago. What happened?
Ahmed: A few problems caused the delay. Collecting props was the first challenge. I felt that the music director I decided to work with initially was not the right choice for the film. I also realised that I could not make headway with my first choice for the cameraman. Another reason is that my wife Shawon cannot be on the set due to her physical condition. And the protagonist of the film had to urgently go to Singapore, further delaying shooting.
TDS: What's the USP of “Ghetu-putro Komola”?
Ahmed: Others may say that there are 50 special features about the film. But for me, there is nothing particularly special about “Ghetu-putro Komola”.
TDS: What do you want to portray through the film?
Ahmed: I want to focus on the haor regions of Bangladesh. During the monsoon, a haor is submerged, with water stretching to the horizon and waves like a turbulent sea. The same location will be a dry, barren place during winter. When someone, not familiar to haor areas, watches the film, they would be surprised. We will take shots by giving reference.
TDS: What is the background of the story?
Ahmed: “Ghetu-putro Komola” revolves around 'Ghetu' songs. About 150 years ago, the 'Ghetu' genre was born in a Boishnob Akhra in Sunamganj's Jolshukha village. Although lyrics of 'Ghetu' songs were usually considered vulgar, the tunes became classics. Young boys, in the guise of girls, would perform these songs, and a lewd practice of being physically involved with these young boys began among the local affluent.
The haor people remained marooned from civilisation for three months during the monsoon, and used to have 'Ghetu' singers perform for them. The practice or genre doesn't exist anymore. The film highlights the tradition of 'Ghetu' songs.
TDS: Where will the shooting be held?
Ahmed: The indoor shooting will be done at Nuhash Polli; the sets -- designed by me -- took six months to create. An old chest was made, while a house, like the ones owned by affluent rural families 150 years ago, was also constructed. Sunamganj's haor region will be the spot for the rest of the shooting. Tarik Anam Khan will play the lead role in the film.