Shooting on for the last play written by Humayun Ahmed

Mir Sabbir, Faruk Ahmed and Swadhin Khasru with the director (R). Photo courtesy: Abu Taher Aakash

In the early morning light Mir Sabbir, Swadhin Khashru, Faruk Ahmed and director Jewel Rana chat away seated on a lakeside brick bench, as the crew prepares for a shooting session on Dhanmondi Road Number 2. However, it doesn't take much time for a crowd to gather around them. As the day progresses, more and more people gather around to get a glimpse of their favourite stars.
Rana discusses the scene with the cast. He says, “This is the last play written by Humayun Ahmed. It is called 'Gura Morich Party'.”
By then the clock has struck 10. The director informs everyone that shooting is about to begin. Ahmed, Khashru and Sabbir will act in the first scene. Faruk Ahmed says, “I've appeared in many plays and films by Humayun Ahmed. It is very sad that he is not here to see us working in his last play.”
Khashru echoes Faruk, saying that he is also missing the eminent author-director. Sabbir shares his experiences of working with Humayun Ahmed, adding that he is also missing the great personality.
Before the shooting starts, the director, assistant director Ibrahim, the actors and other shooting unit members observe a minute's silence, in memory of Humayun Ahmed.
The actor trio sits on a bench to shoot the scene, where they will enjoy some coconut drinks and argue on who has drunk the most.
Sabbir is the first to take a sip, but the coconut is snatched away from him by Ahmed, followed by Khashru, before it returns to Sabbir again.
The director however is dissatisfied with the shot. He calls for a retake.
Sabbir asks the crew for fresh coconuts as the liquid has finished, but assistant director Ibrahim says the coconuts will be filled with water this time.
The director shouts “action” again, but the scene is again foiled as two cell phones ring out aloud in the crowd. The third take is also scrapped as Sabbir smiles in the scene. It takes a while before the director gives his nod.
The next scene will be shot at the same location. Here, the trio will see a man catching fish. Sabbir will approach the man and create a fuss. Rana looks for the fishing rod and fish needed to shoot the scene, which his assistant promptly provides.
I will play the role of the fisherman. I changed into a T-shirt and lungi for the scene, but the director objects, saying that the new lungi and expensive sandals will not go with the scene. I also brought a worn out lungi and inexpensive sandals. The camera is placed overhead and the scene is shot without too much trouble.
For the next scene, Sabbir joins me. Rana gives necessary directions. It takes some time to get the scene right, as I struggle with getting the perfect vocal expression. By then a crowd has gathered around the shooting unit.
Lunch by the lake soon follows. Afternoon has set in, with the clock reading 3:15 pm. Mir Sabbir mocks cameraman Nabid, as he keeps on talking on the phone while the rest of the crew eat. Khasru demands a different fish for the next day. The lunch menu is beef, chicken, prawns, small fish, vegetables, daal bhorta and koi fish. After lunch, everyone has a cup of tea. Khasru says, “I wish I had the chance to have a long nap. I will fall asleep as soon as my head hits the bench.”
Sabbir's younger brother Raj comes to the shooting spot. Someone points out the similarity between the two brothers. After talking to Raj, Sabbir returns to his script.
Rana urges haste for the next scene, as the lack of sunlight will not allow more shooting. Faruk-Khasru-Sabbir trio sits on the bench again with a packet of biryani in their hands. In the scene, they will keep on chatting while enjoying some biryani. At one point Ahmed will take Sabbir's advice and slap Khashru. As the film rolls, Sabbir breaks into laughter as soon as the slapping is done. The others in the unit also join him. Rana asserts that it's not possible to shoot if everyone is laughing. Sabbir says, “How can one hold back laughter?” The scene is finally shot after everyone manages to contain giggles.
As evening sets in, the shooting unit packs up and heads for another location, while I return to the office with photographer Akash.