Ferdous on working with Basu Chatterjee

Noted artiste Ferdous has won the hearts of the masses with his charm over the years. The celebrated actor has garnered an extensive fan base through his prominence in films in Bangladesh and beyond. His widespread popularity in Bangladesh and India started with the film, Hothat Brishti. The film was directed by Basu Chatterjee, who passed away recently, leaving behind a rich legacy. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, Ferdous shared his fond memories with the renowned director.

Ferdous first met Chatterjee back in 1997, through producer Habibur Rahman, in Dhaka. During their meeting, Chatterjee gave Ferdous the script of Hothat Brishti, stating that he is interested to work with him in the film.

For Ferdous, it seemed like an impossible dream at the time. He couldn't believe that a renowned director like Chatterjee would want to cast him in his film.

Even after exchanging contact details with Chatterjee, Ferdous thought the incident was some sort of joke. However, when the director called him up and asked him about his passport, Ferdous realised that all of it was indeed happening. "He asked me if I had a passport and then told me when to arrive in Kolkata. Although I was still in disbelief, I went to Kolkata to meet him," shares Ferdous. "I formed an incredible bond with him throughout my time in the city."

Chatterjee was a cinephile, in the truest sense. He resided in Mumbai and also had a house in Kolkata. "I have visited both of his houses on multiple occasions and I look back on those days fondly," shares a nostalgic Ferdous.

The Hothat Brishti team also went to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, during the shoot. Due to the scorching heat there, the scenes had to be wrapped up by early morning, and the crew members and actors had to prepare for the shoot from 3 am, regularly.

"Basuda used to get up at three in the morning and wake me up to get ready on time," says Ferdous. The cast and crew shot in Jaisalmer for nearly two weeks. "There was a famous restaurant in Jaisalmer, near the Pakistan border. Basuda and I used to spend hours there, talking about films," adds the actor.

The National Award-winning actor also worked with Chatterjee on Chupi Chupi, Tok Jhal Mishti and Hothat Shedin. He was scheduled to work on Chatterjee's upcoming film, Biyer Shaje. The director had shared the plot of the film with him as well.

Chatterjee wanted to cast Ferdous in the film, Ek Cup Cha. He was the one who gave Ferdous the script. "While shooting in Rajasthan, he told me about Ek Cup Cha, stating that the film needs to be done 20 years later, as that's when I would be perfect for the role," shares Ferdous. The actor wanted Chatterjee to helm the film, but due to some unavoidable circumstances, the director was unable to do so. Ek Cup Cha is directed by Naeem Imtiaz Niamul and produced by Ferdous, with a screenplay from Chatterjee.

Ferdous described Chatterjee as a caring and disciplined person. He always held Bangladesh close to his heart. "Basuda's dream was to make a film on Bangladesh's Liberation War," shares the actor. "I once took him to the Shaheed Minar and Suhrawardy Udyan. He got very emotional, as he remembered Bangabandhu's iconic 7th March speech."

Chatterjee was passionate about Bangladeshi culture and fashion as well. "He was very fond of Bangladeshi sweetmeats and delicacies. Gifts from Bangladesh always made him happy," adds Ferdous.

Ferdous kept in touch with the director over the years. Even in Chatterjee's last days, the actor checked up on him regularly. "Unfortunately, I never had the chance to talk to him one last time and give him a proper goodbye. I have lost one of my most valuable mentors," shares Ferdous.