In the darkest of times, the resilience of the Bangladeshi people has always shone through. Biswa Obak Cheye Robe: Towards Hope, A ZEE5 initiative in collaboration with Good Company – is a song that salutes this resilience in these difficult times. A rendition of the 1972 folk song, Abar Jombe Mela, by composer and singer Raef Al Hasan Rafa, the line-up includes renowned musicians of the country – Zohad Reza Chaudhury, Elita Karim, Karishma Sanu Sovvota and top actors such as Ziaul Faruq Apurba, Zakia Bari Mamo, Rafiath Rashid Mithila, Yash Rohan and Nazifa Tushy. The made-at-home video is directed by acclaimed director Krishnendu Chattopadhyay.
Actor Zakia Bari Mamo sat with Dhaka Tribune Showtime to talk about her experience on the song, Eid, social work and being in her best behaviour during lockdown.
How are you keeping yourself busy?
I am my best self these days. I cook, clean and pray. I am doing all the household chores. We did this song Abar Jombe Mela, where I, along with some other actors,
lip synced to the the vocals of some amazing singers.
Have you worked on anything for this Eid?
We could not. The lockdown was imposed before we could shoot anything. Since then, just like everybody else, I have been stuck at home. But my previous works, dramas I have shot before the lockdown, will be aired.
When do you see yourself back on set?
Well, that day is certainly coming. We fought with pandemics before and marched on nevertheless.
You are associated with a few organizations that are currently providing aid to everyone involved on the sets, no?
Yes. We have tried to conduct ourselves as responsibly as we could. We shut our industry down four days before the government imposed nation-wide lockdown. We have been urging everyone from the very beginning to strictly follow all the rules.
As of today, we are collecting funds, not just for the artists, but also for the technicians. Personally, the whole experience has been very humbling as well as invigorating. It made me feel good knowing that I was making a difference.
I am also helping raise some money from my university, so is my brother.
How do you see things turning out after this crisis?
I just pray that I don’t lose anyone. None of us should have to go through such loss. I want to see again every man and woman I have ever worked with.
I would like to thank Zee5, my director and Dhaka Tribune. We have to just hold on and win this fight. So no matter where you are, it will be alright soon. May we see each other again. May Allah bless us all.