Ferdousi Majumdar reminisces her days on ‘Shongshoptok’

Back in the day, BTV's Bohubrihi, Kothao Keu Nei, Ei Shob Din Ratri and Shongshoptok, brought families together under one roof, as they watched new episodes of the shows after days of waiting. As we grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, the channel added reruns of these iconic TV dramas to their schedule. Swept off by nostalgia, a large section of the nation's population has been happily watching the reruns on television at home, even though episodes of the shows are available on YouTube. Shongshoptok, based on Shahidullah Kaiser's novel, returned to BTV after three decades, from May 9. The Daily Star recently caught up with Ekushey Padak-winning actor Ferdousi Majumdar, who played Hurmoti on the hit series.

Why do you think 'Shongshoptok' was such a successful show?

I have been watching the show on BTV again, and I feel that the script, direction and acting were quite powerful at the time. We worked with great care and spent hours in rehearsals to develop the characters. In fact, everyone in the cast went through each line in the entire script. I believe that team work was the secret behind the success of the project. Abdullah Al Mamun also worked tirelessly as a director. 

Hurmoti is one of the most iconic television characters in our country. How was your experience of playing the role?

Back then, everyone around me called me Hurmoti. Even today, most people recognise me because of the character. Playing her was one of the greatest achievements of my career.

What was it like to work with Humayun Faridee?

Humayun Faridee was an impeccable actor. Everyone on the sets, including myself, were fascinated by his sheer aptitude. He was a true artiste, in every way.

You are one of the most powerful artistes in Bangladeshi theatre. How are you staying connected to your co-workers now?

Thanks to technology, I am staying in touch with my fellow theatre artistes through video calls, since we are all at home. They are like family to me, and we are trying to keep each other's spirits up. 

Do you have any message for our readers in these turbulent times?

Nothing lasts forever. Even though we are going through difficult times, I believe that this ordeal will come to an end soon. Frontline fighters such as law enforcers and doctors deserve our heartfelt appreciation right now. They are risking their lives daily, and they do not deserve to be put in harm's way because of our negligence.