‘Everything stopped due to the pandemic’
One of the busiest actors of the industry, Siam Ahmed, who has presented a number of big-hits to the audiences, has been passing an idle time as the entire world is grappling with deadly coronavirus outbreak. The shooting for his upcoming film ‘Swapnabazi’ was stopped due to that. He was scheduled to shoot for couple of other films which were halted as well.
The Dhallywood heart-throb is mostly staying at his home now. The actor has recently talked to Prothom Alo about his days at home and future plans.
Here is what he had to say...
What is going on?
Don’t ask. All my schedules are messed up. I have been watching lots of films, both Hollywood and Bollywood movies, and web series at night. I try to do exercise regularly for at least 45 minutes during the day. Besides, I have been trying my hands on writing movie scripts.
How did the idea strike?
Movies are part of my life. Many ideas cross my mind during shooting. There had been many ideas earlier which I shared with my directors and makers at the shooting spots. Unfortunately, I never wrote them down. During the lockdown, I wrote two stories and some ideas.
The authorities gave permission for cinema shooting. Are you planning for anything?
No, not yet. Dozens of crews work in a shooting unit. It is not safe at all. I live with my parents. I cannot risk their health.
Many assumed this year to be a turning point for Bangladeshi movies. You also had signed five big-budget films. But everything got stuck. How do you feel about it?
Yes, that’s true. At least 12 big-budget films were to release this year. I was hoping to offer some real good movies with fine stories this year. Everything stopped due to the pandemic.
There are possibilities that many cinema theatres will be closed due to losses during this period. That will worsen the condition of our industry. Don’t you think?
I believe we have to bring certain changes in our system. See, there are growing numbers of multiplexes in the country. Besides, we have to release films on OTT platforms. Netflix is ruling over the world. Million-dollar films are released on this platform. We have to realise that digital platforms are the new-era theatres. We better accept the changes.
*This interview, originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Farjana Liakat