After bringing out one after another successful mega serials, eminent TV actor and director Mahfuz Ahmed is all set to entertain the audience of small screen with a remarkable record in maintaining quality. Directed and scripted by Mahfuz Ahmed, new mega serial Amader Chhoto Nodi Chole Bake Bake will begin airing today on Channel i at 7:50pm.
The drama features a rural storyline and the cast includes Misha Saudagar, Raunak Hasan, Punam Hasan Jui, Nader Chowdhury and others.
Dhaka Tribune managed to have a conversation with Mahfuz Ahmed who, besides being a popular actor, has gained huge acclaims as a director for the serials such as Tomar Doyay Bhalo Achhi Ma, Buno Chaltar Gaye, Choita Pagol and more.
Tell us the concept and story of the new production.
The title Amader Chhoto Nodi Chole Bake Bake is taken from Tagore’s poem which is a loved poem to everyone who loves the beauty and serenity of the villages of our country. But, ironically our rural community is no more a sweet place. Corruption has engulfed the villages. From educational institutes to government organisations to NGOs—corruption is everywhere. The series portrays the sad reality of the villages.
What are the other features of the serial?
I grew up in a village and know what a real village looks like. So I am shooting the serial in different locations of greater Noakhali belt which depict the diverse landscape of our rural life. Most of other TV plays featuring rural storyline are shot in Gazipur and Pubail which do not represent the wide variety of our rural landscape.
Why do you prefer rural stories for your serials?
I have a deep connection with village since I grew up there. As the new generation directors are less interested in narrating stories of village people I feel that I should keep on presenting such tales.
The serial presents the mighty villain of Dhallywood film, Misha Saudagar, for the first time in TV. What made you cast him?
In this serial I have chosen such actors who are not very regular faces in TV. I feel that the TV audience is tired of seeing some common faces in repetitive manner. Misha Saudagar has never worked in TV before and this time he is enacting a role fully opposite what he is used to doing in films. It was a great challenge for me and a director always looks for challenges.
Are you playing any character in the serial?
No. Though I have acted in Choita Pagol, I prefer not to appear in productions I direct. It hampers my concentration.
Are you acting in any other projects right now?
I have signed for Animesh Aich’s upcoming film Zero Degree, and this is the only project I have in my hands right now.
Why are you not regular on TV screen?
These days the industry has a sheer lack of new stories and experimental directors. The repetitive stories and common narrations made me very tired. So I’m taking a break.