'Dhallywood actresses are not professional enough'

Directors prefer Tollywood heroines to 'desi' girls due to the local actresses’ lack of professionalism, says a number of Dhallywood directors and producers. Tollywood refers to the Kolkata-based film industry and Dhallywood top the Dhaka-based one.

"Tollywood actresses are very professional. They strictly follow the shooting timetable. That helps us complete the film on time," said Uttam Akash, the director of 'Captain Khan'.

Indian actress Payel Mukherjee is all set to act in 'Captain Khan', opposite Bangladeshi star Shakib Khan. Dhallywood actress Bubly will also appear in the film.

The director said, in most cases Dhallywood heroines refuse to work in supporting roles.

"I offered the film to a Dhallywood actress initially, but she refused to work with Bubly. So I had to cast Payel later."

A number of Tollywood actresses such as Rituparna, Mumtaz Sorcar, Srabanti, Priyanka Sarkar have signed up for several films recently.

Despite the fact that the recent policy for joint production films suggests casting equal number of artistes from both industries, directors give their reasons for casting more foreign actors.

The directors and producers said there was huge shortage of heroines in the industry. That is also a reason to cast Tollywood actresses.

Producer Nasiruddin Dilu said most of the actresses are quite unprofessional, so the directors intend to work with Tollywood actresses.

Tollywood actress Mumtaz Sorcar is now in Dhaka for the filming of 'Maya: The Lost Mother'.

Masud Pathik, the director of the film told Prothom Alo, Mumtaz Sorcar was offered the film for the sake of the storyline.

On the other hand, the once popular Dhallywood actor, Alamgir, views casting Tollywood actress in Dhallywood positively.

"There should be no boundaries for artistes," Alamgir said.

"We speak in similar language.  Working jointly will ultimately introduce us to global cinema, enhance our knowledge and improve professional skills," the actor added.

A film directed by Alamgir is in pipeline, awaiting release shortly. Rituparna is the female lead in the film opposite to Arifin Shuvoo.

Alamgir said, beside the demand of storyline, he offered the film to Rituparna for her sincerity, dedication punctuality and professionalism.