1920 with Hridi and gang

When life pulsates with energy . . .

For lots of people 2009 had a special meaning, especially the digits 2 and 9, the 21st century influence, the energy, the life. All these could only mean one thing-the fun and happening drama of the year “1920” by Hridi Huq that was aired on NTV on Mondays and Thursdays. This was a story about the lives of Asib, Tonmoy, Sagor, Ayon, Promiti, Sraboni, Pinky and many more.
There were both new and old faces in the serial like Tisha, Nova, et al.
The Daily Star got into a chat or rather a gossip session with the cast and the director of this drama.
“The period of 19/20 is a very challenging time,” said Hridi Huq, director “It was a time for lots of emotions, adventures, dreams, disappointments, challenges, likes, dislikes, family ties, etc. All these has a great effect when put together and I wanted to do something with it. Twenty years later all these emotions may change. I had a young sister and friends around that age so it got me thinking about their life and their perspective.”
"There were 66 episodes. When we submitted the first five/six clippings to the channel, we were informed that it would go on air within 15 days. This was exhilarating, but it also meant we had a huge responsibility.”
Imtu: Now it's done, we are going to miss 1920.
Ronnie: The good thing about the drama was that many expatriates liked it mainly, from Europe, US, etc.
Hridi: I was actually looking for some new kids in the block for the interview. I knew some from here who are with me in the theatre groups. From the universities, around 20/30 people called up as well, so it was also a task to select. The group that ended up had a special 'kismat' connection you can say. For example Avic had the good student look with the specs and all, and he just fitted into the image of Ayon.
Avic : Yes, that was easy. Ayon was a very supportive character. He wanted his widowed mother to get married to her best friend because he felt the need of supporting his mom. At the end of the drama, he succeeded in this attempt.
Asib : My role was rather evil, but it also had a special meaning. Asib in the drama was one who falls in and out of love over and over again. He is a product of a cynical society, where the son fell into bad ways due to lack of family bonding.
Tonmoy played by Imtu was one of those happy-go-lucky urban characters. He was friendly, charming, liked the celebrity girl Promiti whom Asib also liked. But Tonmoy truly loved the girl whereas Asib just wanted a drifting relationship. In a piece of good news to viewers, there was a happy ending here. His friend was Ayon, played by Avic.
Swagata: Promiti was a celebrity and got differently treated by classmates. But they gradually realised that she was also like them, and started to get more friendly.
Ronnie: Sagor was a simple-hearted boy, coming from a rural background. He did extremely well in studies compared to others but he dropped out due to personal, financial troubles. In the end, he ended up being the driver on the wedding night of the girl whom he liked. What happens to some talented youth in our society who are derived of chances.
Proma: I was Sraboni, the controversial character, It was kind of embarrassing as this was the first time I played a negative role. I was dating my sister's husband. It was awkward, but it was a lot of fun. The shoot was basically after months for one day, but that day we worked our heads off. At the end however, the girl became good after her sister passed away and her attention got diverted to the child she left behind.
The actors of 1920 are getting the opportunities to work with many other renowned directors. The success and follow up of a drama just proves how firmly it is etched in people's hearts.
“Actors, director, editor, cameraman, lights and sound- almost everyone was young and that's what was pretty amazing about this drama, ” said the team in unison.