Can you comment on the response you received after releasing Nirontor on an online platform?
Despite having a long career, this was a completely new experience for me. Unlike films which receive theatrical release, Nirontor was promoted on a limited scale. Yet the response from all over the world was overwhelming.
But make no mistake, even in a hundred years, the magic of cinema halls would not fade away a bit. I was there when people told me that television would take over halls, followed by their amusing revelations over the years about home-theatre, VCR, DVD et cetera. But the magic stayed right where it belonged – at cinema halls.
How has the digital release helped your film?
Many times, it happened that a film would stop running in the theatres before audiences could even spread the word. But a digital release ensures that anyone can have access to my film at any point. It is forever out there. Zee5 has however promised me to give Nirontor a one-week theatre release, when everything gets normal again.
Tell us what Nirontor is about.
A civil engineer is sent to a remote place, accompanied by a much-junior colleague. These two strangers are worlds apart, yet they must co-exist in a place that is far stranger to them than they are to each other, which eventually leads to an unlikely friendship.
It is also about the two Banglas’ shared cultural heritage. The film urges us to take more pride in the remarkable literature, music and cinema that we have created.
How was your experience working with a new director?
This is the debut work of Chandrasish Ray, who previously assisted Kaushik Ganguly in many projects. He is a very talented, young man, and I am positive he will go a long way.
I remember when he took me to a remote place in North Bengal, where civilization has not yet seeped into. I knew nothing about his plans, which he kept hidden. Otherwise, I would have told him to spare me the rough, cold journey to that location. When we reached the spot, he made sure to keep his distance from me, fearing that I might go berserk. But I admired his passion for his project and the courage that I saw in him. I told him as soon as I could how beautiful the location was and how perfectly it went along with our story.
The film also explores mental health issues and how we might help those who need our moral support.
Yes, but the film had been made before mental health issues became the talk of the town. I had to personally learn a lot about how we might tackle these issues when our loved ones are suffering from them. You can never treat them as weak, yet there are times when you have to deal with them as delicately as you would with a child.
Our mothers’ generation loves you, so does ours. What’s your secret to having such a long career in this cut-throat industry?
I always tried to adapt to the times I have lived in, to assess what is going on around me. I could not afford to live in my own bubble. The truth is I can’t make Shoshurbari Zindabad now; this era demands films like Autograph and Nirontor. And I have gone, as humbly as I could, to film-makers of all ages, and all kinds. If I present myself as a big star to new directors, they won’t be comfortable giving me directions. Srijit, Kaushik, Atanu have worked with me, so has Chandrashish now.
Even kids adore you.
I went to a wedding once. Parents kept pointing at me and telling their children who I was. When I looked at the kids, I realized they might have seen me on TV somewhere, but were not my fans. I did not belong to their world.
This too changed when I played the role of Kakababu. Like I said, you have to keep pushing the boundary.
What do you like most about Bangladesh?
I never really considered Bangladesh different from my home. 60%-70% of my fans are from Bangladesh. I have been coming here since my childhood. What I love and fear most is your incredible hospitality, the fondness of feeding guests. It comes from a place of love, I understand.
Would you like to send a message to your Bangladeshi fans?
We are in the middle of a crisis like we have never been before, but we cannot give up now. No matter who you pray to, we are all in this together.
