Shakib is my favourite actor: Apu

Apu Biswas. Photo: File photo
Apu Biswas. Photo: File photo

Dhallywood actress Apu Biswas has received ‘Maitree Award’ in the Telengana Bengali film festival ‘Aayna 2018’ recently held in Hyderabad.

She has been recently seen with Dhallywood star Shakib Khan, also her former husband, along with their son Abram Khan, long after their divorce. Besides acting she has been busy with various social activities.

She talked about her works and more in a telephone interview with Prothom Alo from Rangpur.

Excerpts of the interview:

Prothom Alo: What are you doing in Rangpur?
Apu: I came here to take part in a three-day social awareness programme on remedial measures to prevent explosion of kitchen gas cylinder.

Prothom Alo: You have received Maitree Award. How’s your experience?
Apu: Bengali artistes from Bangladesh and West Bengal are given this award. From Kolkata Dev bagged it. I am very glad. This honour is not only mine but for the entire nation.

Prothom Alo: Did you talk to Dev about work?
Apu: This was the first time we met. We couldn’t talk much. However, we discussed about the downfall of the Bengali film business in both industries. He said that both the industries may gain success through exchange of more films.

Prothom Alo: You were publicly seen with Shakib Khan after long time...
Apu: Not really. We keep meeting since our son took admission in ISD. His vacation has started from 13 December. All the guardians were invited by the school committee. We both were present there.

Prothom Alo: All three of you were wearing matching dress. Whose idea was this?
Apu: We wore matching outfits written ‘Bangladesh’ on it. It was my idea since December is the month of victory. I wanted to keep a touch of victory on our outfits.

Prothom Alo: How important is it for the parents to stay close for their children even after divorce?
Apu: Parents usually don’t stay together after divorce. It leaves a negative impact on the children. I never wanted to put such impact on my child. Shakib and I might have issues between us but we don’t want to bring it before our child. We both ought to be present together at any programme that is required for the development or growth of our child. It is very important. I am happy with Shakib for this.

Prothom Alo: Happy for what?
Apu: No matter what happened before but now I feel Shakib is the perfect father for Abram. He tries to do everything for him. He says he will do everything to raise him to be a good human being.

Prothom Alo: What about your upcoming film ‘Shortcut’ and ‘Shoshur bari Zindabad 2’?
Apu: Filming is done. ‘Shortcut’ is a Tollywood film. Its shooting is done but the dubbing is yet to be done.

Also, Two songs from ‘Shoshur bari Zindabad 2’ are yet be completed.

Prothom Alo: What about your new film?
Apu: I am getting prepared for a new film. I am going to gym and swiming regularly because I need to shed more weight.

Prothom Alo: Who do you miss most when you fly abroad?
Apu: I miss my son Abram the most.

Prothom Alo: What is that one thing in your bag you cannot do without?
Apu: My sunglass.

Prothom Alo: Who is your favourite actor in Dhallywood?
Apu: Shakib Khan.

*This piece appeared in the Print version of Prothom Alo and has been re-written in English by Faria Islam.