I had no intention of being an actor” -- Ferdous

Actor Ferdous is busy shooting for both Dhaliwood and Tollywood films. He is also producing a film “Ek Cup Cha.” Noim Imtiaz Neyamul is directing the film.
“The story is quite remarkable. I hope the audience will head towards movie theatres to watch the film,” said Ferdous.
Ferdous has recently acted in the film “Guerrilla”, directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff. “It's been a great opportunity for me to act in this film. The film is based on the Liberation War and has received financial assistance from the Government of Bangladesh. The film is an adaptation of a Syed Shamsul Haq story,” he said.
Asked about his experiences of acting in the film, the actor said, “It was truly an interesting experience. I've done more of a cameo in the film. I play a university teacher. Shooting was held in the northern parts of the country.”
About acting in Tollywood (Kolkata-based movie industry), Ferdous said, “So far I have acted in around 15 Tollywood films in the last two years.”
About Bangladeshi films, Ferdous pointed out that prior to working in “Guerrilla”, he acted in the film “Jolrong” directed by Shahnewaz Kakoli.
What are the noticeable differences between Dhaliwood and Tollywood films? “Distinctions are conspicuous. Commitment to work gives a boost to Tollywood films. A debate is on in our country right now, regarding whether Hindi films are to be screened or not. My view is that if we screen 10 Hindi films in Bangladesh, they have to screen 10 Bangladeshi films in India,” he responded.

I wasn’t perceived as a successful actor” --Abhay Deol

At the beginning of his Bollywood innings Abhay Deol was not perceived successful as his films failed to click at the box office but the actor says initial roadblocks helped him take further risks in his career.
Abhay made his debut with “Socha Naa Tha” in 2005. The actor, who will be seen in a romantic role in “Aisha”, says he had set rules for himself before stepping into the world of Bollywood, which helped him avoid stereotypes.
“My plan was to begin with a film like 'Socha Na Tha' and then in films like 'Ek Chalis...' or 'Manorama'. It was unfortunate that my earlier films flopped at the box office. I wasn't perceived as a successful actor and my career didn't make people stand up and say 'Oh God, let's check out this guy',” Abhay tells PTI.
The 34-year-old star, who has delivered gems like “Oye Lucky Lucky Oye” and “Dev D” that turned out to be commercial as well as critical success, says initial flops also helped him understand the business of cinema.
“All of this was only a blessing in disguise because now I could start taking further risks. I could afford to do films like 'Dev D' and 'Oye Lucky Lucky Oye'

Theatre festival at Natmandal begins

A weeklong theatre festival, featuring works of globally renowned playwrights, has begun at Natmandal, Dhaka University (DU), on August 11. The Department of Theatre, DU has arranged the festival, showcasing plays directed by final year students. On the first day, a comedy -- “Constantinople Smith” -- and Harold Pinter's “Landscape” were staged.
Former Chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman was the chief guest at the inaugural progra-mme. Vice Chancellor of DU, Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique formally inaugurated the festival. Among others, Professor Harun-ur-Rashid, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Professor Mizanur Rahman, Treasurer and Professor Sadrul Amin, Dean of Faculty of Arts, were present as special guests.
“Constantinople Smith” was written by American playwright Charles L Mee Junior. Mithun Chowdhury has directed the play, translated by Julhas Mian. The play features three characters -- Constantinople Smith, a young man who takes himself very seriously; Christina, who falls for Smith and Reality, who tries to explain the facts of relationship between Smith and Christina.
As the play progresses, conversations among the three characters continue.

YWCA wins Dhum Ta Na Cova Junior Stars ‘08-’09

Ekushey TV organised a children's dance competition which ended recently at the auditorium of Bangladesh Shishu Academy. The programme was aired on Ekushey TV. Industries Minister Dilip Barua was present as chief guest, while Harunur Rashid, chairman of Globe Soft Drinks was present as special guest. Ferdoushi Sultana, senior vice-president of Prime Bank Ltd; Sayed Alamgir, executive director of ACI Consumer Products Ltd; Abdus Salam, chairman and CEO of Ekushey TV; Atiqul Haque Chowdhury, advisor of Ekushey TV; Kaniz Almas Khan, CEO of Persona and popular actress Moushumi were present as guests.
Contestants for Dhum Ta Na Cova Junior Stars 2008-2009 were selected from 21 schools, including Viquarunnisa Noon School & College, Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, YWCA Girls School, Holy Cross School and College, Tridhara Nrityakala Kendra, Oxford International School, The Aga Khan School and Spondon Cultural Organisation. Actress Moushumi was present as the main critic at the programme. Dance director Imdadul Haque Khokon, actresses Notun and Anjana, dancer Aziz Reza were present as members of the jury board at the programme.
YWCA won the championship award at Dhum Ta Na Cova Junior Stars Competition, the first runner-up was Tridhara and the second runner-up was Bulbul Lalit Kala. Nitro Rang Academy won Best Team Management Award.