DOOB - A Descend to Ascend
According to Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the film tells the story of a family, love, fallout and reunion. In an interview with the Daily Star, Farooki clarified the fact, stating, "It's not a Humayun Ahmed biopic". But he also mentioned that anybody can be inspired from their surroundings, whether it is for a film, poem, story or art. He also added "Many of Humayun Ahmed's stories are inspired from real incidents around him, from the Liberation War and the middle class life.
I have been inspired too. Whether I was inspired from his life, and if so, to what extent and how I have interpreted it, you can tell after you see the film." Farooki also stated that if he had intended to make a biopic on Humayun Ahmed, then he would have definitely done it with the consent of the family, but since he made it out of admiration and inspiration of the late legend, it should be of no controversial concern.
The popular actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha portrayed the presumable role of Shila Ahmed (Humayun Ahmed's daughter) in "Doob". As an actress, she feels it is a matter of professionalism and is excited to be involved with a project of this magnitude. Tisha is rather proud of the fact that she got the opportunity to work with a renowned director, an enticing story, a good production and the scope to work with an artist as versatile as Irrfan Khan. She mentioned that she did not portray the character of Shila per se, but rather the character that she was asked to depict by the director.
When we spoke to Rokeya Prachi, who has presumably played the character of Gultekin Ahmed (Humayun Ahmed's first wife), she told as that as actors, they do not investigate how the director comes up with a story or every reason behind the plot, they rather try to comprehend the character and try their best to bring it to life.
She said, "Through all that process, it did not seem to me that it is a biopic of Humayun Ahmed. However, from what I could apprehend, I was sure that it was indeed inspired by the great maestro." She also added, "It actually depends on how the audience will interpret the film, only then can we truly get the overall idea."
Meher Afroz Shaon was in a dilemma after the article was published in Anandabazar about "Doob", regarding her late husband. Her presumable role was portrayed by Kolkata's Parno Mittra. Shaon firmly believes that when one works with content that relates to an iconic figure such as Humayun Ahmed, it is essential to have the approval from that person (if alive) or their family.
She also mentioned that she would have never declined such a proposal from a celebrated director as Farooki, but that he should have asked for permission nonetheless. Shaon is still quite hazy about the hype surrounding "Doob" and will have to wait until the mist clears till she can strongly justify her opinion.
Through the grape vines, we have heard that "Doob" is now a hot topic even in Bollywood and beyond. Why would it not be? Many international directors could not yet reach Irrfan Khan with their proposals, whereas a small striving film industry like ours was able to grab his attention via Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.
The fact that it was inspired by a one-of-a-kind novelist, served as a 'cherry on top' factor for the overall hype. Despite the clarifications, confusion still persists and will continue to until "Doob" graces our theatres. Farooki informed that the film is ready with some final touch-ups pending and will be released simultaneously in Bangladesh, India and US.
Keep an eye out readers, as we will conduct a round-table soon with the cast and crew of "Doob" to learn more about "No Bed Of Roses".
By Minam Haq
Comments