Film star Ferdous rode his way into popularity with a bang -- with the film “Hothat Brishti”. Over the years, Ferdous has cemented his position in the film industry, both in Dhaka and Kolkata. A journalism graduate from Dhaka University, Ferdous went on to work with Bibi Russell on the ramp, which eventually led him to the world of movies. The actor is also a producer now -- with his film “Ek Cup Cha” awaiting release. Ferdous recently cleared out his schedule for his fans and admirers and came to DS Café to take calls from across the country.

Koli, Sylhet: I only have one demand -- that is for you to work in more Kolkata films.
Ferdous: I'm busy working on films in both Dhaka and Kolkata. I will be nothing without your admiration. Since you are asking, I will try to work in more Kolkata movies.
Sagar Chowdhury, Sylhet: What is the secret behind your successful career?
Ferdous: I've been blessed with love from the audience. I also believe that my honesty, hard work and commitment have helped me gain a strong foothold in the industry.
Rakhi, Dhaka: Do you have any recurring dream?
Ferdous: I often dream that I'm going back to my childhood.
Samiha, Dhaka: How did you arrive in media?
Ferdous: I used to be a ramp model with Bibi Russell. From my exposure there, I got offers in the movies. Since then, I've been a part of filmdom.
Tithi, Chittagong: Will “Ek Cup Cha” -- your maiden production -- be released this Eid?
Ferdous: No, it will not be released after Eid-ul-Azha. But I'm sure you'll hear about it when it's released.
Md. Sultan, Teknaf: I'm a Rohingya refugee. Do you have any plans on making a movie about us?
Ferdous: If any director ever comes up with a story about the refugees and offers me a role in it, I will be happy to do it.
Murad, Chittagong: I always go to the theatres whenever a movie of yours is released.
Ferdous: Thank you. But I urge you to go and see films by others as well.
Raisa, Dhaka: If you weren't a film star, what would you have been?
Ferdous: A pilot.
Rupa, Rajshahi: Is your wife really a pilot?
Ferdous: Yes, she is.
Sumon, Savar: Do you like to collect anything?
Ferdous: Watches and sunglasses.
TDS (The Daily Star): On the whole, what are the differences between Bangladeshi and Indian films?
Ferdous: What I believe is that in India, everyone -- from the audience to the filmmakers, are passionate film lovers. But our movie-watching culture is yet to grow. Maybe the lack of good cinema halls or environment is to blame. It is necessary for the movie theatres to have an appropriate environment, when one goes there with friends or family. Only a handful of cinema halls in Dhaka maintain a standard. This is the primary field where we lag behind in Bangladesh. But even in the rural parts near Kolkata -- for example, Shantiniketan or Bolpur -- have decent movie theatres.
Kolkata is also seeing many talented people joining the film industry, unlike Bangladesh. We started a trend, which saw many educated people joining films, but the practice eventually faded out. In India, young, educated people watch, make and act in films but in Bangladesh there is no such culture.
Technically, they are also very rich. When I did “Hothat Brishti” in 1998, Kolkata movies had a budget of Taka 12-16 lakh, compared to contemporary Dhaka productions of over Taka one crore. But now we see Kolkata movies with Taka 6-7 crore budgets, while our filmmakers are shooting with only 20-30 lakh. When the whole world is moving forward, only we are on the reverse gear.
Mohsin, Sylhet: Do you want to do anything regarding your social responsibilities?
Ferdous: I want to build an old home. When I get tired of working, I will make some time to work on that project.

Lonnie, Dhaka: What is the main problem of Dhaka city?
Ferdous: I think traffic congestion is the main headache for Dhaka residents. It is hard to keep an appointment when one has to travel across the city.
Kamrul, Dhaka: Which actresses have you been paired up with the most?
Ferdous: Moushumi, Shabnoor and Rituparna.
Tamanna, Gazipur: What do you do in your leisure hours?
Ferdous: I stay at home. I'm mostly busy with my work in Kolkata or Bangladesh. So when I'm free, I stay home and give my children some time.
TDS: Why is it that no Bengali actor has ever been able to build a strong foothold in Bollywood?
Ferdous: Some Bengali actresses have had successful careers in Bollywood. However, their families had already been settled in Bollywood. Their entry in the Bollywood industry was made easy by family connections (Rani Mukerji for example).
Kolkata actors who went to Bollywood, made the switch after being established in their hometown. I didn't go into Hindi films as I felt that it was not worth starting fresh. I know many accomplished actresses from Kolkata, who failed to shine in Bollywood. We only know about a handful of actors, out of thousands who travel to Bollywood in search of fame. Even Shahrukh Khan has to audition in Bollywood, as is the custom there.
TDS: Have you seen any change after movies were declared an “industry”?
Ferdous: Where will the change come from? Films are not being made. There was a time when a hundred films were made each year, compared to only 30 movies that are now made annually. Now FDC hosts reality show shooting. When we started, around 10 or more movies were shot each day at FDC. That announcement will bring positive results when the theatres are fixed, more theaters are built and a greater number of quality films are made.
Deepa, Dhaka: What's your opinion of Ananta Jalil?
Ferdous: I find him to be an interesting character.
TDS: If you were exiled to an island, what would you take with you?
Ferdous: A speedboat.

Transcribed by Shah Alam Shazu