Where is ‘Dipu’ now?

The children's film "Dipu Number Two" was released in 1996. The film, which has been much adored by the children and teenagers of the country, was based on a novel by eminent writer Muhammed Zafar Iqbal. It was produced by Morshedul Islam.

Initially after the release, the film achieved an iconic status among the children and teenagers, especially the protagonist, Dipu, marked a strong impression for his innocent appearance and emotional depth. 

A teenager named Arun Saha played the lead role. At that time, he was only 13 years old. Arun won the National Film Award in the category of child artist in recognition of his impeccable performance as Dipu. He became very popular after the success of the film.

This year Dipu Number Two is going to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its release. But where is 'Dipu' now? How's he doing? It has been a while since the last time he appeared in the media.

Few days ago, The Business Standard reached Arun Saha who is now living in Canada.

"I have not noticed that Dipu Number Two has turned 25-year-old. We, who played the children's roles in the movie, have become as old as Dipu's father," Arun said via email.

He said about his current status. "I went to Ireland in 2015. I did a course on Higher Certificate on Music at the Newpark Music Center in Dublin. Then I moved to Canada in 2016. I am practicing music regularly. I will let everyone know if I can do something big."

Arun said that after the release of Dipu Number Two, everyone started calling him Dipu. However, he was more interested in music than acting.

He has performed orchestral music in different places including Shilpakala Academy and Chayanat on behalf of Classical Music Academy of Dhaka. He plays classical guitar and trumpet. He has also performed Western classical music on TV shows including BTV.

Recalling his role as Dipu, he said, "I have never acted in a film before. Suddenly I got a chance to act in the movie. At first, I did not know that I was going to play the lead role in Dipu Number Two. When I found out that I was going to play the role of Dipu, I was quite scared. Later, however, I finished the work with the help of the director."

Despite the popularity of Dipu Number Two, he was not seen in films regularly. "After the release of Dipu Number Two, I got offers to act in several films. But they were in the characters of the hero's childhood. But I was not interested in those characters. Then I got busy with my studies. Due to this, it was not possible to continue acting," said Arun.

Arun Saha attended St. Joseph's School and Notre Dame College in Dhaka. Then he was admitted to Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) but did not continue his study there. He went to Delhi University with a scholarship.

After completing his studies in Delhi, he spent several years working in India, Germany, United Arab Emirates and several other countries.

However, he came to the country several years ago and acted in an advertisement and a play. But he did not continue acting. Later, he migrated to Canada.