Zahid Hasan joins Indian film “Sitara”

Zahid Hasan has been a powerhouse actor of Bangladeshi television for a few decades, but his big screen projects have been sporadic. His debut film, “Balaban”, was a Bangladesh-Pakistan-Sri Lanka joint production, and now the veteran actor is ready for his first fully-foreign film, with Ashish Roy-directed Indian film “Sitara”.

The film, based on eminent writer Abul Bashar's novel “Bhorer Prosuti”, will be made in Bangla and Telegu, and see Hasan take on the role of Dilu.

“I read the novel after getting the offer, and I really liked it,” Zahid Hasan told The Daily Star about how he came to be associated with the film. Asked about his preparations, the actor said “Every new story and character is something new to me. I have started preparations for the role.”

“Sitara” will be filmed in West Bengal's Dinajpur, the actor added, where shooting will commence in January and go on for about a month.

About his character, Hasan said “Dilu is a good-at-heart person. He goes traveling with a girl and they develop a relationship, and that is what moves the story forward.” Asked about who the leading actress in the film is, Zahid said “Let that remain a surprise for now.”

After “Balaban”, Zahid Hasan found success on the small screen and focused his career on TV. Humayun Ahmed's “Shrabon Megher Din”, in which he played a central role, earned him a National Film Award. His other film credits include “Amar Achhe Jol” and “Shankhanad”, and he will be seen next in Tauquir Ahmed-directed “Haldaa”, which releases nationwide on December 1.

About his work in cinema, Zahid Hasan says “I do want to work in films, but only if everything clicks – the story, the character. That is why I did 'Haldaa'; the viewers will realise when they see the film why I did it.”