Ferdous: ‘I can’t explain my relationship with Basuda in words’

Ferdous was close to the late director whom he called ‘Basu da.’ PHOTO: NOOR-A-ALAM

Veteran Indian film-maker Basu Chatterjee, known for directing films such as "Piya Ka Ghar, Rajnigandha," "Choti Si Baat, Chitchor," "Swami, Baton Baton Mein" died from age-related illness on June 4. 

He was known as the director of "Hothat Brishti" to Bangladeshi audiences. Popular actor Ferdous Ahmed got the taste of spotlight for the first time through this film almost two decades ago.

Basu Chatterjee. Photo: Collected

Ferdous's debut film was "Buker Bhitor Agun." "Hothat Brishti" was his second film. Ferdous and Basu Chatterjee became good friends while working together on this film. 

In an up-close conversation with The Business Standard, actor Ferdous walks down the memory lane and recalls the veteran director.  

"Basuda's death news upset me, everything feels so meaningless," said Ferdous. 

"I was in touch with his family, even a few days ago I spoke with his daughter. She informed me that Basu Da was sick."

"As he was bedridden, I was very worried, and thus I would get updates about his health conditions constantly." 

The actor recalled his first meeting with the late director. "I first met him at Dhaka Club in 1997. My first film already was released by then," said a nostalgic Ferdous.

"Meeting Basuda that day was a pure co-incidence, he came to Bangladesh for an urgent work, and two of my close friends and directors suggested me to meet him. He gave me the script of 'Hothat Brishti' before leaving for Kolkata."

"Later, he took me to Kolkata and we would roam around to buy costumes for my role in the film. We developed a strange bond through this experience."

Speaking about his acting experience in "Hothat Brishti" Ferdous stated," I was little scared on the earlier days of shoots. Basuda was a brilliant director who knew how to bring out the best performances from an actor. The same thing happened to me as well. We had to rehearse a lot before the final takes. He was a workaholic person. He was very punctual too." 

"Basuda had supported me greatly behind my works in Kolkata Film Industry. I haven't seen such a warm hearted person in my life."

Basu Chatterjee requested Ferdous to stay in Mumbai while acting in "Mitti." Ferdous couldn't stay but he used to visit Basuda in Mumbai and they had great time together there. 

Later in life, Ferdous also acted in "Porichoy," directed by Basu Chatterjee's daughter Rupali Guha. 

"From 1997 I am sharing a great bond with Basuda and his family."

Ferdous appeared in four films directed by the veteran director. Those films are: "Hothat Brishti," "Chupi Chupi," "Tok Jhal Mishti" and "Hothat Shedin."

The Bangladeshi actor also produced a film titled "Ek Cup Cha," written by Basuda-as he was fondly called.

The actor also has another script, written by the late director. Ferdous plans to begin making the film, "Biyer Phadey," soon. 

"I can't explain my relationship with Basuda in words and that kind of close bond is rare between two persons in the film industry."

"He was unable to speak properly for a long time, as he was losing memory."

"Basu Da was so full of life; he left immense memories for us. I couldn't pay last tribute to him for the current situation we all are going through. We are having to do everything virtually, sighed Ferdous.